Certified Translation Requirements

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation includes a written declaration confirming the accuracy of the translation. It identifies who is responsible for that declaration and provides a way to contact them.

The UK government’s general guidance says the translator should confirm that the translation accurately reflects the original, give the translation date, and provide their full name and contact details. Particular applications can require more, such as a signature or evidence of qualifications.

Read the GOV.UK guidance on certifying a translation.

Start with the receiving organisation. Ask for its written translation requirements. A university, court, embassy or government department may specify its own wording, translator credentials or delivery format.

Your checklist before ordering

Which documents might need a certified translation?

The intended use determines the requirement. Examples of documents you may be asked to have translated include:

• Birth, marriage and death certificates.
• Degree certificates, academic transcripts and professional qualifications.
• Identity documents and supporting documents for applications.
• Employment letters, financial records and company documents.
• Orders, statements and other documents used in legal proceedings.

Check which pages are required, including reverse sides, attached notes, stamps and endorsements. A summary or selected extract may not meet a request for a full translation.

Certified translations for UK visa applications

For UK visitor visa applications, published Home Office guidance requires documents outside English or Welsh to be accompanied by a complete translation that it can verify independently. The translation must include confirmation of accuracy, the translation date, the translator’s full name and signature, and their contact details.

Check the instructions for your particular immigration route before commissioning work. Send us those instructions so we can assess the requested service. Certification does not determine the outcome of a visa application.

Read the Home Office visitor visa supporting-document guidance.

Certification, notarisation and legalisation

If these terms appear in your instructions, establish which process is required before paying for additional work.

For eligible UK documents, the Legalisation Office checks signatures, stamps or seals before attaching an apostille. This is separate from translating the content. Ask the recipient which documents need legalisation and whether it accepts an electronic apostille.

Read GOV.UK guidance on legalisation. Tell us about any additional formalities when enquiring; availability must be confirmed before you order.

What to send TP Translations

1. A clear, complete copy of the document. Include relevant attachments and both sides where there is text. Keep page edges, stamps and handwritten entries visible.
2. The source and target languages. Tell us if different sections use different languages.
3. The recipient’s written requirements. Include any prescribed declaration, membership requirement or example format.
4. Your deadline and preferred delivery format. Mention any requirement for signed paper copies at the quotation stage.
5. Name spellings and useful references. Where names appear in another script, tell us how they are recorded on the relevant identity document.

Please contact us for upload credentials before using the secure transfer facility. For sensitive material, discuss any particular access, confidentiality or delivery requirements first.

Frequently asked questions