Certified Translation UK

In the UK, a certified translation is an official translation of a document accompanied by a signed and dated statement, confirming that it is a true and accurate rendering of the original. Generally, the certification may be signed by an accredited representative of a translation agency, but it may also need to include the translator’s full name, contact details, signature, and professional credentials - depending on the requirements of the receiving authority.

When is a certified translation needed?

In the United Kingdom, you may need a certified translation when submitting a document that is not in English or Welsh to an official or professional body. Although your original document may be entirely valid - it cannot be assessed until an official translation accompanies it.

The exact certification requirements may vary, however, depending on the receiving authority (the Home Office, UKVI, HM Passport Office, UK ENIC, HM Courts, universities or solicitors), application type (visa applications, Home Office applications, divorce/court proceedings, professional registration) and document. It's always advised to check and confirm directly with the receiving authority.

Why do certified translations get rejected?

Based on our experience handling thousands of certified translations for official and legal use in the UK & internationally, the most common reasons translations are rejected by the Home Office, courts, UKVI and other official institutions are: missing translator or agency contact details, a missing Statement of Truth or Certificate of Translation Accuracy, an incomplete certification statement, and use of non-accredited translators.

Our Acceptance Guarantee

At TS24, every document is carefully checked against these requirements and failure points, before it reaches you. Our certified translations are always human-translated and human-checked, never machine only. Our Acceptance money-back guarantee means that If a receiving authority does not accept your translation due to an error on our part, or any changes are needed, we will revise it free of charge, amend your translation at no additional cost, or refund you in full. No small print, no extra cost, no hassle.

Home Office & UKVI Approved Translation

Certified Translation - Certificate of Accuracy Example

Certified Translation - Statement of Truth Example

Standard Certified Translation (UK)

A certified translation is the UK's standard format, and unlike sworn, notarised or apostille translations, needs no extra 'legal' authentication - just a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy and/or Statement of Truth. If your appointment is in person, a hard copy with an original signature and stamp is recommended; for online submissions, a certified digital PDF is generally sufficient.

Sworn Translations

Sworn translations are required in civil law countries such as Spain, France, Poland and Germany, where officially authorised sworn translators - known locally as a 'traductor jurado', 'traducteur assermenté', 'tłumacz przysięgły' or 'vereidigter Übersetzer' - certify translations for official use. The UK has no equivalent system, so if your destination country requires a sworn translation, we arrange it through our network of registered sworn translators in the relevant country.

Notarised Translation

A notarised translation is a translation whose translator's identity or signature has been verified by a Notary Public, rather than the accuracy of the translation itself, which remains the translator's responsibility. It's typically specifically requested by authorities who want an extra layer of legal verification beyond a standard certification.

Apostille Translation (Legalised)

Issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office, an Apostille authenticates the signature, stamp or seal of the official who certified the document - not its content - so a translation usually needs notarising first before it can be apostilled for use abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)