What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation that includes a signed declaration by the translator confirming it is an accurate translation of the original document. The declaration must include the translator's full name, contact details, qualifications, and the date of translation. It does not need to be notarised in most cases.

Who can translate documents for a UK visa application?

Any competent translator can provide a certified translation, but the Home Office requires that the translator is a professional or has relevant qualifications. The translator must not be the applicant or a family member. Using a professional translation agency or a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is recommended.

Do all non-English documents need to be translated?

Yes. Any document submitted as part of a UK visa or citizenship application that is not in English (or Welsh) must be accompanied by a certified English translation. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, police certificates, and educational qualifications.

How much does a certified translation cost?

Costs vary by document length and language. A single-page certified translation (such as a birth certificate) typically costs £20 to £50. Longer or more complex documents cost more. Costs are higher for rare languages. Shop around for quotes from several translation agencies.

Document Translation for UK Visa and Citizenship Applications

All non-English documents submitted with UK visa or citizenship applications must be accompanied by certified English translations. The translator must sign a declaration confirming accuracy. This guide covers the requirements, who can translate, and how to find a translator.

When You Need a Translation

You need a certified translation for any document submitted as part of a UK immigration application that is not in English or Welsh. Common documents requiring translation include:

Birth certificates
Marriage or divorce certificates
Police clearance certificates
Educational qualifications and transcripts
Bank statements and financial documents
Employment references
Medical records

What Makes a Translation "Certified"

A certified translation must include:

A full translation of the original document
A signed declaration by the translator stating it is an accurate translation
The translator's full name and contact details
The translator's qualifications or credentials
The date of the translation
The translator's signature

The translation does not need to be notarised or apostilled for UK immigration purposes, though some other countries may require this for their documents.

Finding a Translator

Translation agencies: Search for agencies experienced in immigration document translation
ITI members: The Institute of Translation and Interpreting has a directory of qualified translators
CIOL members: The Chartered Institute of Linguists also maintains a directory
Online translation services: Several reputable online services offer certified translations with fast turnaround

Tips for a Smooth Process

Get translations done early. Do not leave them to the last minute
Provide high-quality scans or clear photocopies to the translator
Keep the original documents and translations together
Check the translation for accuracy, especially names, dates, and numbers
If your name appears differently in different documents, note this in your application

Common Documents by Country

Different countries issue documents in different languages. Here are common translation needs:

Pakistan: Urdu birth certificates and NICs
Poland: Polish birth certificates (akt urodzenia)
Philippines: Filipino/Tagalog documents from PSA
Nigeria: Documents may be in English but local certificates sometimes are not

Costs and Timeframes

Typical costs for a single-page document translation:

Common European languages: £20 to £40
South Asian languages: £25 to £50
East Asian languages: £30 to £60
Rare languages: £40 to £80+

Standard turnaround is 2 to 5 working days. Express services are usually available at extra cost. Factor translation costs into your overall immigration budget.

Further Resources

For certified document guidance, visit GOV.UK. See also our guides on citizenship requirements, English for citizenship, and the ceremony.