Certified document translation in the UK
Professionally prepared certified translations for immigration, legal, academic, medical, business and personal documents. Send a clear copy of your document and tell us where it will be submitted so the correct certification and delivery route can be confirmed.
From £29.99
120+ languages
2–3 days
Typical standard delivery route
Within 24 hours
Clear definition
A certified translation is a complete translation accompanied by written confirmation that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document.
For general UK use, the certification normally records the translation date and the translator or translation company’s identifying and contact details. Home Office guidance also requires the translation to be capable of independent verification and to include the translator’s signature.
The receiving organisation has the final say on what it needs. Check its instructions before adding notarisation, an apostille or another form of legalisation.
Read the GOV.UK guidance on certifying translations .
Choose the correct route
Select the closest option for practical guidance. This tool does not replace the receiving organisation’s written instructions.
Visa and immigration submission
Provide the original-language document together with a complete English or Welsh translation that can be independently verified. Include the exact application route and any document instructions when ordering.
Passport application documents
HM Passport Office states that documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. Send the original documents or official copies required for your application separately from the translated version.
Domestic official use
Courts, universities, employers, solicitors, professional regulators and other organisations may set their own document and delivery requirements. Send any written instructions with the source file.
International submission
A certified translation prepared for UK use may not match the formal requirements of another country. The overseas authority may instead ask for a notarised, apostilled or sworn translation.
What the service includes
The exact presentation depends on the source document and receiving organisation, but a certified translation should be complete, traceable and easy to verify.
Visible text, headings, references, stamps, seals and annotations are represented where legible and relevant.
Written confirmation identifies the translation as a true and accurate rendering of the original document.
The certification records when the translated document was completed and prepared for delivery.
The translator or authorised company representative is identified as required for the selected route.
Contact details allow the receiving organisation to independently verify the certified translation.
A certified PDF can be supplied electronically, with a postal hard copy arranged when the submission requires it.
Documents we can help with
Common requests include identity, civil-status, immigration, academic, legal and financial documents. Send every relevant page, including stamps, reverse sides and attached schedules.
How the process works
Providing the receiving organisation and deadline at the start helps prevent unnecessary formalities and delays.
Send a clear scan, PDF or photograph showing every relevant page and visible marking.
Tell us the target language, receiving authority, deadline and preferred delivery format.
The document is translated, reviewed and prepared with the agreed certification details.
Receive the certified digital file, with a postal copy arranged where the submission requires one.
Pricing and delivery
The final price and delivery date depend on the source language, page content, document condition, formatting and any additional certification or postal requirements.
| Delivery route | Typical timeframe | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Usually 2–3 working days | Routine certificates and shorter documents without an immediate deadline. |
| Express | Usually 1 working day | Time-sensitive applications where the file can be assigned on priority. |
| Same-day | Within 24 hours where available | Shorter urgent documents, subject to language, length 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.
Avoid unnecessary formalities
These terms are not interchangeable. Choose the service named in the receiving organisation’s instructions.
Includes written confirmation that the translation is a true and accurate version of the source document.
Adds notarial witnessing or authentication when a recipient specifically requests it.
Supports documents used abroad when apostille or legalisation forms part of the destination process.
Used where the destination jurisdiction requires a formally sworn or authorised translator.
Checks before delivery
Inconsistent names, dates, reference numbers or missing stamps can create avoidable questions during an application. Supply a clear and complete source document at the beginning.
Questions customers often ask
Requirements can differ by authority and application route. Send any written instructions with your document.
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 and identifying and contact details.
Published Home Office guidance requires a full translation that can be independently verified. It must confirm accuracy, be dated and include the translator’s full name, signature and contact details.
The published guidance focuses on whether the translation is complete, accurate, certified and independently verifiable. It does not advise applicants simply to rely on the phrase “approved translator.” The translation should follow the requirements for your application route.
HM Passport Office states that documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. You must also follow its instructions regarding the original documents or official copies that accompany your application.
For an official submission, use a professional translation that the receiving organisation can independently verify. A self-prepared translation may not satisfy those requirements.
Not usually unless the recipient specifically asks for it. Certification confirms the translation’s accuracy, while notarisation adds notarial witnessing or authentication.
A clear scan, PDF or photograph is often enough to prepare the translation. The receiving authority may still require you to submit the original source document or an official copy with your application.
Standard delivery is normally 2–3 working days. Express delivery is normally one working day, and same-day delivery within 24 hours may be available for suitable documents and languages.
Yes. A certified digital PDF can be supplied electronically, and a printed hard copy can be arranged when the receiving organisation or submission process requires one.
Published prices start from £29.99 per page for eligible certified translation work. The final price depends on the language, document content, formatting, urgency and any additional formalities.
Ready to begin?
Upload a clear copy and include the receiving authority, language, deadline and any written instructions. The appropriate certification, price and delivery route can then be confirmed.