Do you need a certified translation of your document to support an immigration, visa, passport, or professional application within the UK, or at a UK embassy?
With Translayte, you’ll have professional certified translators at your service, with fast turnaround, attractive prices, and excellent customer service.
Our certified translations are accepted by the UK Home Office, Department for Education, Passport Office, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, and the Department of Health & Social Care. We also provide Notarised and Legalised (Apostille) translations accepted at UK-based embassies. We accept documents in PDF, JPG, PNG, and Word.
What Are Certified Translation Services in the UK?
If you are submitting non-English documents as part of a visa, passport, marriage, divorce, or university degree application in the UK, then you'll need a certified translation service in the UK. Translayte provides UK government approved translation services, recognised by the Home Office, HM Courts & Tribunal, and Passport Offices.
A certified translation in the UK is a translation accompanied by a signed and stamped statement confirming that it is a true and accurate version of the original document. This statement is provided by the translator or translation company, and it adds credibility when presenting the document to official bodies.
Certified translations are commonly required for official paperwork such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, or legal documents submitted to UK authorities.
It’s important to differentiate certified translations from other types:
- Notarised translations involve a notary public, who certifies the identity of the translator rather than the quality of the translation itself.
- Legalised (Apostilled) translations go a step further. It is a type of legalisation where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) attaches an Apostille to confirm the authenticity of the document for international use.
In essence, certified translations assure UK authorities that your translated document is accurate, while notarisation and legalisation address different legal or international requirements.
Certified Translation Requirements in the UK
Foreign-issued, non-English documents to be used for official purposes within the UK require a certified translation, also known as an official translation of documents in the UK.
A certified translation is where the translator or translation agency translates and certifies a document, with their signature and stamp.
The certification from the translator or agency is usually in the form of a written statement included with the translated document. The written statement contains:
- A declaration that it is a ‘true and accurate translation of the original document’
- the date of the translation
- the full name and contact details of the translator or a representative of the translation company
In the UK, government departments and official organisations only recognise certified translations produced by professional translators or agencies who are members of accredited bodies, such as the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI), the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), or the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
It’s worth noting that self-certifying or DIY translations are not accepted by UK authorities. Certification must come from a recognised translator or agency to be valid.
At Translayte, we are a member of the ATC, and include a Certificate of Translation Accuracy in all certified translations issued by us, which makes our certified translation services acceptable across the UK.
Certified Translations for UK Courts and Legal Matters
Family Court cases, such as divorce proceedings, custody applications, or proof of marriage and civil partnership, often require supporting documents in English or Welsh. If your documents are in another language, they must be translated and certified.
In many cases, the court may request that the translation be either notarised by a Notary Public or authenticated with a Statement of Truth. At Translayte, we provide notarised translations (available for an additional fee) or a Statement of Truth at no extra cost, ensuring your documents meet court standards.
If you’re a solicitor or legal professional, partnering with Translayte gives you access to accredited translation services to help you support your clients with confidence.
UK Certified Translations for International & Embassy Use
If you’re applying for a visa at a UK-based embassy, or for a marriage or residency abroad, you may need a notarised translation UK or a legalised/apostilled translation UK.
Notarised Translation
Notarised translations in the UK are part of our certified translation services that include certification from a British Notary Public. A Notary Public appends their signature & stamp to the translation, confirming the identity of the translator and certifying their statement.
Notarised Translations produced by Translayte are first certified by us, then presented to a British Notary Public, who appends their signature & stamp to our company certification, and then mails you the original document. This is posted by Special delivery within the UK, or to any country abroad by DHL.
Legalised (Apostilled) Translation
For translations to be used at Embassies, or outside the UK, you may be asked to obtain a "Legalised Translation", "Apostille Translation", or to have the translation "Apostilled" or "Legalised". They all mean the same thing. It is a legal process that makes a translation completed in the UK admissible in another country.
The UK Foreign Office is responsible for legalising translations by confirming that the signature, stamp, or seal on the translation is from a UK public official.
Here’s how it works:
- The translation is certified by Translayte.
- It is notarised by a British Notary Public.
- It is then presented to the FCDO, which legalises the notary’s signature and stamp.
This step confirms that the translation has been issued by a recognised authority in the UK, making it valid for submission to foreign embassies, consulates, and government bodies. At Translayte, we manage the entire process, ensuring your documents are valid for use abroad.
Express & Same-Day Certified Translations in the UK
If you need a certified translation in a hurry, Translayte offers express delivery within 12 hours to help you meet urgent requests. This makes us the ideal choice when you’re facing tight deadlines for visas, court submissions, job applications, or other time-sensitive matters.
Your translation is delivered digitally as a PDF with an electronic signature and stamp, so you can submit it online right away. If you need the hard copy, we’ll send the original by courier or Special Delivery anywhere in the UK or abroad.
With dedicated support and a proven track record of urgent turnaround, Translayte ensures you get certified translations that are accurate, accepted, and on time, even when time is short.
Documents That Require Certified Translation in the UK
Our document translation services UK cover a wide range of documents for both private individuals and businesses. These translations are accepted by the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), universities, employers, courts, and other official authorities.
Private Documents
For personal and family matters, certified translations are often required for:
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates
- Wills, testaments, and funeral paperwork
- Adoption papers and custody agreements
- Police clearance certificates, CRB/DBS checks, and change of name documents
- Passports and visas, and ID cards
- Diplomas, academic transcripts, and professional qualifications
- Medical records and healthcare documents
- Driving licences for DVLA exchanges or licence conversions
Business & Professional Documents
For companies, legal professionals, and organisations, certified translations may be needed for:
- Contracts, court documents, and witness statements
- HR documents such as payslips, references, and policies
- Financial records and reports
- Technical manuals, user guides, and training material
- Websites, business documents, and marketing content
- Commercial agreements and corporate filings
Our certified translation services UK ensure all these documents are translated accurately, accompanied by a Certificate of Translation Accuracy, and accepted for official use. Whether for personal needs or professional requirements, Translayte delivers translations you can rely on.
When do You Need a Certified Translation in the UK?
There are numerous situations when a certified translation done by a certified translator is necessary to fulfil translation requirements in the United Kingdom. Some common examples include:
- Immigration applications: When applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you’ll need certified translations of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates.
- Academic applications: When applying to a UK university or college, you may need to submit certified translations of your transcripts, diplomas, and other relevant academic documents.
- Legal matters: For use in court proceedings, such as in HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), and other legal matters, certified translations of documents like contracts, affidavits, and witness statements are often required to ensure their validity and credibility.
- Employment: If you're seeking employment in the UK, you may need to provide certified translations of your employment history, references, and qualifications to prospective employers.
- Medical and insurance purposes: Organisations such as the NHS or private insurers may require certified translations of medical records, vaccination history, or insurance paperwork to provide accurate treatment and cover.
- Driving and Transport: The DVLA may request certified translations of foreign driving licences when applying for a UK licence exchange.
How to Order Certified Translation Services Online in the UK
- Navigate to “Check Prices & Place Order” on the top right side of this page.
- Select “Certified Translation”.
- Select the source and target languages, respectively.
- Upload your document in PDF, JPG, Word, or even mobile phone format. We accept all formats.
- If you want expedited services, select that option. Provide any extra instructions after this.
- Select the type of certification you require (if applicable).
- Click "PROCEED TO ORDER"
- Make the payment securely online. Once your order is placed, our team will assign it to a professional certified translator, and you'll receive the translated document within the specified timeframe.
Why Choose Translayte for Your UK Certified Translations?
At Translayte, we understand that accurate and efficient translation is crucial to your success, that is why our certified translation service is backed by a team of professional linguists, and our dedication to customer satisfaction is relentless. If you are wondering why you should go with us, keep reading:
- Expertise: Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced translators, editors, and proofreaders who specialise in a wide range of industries and languages. We guarantee accredited translation services that capture the nuances and subtleties of your original content.
- Quality Assurance: We follow a rigorous, multi-step quality assurance process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing to ensure your translations are accurate, clear, and culturally appropriate.
- Fast Turnaround: We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and are committed to delivering your translations on time, without compromising quality. We offer flexible turnaround times to suit your project needs and can accommodate urgent requests.
- Confidentiality: We take data privacy and security seriously. All our team members are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, and we implement the latest encryption technologies to protect your files and information.
- Personalised Service: We value our clients and are dedicated to providing personalised attention to each project. Our responsive customer support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
- Dedicated Support: Our clients benefit from dedicated account managers who understand their long-term needs. We also offer discounts for bulk or ongoing projects, making us an affordable partner at scale. Our responsive customer support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
- Trusted Across Sectors: We’re trusted by clients in healthcare, academia, legal, and government, as well as by thousands of individuals each year.
- Localisation Expertise: Our expertise goes beyond certified translations. We also support multilingual localisation, including websites, subtitling, SEO, and PPC campaigns, helping businesses reach audiences worldwide.
