Certified translation
Includes a signed statement of accuracy and company certification. This is the usual starting point for many UK official-document submissions.
Official document translation
Certified Translation Services for Official Documents
Order a professionally translated document with a signed statement of accuracy, company certification and formatting suitable for official submission.
Tell us which organisation will receive the translation so the required certification level can be checked before work begins.
- Certified translation pricing
- From £25
- Stated standard delivery
- 24–48 hours
- Delivery formats
- Digital or hard copy
Certified translation explained
A translation supplied with formal certification
A certified translation is accompanied by a statement confirming that the translated text is a true and accurate rendering of the original document.
The translated document is supplied with a signed certification statement and the company stamp or seal. This allows the recipient to identify who completed or certified the translation.
What the service includes
A translated document prepared for official use
The purpose of certification is to connect the completed translation clearly to the source document and identify the person or company taking responsibility for its accuracy.
Certified translations may be requested for documents submitted to courts, the Home Office, HMCTS, UK ENIC, embassies, universities, professional bodies and other public or private organisations.
The organisation receiving the document makes the final decision about which certification format it requires. Requirements can differ depending on the document, country and intended use.
Choose the correct certification
Certified, notarised, sworn and apostilled translations
The correct option depends on the receiving organisation and the country where the document will be used.
Notarised translation
Includes an additional notarial process in which a notary witnesses or authenticates the relevant declaration. This may be requested for certain overseas or legal uses.
Sworn translation
Some countries use sworn translators who are authorised under that jurisdiction’s legal system. Confirm whether the destination country requires this format.
Apostille arrangement
An apostille may be required when a document is intended for use in a Hague Convention country. The exact authentication process depends on the source document and recipient.
Check before choosing a higher certification level
Notarisation, sworn certification and apostille processing are not interchangeable. Ask the receiving authority, solicitor, embassy or institution to confirm its exact requirement before ordering.
Official and supporting records
Documents we can translate
Certified translation can be arranged for personal, academic, legal, medical and company documents.
Certificates and civil records
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Divorce decrees and related court records
Education and qualifications
- Degrees and diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- School and university records
- Professional qualification documents
Identity and legal documents
- Passports and identity cards
- Residence permits
- Contracts and agreements
- Powers of attorney
Probate, company and medical records
- Wills and probate documents
- Company registration records
- Articles and shareholder agreements
- Medical records and reports
The document you need is not listed? Ask the team to check it .
A straightforward order process
How certified translation works
Send the complete document and explain where the translation will be used. The team can then review the scope, certification and deadline.
Upload the document
Provide a clear and complete scan or photograph through the online order form.
Confirm the requirements
Select the languages and tell us the recipient, destination country and required deadline.
Translation and checking
The document is translated, formatted and checked before the certification is applied.
Receive the completed files
The certified PDF is delivered digitally. A stamped hard copy can also be requested.
Transparent service options
Pricing, delivery and additional services
- Standard certification
- Certified translation pricing starts from £25. The documents should be reviewed before the final cost is confirmed.
- Notarisation
- Available for an additional fee when the receiving organisation requires a notarised declaration.
- Apostille
- Apostille arrangements incur additional charges, including the relevant FCDO application cost.
- Digital delivery
- The completed translation can be delivered as a certified high-resolution PDF.
- Hard-copy delivery
- A printed copy with the original stamp and signature can be sent by post or courier. Postage is charged separately.
- Delivery time
- Standard delivery is stated as 24–48 hours, depending on document length and availability. Same-day service may be available on request.
Prepare your request
What to provide before ordering
Complete information at the beginning helps avoid delays and ensures the certification is prepared for the intended use.
Send these details
- A clear copy of every page requiring translation
- The original language and required target language
- The organisation or authority receiving the translation
- The country where the document will be used
- Your required delivery date
- The requested certification level, when already known
- Any required spelling for names or places
Common issues to avoid
- Sending cropped pages, blurred photographs or missing sections
- Leaving out reverse sides containing stamps or annotations
- Ordering notarisation or an apostille without checking first
- Using inconsistent English spellings of names across documents
- Not mentioning an urgent court, visa or application deadline
- Assuming every recipient follows the same certification rules
The receiving organisation decides what it will accept
Certification requirements can change and may differ between authorities. Check the current instructions issued by the court, Home Office team, embassy, university, professional body or other recipient handling your application.
Related information
Continue with the right service
Questions customers often ask
Certified translation FAQs
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is accompanied by a signed statement confirming that it is a true, accurate and complete translation of the supplied source document. The certification identifies the translator or translation company and includes the relevant stamp or seal.
Is a certified translation the same as a notarised translation?
No. A certified translation includes a formal statement of accuracy. Notarisation adds a separate notarial process, normally involving a notary witnessing or authenticating the declaration. Only request notarisation when the receiving organisation requires it.
Can a certified translation be used for a Home Office application?
Certified translations are commonly required when a document submitted to the Home Office is not in English or Welsh. The translation should contain the information requested in the current application guidance. Check the requirements for your specific visa, immigration or nationality application before submitting it.
Can you arrange an apostille?
Apostille arrangements are available for documents requiring authentication for use in relevant Hague Convention countries. The correct process depends on the document and destination, so the requirements should be checked before ordering.
How long does certified translation take?
The stated standard delivery period is 24–48 hours. A short single-page certificate may be completed sooner than a long legal, academic or medical document. Same-day service may be available for urgent requests, subject to the document and language.
Can I request a hard copy?
Yes. Translations can be delivered digitally as certified PDFs, and a printed copy containing the original stamp and wet-ink signature can be posted when required. Postage or courier charges apply separately.
Send your document for review
Upload the document, select the languages and provide the recipient and deadline. The team can then confirm the appropriate certification, delivery and price.