Standard certified
From £29.99
Standard timing confirmed after file review
Suitable when a certified translation is required and the submission deadline allows normal processing.
Certified document translation in the UK
Certified Translation UK for Official Documents
Certified translations for Home Office and UKVI applications, HM Passport Office, courts, universities and businesses. Upload a clear copy of your document to confirm the correct certification, price and turnaround. Standard certified translation starts from £29.99 per page.
Signed certification details
Digital and postal options
Standard and urgent routes
Pricing and delivery
Certified translation prices and delivery options
These are published starting prices. The final total and completion date are confirmed after the document, language pair and submission requirements have been reviewed.
Next-day certified
From £59.99
Priority turnaround after file review
For time-sensitive documents where priority processing can be confirmed after the file has been reviewed.
Same-day certified (where available)
From £89.99
Same-day timing where availability is confirmed
For suitable urgent documents, subject to language, length, service requirements and translator availability.
Timings begin after the files, service requirements and payment have been confirmed. Notarisation, apostille processing and postal delivery can require additional time.
Clear definition
What is a certified document translation in the UK?
A certified document translation is a complete translation supplied with a signed or otherwise appropriate written certification statement confirming that it accurately reflects the original. For UK official use, the translation must meet the receiving organisation’s specific requirements.
For general UK use, the certification normally records the translation date and the translator or translation company’s identifying and contact details. Home Office application requirements may also require the translation to be independently verifiable and to include the translator’s signature.
What the certification should show
- Confirmation that the translation is true and accurate
- The date the translation was completed
- The translator’s or company representative’s full name
- A signature where required by the receiving authority
- Contact information allowing independent verification
Check the recipient’s instructions before adding extra formalities.
Certification, notarisation, apostille legalisation and sworn translation are different processes. Do not add a step simply because it sounds more official.
Choose the correct route
Where will your translated document be used?
Start with the organisation receiving the document. Its written instructions determine whether ordinary certification is sufficient or another formality is required.
Visa and immigration submissions
Provide the original-language document together with the complete translation required for your application route. Include any specific instructions supplied with your application.
- Complete document translation
- Accuracy confirmation
- Date, full name and signature where required
- Verifiable contact information
Passport application documents
Documents that are not in English or Welsh may need to be accompanied by a certified translation. Follow the Passport Office instructions regarding the original document or official copy submitted with it.
- Passports and identity records
- Birth and marriage records
- Name-change evidence
- Civil-status documents
Courts, universities, employers and professionals
UK organisations can set their own document, certification and delivery requirements. Send any written instructions with the source document so they can be checked before the order proceeds.
- Legal and court document translation
- Degrees and academic records
- Employment and business records
- Medical document translation and professional records
Check whether certification alone is enough
A translation prepared for UK use may not match another country’s legal framework. The overseas authority may instead request notarisation, apostille-related preparation or a sworn translation.
- Confirm the destination country
- Obtain written submission instructions
- Check whether original documents are required
- Confirm the required legalisation sequence
What the service includes
A complete translation prepared for submission
The presentation can vary according to the source document and receiving organisation, but the completed translation should be complete, traceable and straightforward to verify.
Full document translation
Visible wording, headings, references, stamps, seals and annotations are represented where legible and relevant.
Certification statement
Written confirmation identifies the work as a true and accurate translation of the source document.
Completion date
The certification records when the translated document was completed and prepared for delivery.
Identifying details
The translator or authorised company representative is identified as required for the confirmed route.
Verification details
Contact information is supplied so the receiving organisation can independently verify the certification.
Digital or printed delivery
A certified digital PDF can be supplied electronically, with a postal hard copy arranged where the submission requires one.
Documents we can translate
Certified document translation for UKVI, legal and personal records
Common requests include birth and marriage certificates, passport and identity records, police certificates, academic documents, legal papers and financial evidence. Send every relevant page, including reverse sides, stamps and attached schedules.
Where a name can be transliterated in more than one way, provide the spelling shown on your passport or primary identity document so it can be followed consistently where appropriate.
Need a different document? Browse document translation services.
How the process works
From document upload to certified delivery
Providing the receiving organisation and deadline from the start helps avoid unnecessary formalities and makes the order easier to confirm.
01
Upload your document
Send a clear scan, PDF or photograph showing every relevant page and visible marking.
02
Confirm its purpose
Tell us the target language, receiving authority, deadline and preferred delivery format.
03
Translation and checking
The document is translated, reviewed and prepared with the agreed certification details.
04
Receive the final version
Receive the certified digital file, with a postal copy arranged where required.
Already know what you need? Upload the complete document and include the receiving authority so the service, final price and turnaround can be confirmed.
Start Your OrderAvoid unnecessary formalities
Certified, notarised, apostilled or sworn?
These terms are not interchangeable. Choose the route specifically requested by the organisation receiving your document.
| Service | What it means | When to consider it | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | Includes written confirmation that the translation is a true and accurate version of the source document. | When ordinary certification is specified for a UK or other official submission. | Current service |
| Notarised translation | Adds a notarial witnessing or authentication step when specifically required. | When the recipient expressly requests notarisation in addition to translation. | View service → |
| Apostille-related translation | Supports documents for overseas use where apostille or legalisation forms part of the process. | When the destination authority requires apostille-related preparation. | View service → |
| Sworn translation | Used where the destination jurisdiction requires translation by a formally sworn or authorised translator. | When the country or receiving authority operates a sworn-translator system. | View service → |
Urgent translation describes the delivery speed. It can be combined with the certification or legalisation route the document actually requires.
Checks before delivery
Details that matter in an official document
Inconsistent names, dates, reference numbers or missing markings can create avoidable questions during an application. Send a clear and complete source document at the beginning.
Names and spellings
Checked against the source and any preferred passport spelling you provide.
Dates and numbers
Reviewed carefully where source and UK formatting conventions differ.
Stamps and seals
Visible official markings are represented where legible and relevant.
Document references
Certificate numbers, case references and identifiers are checked for consistency.
Certification details
The statement and identifying information are prepared for the confirmed service.
Final presentation
The completed translation is organised for clear reading and submission.
Questions customers often ask
Certified translation FAQs
Requirements can differ by authority and application route. Include any written instructions you have received when submitting your document.
What is a certified translation in the UK?
It is a complete translation accompanied by a written statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original. The certification normally includes the date plus identifying and contact details.
What does the Home Office require on a certified translation?
Home Office requirements depend on the application route. Published guidance commonly requires a complete translation that can be independently verified, with confirmation of accuracy, a date and the translator’s identifying, signature and contact details where specified.
Are you a Home Office approved translation service?
Published guidance focuses on whether the translation is complete, properly certified and independently verifiable rather than simply relying on the phrase “approved translator”. Follow the exact requirements for your application route.
Do Passport Office documents need certified translation?
HM Passport Office states that documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. You must also follow its instructions about the source document or official copy supplied with your application.
Can I translate and certify my own document?
For official submissions, use a professional translation that the receiving organisation can independently verify. A self-prepared translation may not satisfy the organisation’s requirements.
Do I need notarisation as well as certification?
Not usually unless the recipient specifically asks for it. Certification confirms the translation, while notarisation adds an additional notarial authentication or witnessing step.
Do I need to send the original document?
A clear scan, PDF or photograph is often enough to begin the translation. The receiving authority may still require you to submit the original document or an official copy separately.
How long does certified translation take?
The expected completion time is confirmed after the document, language pair and requirements are reviewed. Priority or same-day processing may be available for suitable urgent documents after availability has been confirmed.
Can I receive a printed certified translation?
Yes. A certified digital PDF can be supplied electronically, with a printed hard copy arranged where the receiving organisation or submission process requires one.
How much does certified translation cost?
Published standard certified translation prices start from £29.99 per page. The final fee depends on the document, language, formatting, deadline and any additional certification, legalisation or delivery requirements.
Ready to begin?
Send your document for certified translation
Upload a clear copy and include the receiving authority, language, deadline and any written instructions. The appropriate certification, final price and delivery route can then be confirmed.