Common UK route
Certified Translation
For documents that need a signed certification statement confirming that the translation is complete and accurate.
View certified translationCertified and official document translation
Official Translation Services for UK Documents
Accurate document translations prepared for official, legal, immigration, academic, personal and business use. Choose certified, UKVI, notarised, apostille, sworn or urgent translation according to the receiving authority’s requirements.
- Secure document handling
- Digital and postal delivery options
- Standard, express and same-day routes
25,000+
Documents translated
120+
From £29.99
2–3 days
Typical standard delivery
Clear answer
What is an official translation?
An official translation is a professionally prepared translation intended for submission to an authority, organisation or institution. The exact format depends on who will receive it.
For many UK purposes, a certified translation confirms that the translation is accurate and includes the translation date, identifying details and contact information. Other uses may require notarisation, an apostille or a sworn translator.
Always check the instructions supplied by the receiving authority. You can also review the UK government guidance on certifying translations .
Prepared for the stated purpose
The translation route is selected according to the document, destination country and receiving organisation.
More than translated wording
Names, dates, stamps, seals, signatures, references and visible annotations are checked as part of the document.
Matched to your deadline
Standard, express and same-day options can be considered according to the document length, language and availability.
Choose the correct route
Official translation services for different requirements
Use the filters to narrow the options. The final choice should follow the instructions of the organisation that will receive your documents.
Showing all translation services.
Immigration
UKVI and Home Office Translation
Full certified translations prepared for visa, immigration, settlement, citizenship and related Home Office submissions.
View UKVI translation
Identity verified
Notarised Translation
For authorities that request a translation declaration or translator identity to be witnessed or authenticated by a notary.
View notarised translation
International use
Apostille Translation
For documents used internationally where legalisation or an apostille forms part of the receiving authority’s requirements.
View apostille translation
Jurisdiction-specific
Sworn Translation
For countries or authorities that require a translator who is formally sworn or authorised under the relevant legal system.
View sworn translation
Priority route
Urgent Certified Translation
Express and same-day routes for shorter documents when the required language, certification and translator availability allow.
View urgent translationDocuments covered
Official document translation for personal and professional use
Documents can be translated for immigration, legal, academic, employment, registration, business, medical and administrative purposes.
- Civil certificates
- Identity documents
- Legal records
- Academic documents
- Financial records
- Medical documents
- Business documents
- Immigration evidence
How it works
From document upload to checked delivery
A clear process helps avoid choosing the wrong certification or discovering a delivery requirement too late.
Send the document
Upload a readable scan, PDF or photograph showing every page, stamp, seal and annotation.
Confirm the requirement
Provide the language direction, receiving authority, deadline and preferred delivery format.
Translation and checks
The text and visible document details are translated, reviewed and prepared with the required certification.
Receive the translation
Receive the certified digital version, with postal hard copies arranged where the submission requires them.
Prepare your request
What to send and what your translation can include
What to send us
- A clear copy of every document page
- The original and required target languages
- The name of the receiving authority
- Any instructions issued by that authority
- Your deadline and required delivery format
What the completed work may include
- A complete translation of the visible document
- Names, dates, references, stamps and seals
- A certification statement when required
- Signature, date and identifying information
- A digital PDF and optional postal copy
Pricing and delivery
Select a timeframe that fits your submission
The final price and delivery time depend on the language, document length, formatting, certification and any legalisation or postal requirements.
| Option | Typical timeframe | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Usually 2–3 working days | Routine certificates and shorter official documents without an immediate deadline. |
| Express | Usually 1 working day | Time-sensitive applications where the document can be assigned and completed on priority. |
| Same-day | Within 24 hours where available | Shorter urgent documents, subject to language, length, certification and translator availability. |
Timings begin after the document, service requirements and payment have been confirmed. Notarisation, legalisation and postal delivery may add time.
Common purposes
Who uses official document translation services?
Individuals and families
For immigration, citizenship, marriage, civil status, identity, property and other personal applications.
Students and professionals
For university admissions, transcripts, qualifications, registration, employment and credential checks.
Solicitors and legal teams
For contracts, court papers, witness documents, powers of attorney and supporting legal evidence.
Businesses and organisations
For company records, financial documents, policies, compliance material and international transactions.
Quality checks before delivery
Details that matter in an official document
Small inconsistencies in names, dates or document references can create avoidable questions during a submission. The completed translation should reflect the source document clearly and consistently.
Names and spelling
Checked against the visible source document and any
supplied preferred spelling.
Dates and numbers
Reviewed carefully to reduce ambiguity between
different date and number formats.
Stamps and seals
Visible official markings and annotations are
represented where legible and relevant.
Certification details
Prepared according to the confirmed service and the
receiving authority’s stated instructions.
Document references
Certificate numbers, case references and other
identifiers are checked for consistency.
Final presentation
The translated document is organised for clear
reading and official submission.
Questions customers often ask
Official translation service FAQs
The receiving organisation has the final say on the format it requires. Share its instructions when placing your order.
Still unsure which route applies?
Ask about your document
before ordering.
What is an official translation service?
It is a professional translation service for documents that will be submitted to a government body, court, university, employer, solicitor, embassy, business or other formal organisation. The required certification depends on the receiving authority.
Is an official translation the same as a certified translation?
Certified translation is one common type of official translation. Some authorities instead request notarisation, an apostille, sworn translation or another jurisdiction-specific form. Check the authority’s wording before choosing.
What should a UKVI certified translation include?
UK government guidance commonly requires confirmation that the translation is accurate, the translation date, the translator or translation company’s identifying details, signature and contact information. Requirements can vary between application routes.
Do I need an “official translator” in the UK?
The practical requirement is normally to supply a translation that follows the receiving organisation’s certification rules. The phrase “official translator” may have a different legal meaning in another country, so overseas requirements should be checked separately.
When is notarised translation required?
It may be required when an organisation asks for a translation declaration, signature or translator identity to be witnessed or authenticated by a notary. Do not add notarisation unless the authority requests it.
What is the difference between an apostille and a translation?
A translation converts the document into another language. An apostille is a form of legalisation used to authenticate certain public documents for international use. Depending on the authority, the document, translation or related certification may need additional handling.
Do I need to send the original document?
A clear scan, PDF or photograph is often enough to prepare the translation. Originals may be relevant where notarisation, legalisation or a specific authority procedure requires them.
How quickly can an official document be translated?
Standard delivery is usually 2–3 working days for shorter documents. Express delivery is usually one working day, and same-day service may be available within 24 hours. Timing depends on document length, language, certification and availability.
Can I receive a printed certified translation?
Yes. A digital PDF can be supplied by email, and a printed hard copy can be arranged when your authority or submission process requires one.
Ready to begin?
Send your document for an official translation
Upload a readable copy and include the receiving authority, language and deadline. The appropriate service, delivery option and final price can then be confirmed.