Certified Translation
Professional translation accompanied by a certification statement for certificates, passports, academic records and other official documents.
UK and international document submissions
Certified Translation Services in the UK for Official Documents
Send your certificates, transcripts, legal papers, identity documents, immigration files or business records for professional certified translation. We help you understand whether your submission needs a standard certification statement or an additional notarised, sworn or legalised format.
- Personal and civil documents
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
- Legal and immigration files
- Business and company records
Clear certification
What Is a Certified Translation Certificate?
The phrase “certified translation certificate” commonly describes the written certification statement supplied with, or placed on, a translated document. It confirms who completed the translation and declares that the translated content is a true and accurate representation of the source.
The format needed can depend on the organisation receiving the document, the destination country and the purpose of the submission. A standard certified translation may be sufficient for one application, while another may require notarisation, a sworn translator or legalisation.
A UK certification statement should identify:
- A declaration that the translation is true and accurate
- The date on which the translation was completed
- The translator’s full name
- The translator’s contact details
- Any additional details requested by the receiving organisation
Requirements can vary. Check the instructions provided by the organisation receiving your document before ordering. You can also read the current GOV.UK guidance on certifying translations .
These logos identify examples of organisations for which translated documents may be prepared. Their inclusion does not indicate endorsement, and applicants should always confirm the current document requirements for their own submission.
Translation and certification options
Certified Translation Services for Different Requirements
Choose the service according to the document, receiving organisation and destination country. Send your files for review when you are unsure which route applies.
Notarised Translation
Translation prepared for notarial verification when an organisation asks for an additional formal authentication step.
Sworn Translation
A translation completed under the sworn-translator system used in countries or jurisdictions where that formal status is required.
Apostille and Legalisation Support
Guidance for documents that require further authentication before they can be presented in another country.
Legal and Immigration Translation
Translation of visa evidence, court papers, affidavits, legal correspondence and supporting immigration documents.
Academic and Business Translation
Certified translation of transcripts, diplomas, qualification records, company documents, contracts and professional files.
How it works
A Clear Process from Document Review to Delivery
Provide your files and submission details so the translation, certification format, cost and expected turnaround can be confirmed before work begins.
Send Your Documents
Upload clear copies of every page and identify the language you need the documents translated into.
Confirm the Requirement
Tell the team where the document will be submitted so the appropriate certification route can be reviewed.
Receive Your Quote
Pricing and turnaround details are provided according to the document, language pair and certification required.
Translation and Certification
The translated document is prepared with the confirmed certification format and arranged for delivery.
Prepare your request
What to Send for an Accurate Quote
Providing complete information at the beginning helps the team assess your document and confirm the appropriate service without unnecessary delays.
- A clear scan or photograph of every relevant page
- The original language and required target language
- The organisation and country receiving the translation
- Your required delivery date or submission deadline
- The correct spelling of names that use more than one alphabet
- Any instructions supplied by the receiving organisation
Popular document types
Certified Translations for Personal and Professional Records
The service covers documents used for immigration, education, work, legal matters, identity checks and international business.
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01
Birth and Marriage Certificates
Civil-status records for family, immigration, nationality, administrative and legal submissions.
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02
Certified Transcript Translation Services
Academic transcripts, grade records, module lists and supporting qualification documents for universities, employers and professional recognition.
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03
Diplomas and Qualification Certificates
Degree certificates, diplomas, training records and professional qualifications for study or employment purposes.
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04
Passports and Identity Documents
Passports, identity cards, residence documents and driving-related records used to support official applications.
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05
Legal and Immigration Documents
Court papers, affidavits, visa evidence, official correspondence and other supporting legal files.
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06
Business and Company Documents
Company records, incorporation documents, contracts, agreements and commercial paperwork for cross-border use.
Choosing a provider
What to Check When Choosing Certified Translators in the UK
A certified translation company should ask where the document will be used, explain the certification options clearly and confirm the practical details before the translation starts.
- The certification format matches the receiving organisation’s instructions
- Every relevant page, stamp, note and visible annotation is included
- Names, dates and reference numbers are checked carefully
- The delivery format and expected turnaround are confirmed in advance
- Additional notarisation or legalisation is discussed only where required
Certification comparison
Understanding the Main Translation Formats
The table provides a practical overview. The receiving organisation’s instructions should always take priority.
| Translation format | What it involves | When it may be requested |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | Translation supplied with a written declaration identifying the translator and confirming accuracy. | Many UK administrative, immigration, education, employment and official-document submissions. |
| Notarised translation | An additional notarial step verifies the relevant signature or declaration associated with the translation. | Applications or overseas transactions where formal notarial authentication is specifically requested. |
| Sworn translation | Translation completed under the sworn-translator procedure of a country that formally appoints or authorises sworn translators. | Submissions in jurisdictions where a sworn translation is named as a legal or administrative requirement. |
| Apostille or legalisation | A separate authentication process applied when a document or associated certification must be recognised abroad. | International submissions where the destination authority explicitly requests apostille or consular legalisation. |
Language combinations
Certified Translation Across a Wide Range of Languages
Send the source document and identify the language required. The language pair, document subject and intended use can then be reviewed before the quotation is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Certified Translation Services
Check the receiving organisation’s instructions whenever possible and include them with your documents when requesting a quote.
What is included in a certified translation certificate?
For UK use, the written certification should confirm that the translation is true and accurate and include the translation date, the translator’s full name and the translator’s contact details. The receiving organisation may request additional information.
Do UK documents always need a certified translator?
Certification is generally relevant when a document written in another language must be submitted in English or Welsh for an official purpose. The exact requirement depends on the application and the organisation receiving it.
Can you provide certified transcript translation services?
Yes. The existing service covers academic records including transcripts, diplomas and qualification documents. Send every page and explain whether the translation is for university admission, employment or professional recognition.
Is a certified translation the same as a notarised translation?
No. A certified translation includes a declaration concerning the translation’s accuracy. A notarised translation involves an additional notarial procedure. Notarisation should be requested when the receiving organisation specifically requires it.
When is a sworn translation required?
Some countries operate formal sworn-translator systems and may ask for documents translated by a translator authorised under that system. Confirm the requirement with the receiving organisation or provide its instructions when requesting a quote.
What should I send to receive a quote?
Send clear copies of all relevant pages, the source and target languages, the destination country, the organisation receiving the document and your required deadline. Include any written certification instructions you have received.
How do I order a certified translation online?
Use the online quotation page to upload your documents. The files can then be reviewed so the service type, price and expected turnaround can be confirmed.
Start your request
Send Your Documents for a Certified Translation Quote
Upload your files, explain where they will be submitted and include your deadline. The team can then review the documents and confirm the suitable certification route.