Certified translation in the UK: a guide
You have been asked to provide a certified or official translation. This is common in many official UK processes if your documents are not in English.
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What does this mean for you? Read my guide to learn what certified translation is and how you can get one.
This can be confusing as there is no single standard for it here in the UK. This guide is here to help you understand certified translations. They are an important step in your application. Find out how to take the stress out of making sure your supporting documents are accepted.
What is certified translation in the UK?
A certified translation includes a statement containing information about the translation and translator. This allows the receiving organisation to contact the translator if they have any questions about the translated document.
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In the UK, there is no common standard for this statement. The lack of clarity is because there is no system of regulated translators as there is in civil law countries (more on that below).
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In practice, this means that every organisation has its own requirements. That’s why I always recommend you get clear instructions on the requirements from the organisation you are dealing with. Doing so reduces the risk of any unpleasant surprises.
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The certification statement should always include the following:
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Confirmation that it is “a true and accurate translation of the original document”. This can also be “true and faithful” depending on requirements
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The date of the translation
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The full name, contact details, and signature of the translator
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The credentials or qualifications of the translator. Most commonly, these are the academic qualifications and/or professional memberships the translator holds.
I am happy to adapt my certification statement to the needs of any organisation you are working with. I use headed paper and attach the signed certificate to my translation.
Who can provide a certified translation?
Certified translations are usually required for supporting documents in important applications. That’s why it’s best to go to a professional, accredited translator.
Best practice is to use a professional, qualified translator who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), or a company that is a member of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
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These bodies have accreditation processes for their members. Registered members all have qualifications and experience in translating. They are professionals and follow a code of conduct. The services of a professional translator reduce risk. It also gives organisations confidence in the quality of the translation you are submitting.
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For applications to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you should use an accredited translator who is a member of a professional body. Selecting a professional accredited translator minimises the chance of your documents being rejected.
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It is important to note that translation is not a regulated profession in the UK. Spain has a system in which translators can sit exams set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If they pass, they earn the right to be a Traductor Jurado (Sworn Translator). They are then added to a database of accredited translators who can provide official translations to be used in Spain.
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Sadly, this is not the case in the UK. So, as an unregulated profession, anyone can provide a certified translation. This works in the same way that, theoretically, anyone can fix your car but you would trust a professional mechanic much more. For peace of mind, use an accredited translator.
You may also be wondering if AI can do your certified translation. The answer is no. As it's not a person, it cannot provide the certification that organisations ask for.
How long will it take and how much will it cost?
There is no single answer to this question as every job is different. The delivery time and cost depends on:
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the quality of the document you need to translate (is it a scan, photo, or original copy?)
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the length in pages or words
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the complexity of the layout and formatting
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the level of specialisation
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That said, by way of example only, for a clear copy of a Spanish-language birth certificate, I would typically charge £90 for a certified translation. I would expect to deliver the final copy to you in two working days at most.
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Get in touch with me for a specific, no obligation quote for your documents. After reviewing your documents and finding out more about your needs, I can give you a clear idea of the price and time.
When do I need a certified translation?
Certified translations are required for official purposes. UKVI applications need certified translations for supporting documents that are not in English. So, if you are visiting the UK or applying for a visa, then you will need a certified translation.
Most processes that involve Government agencies need certified translations. It is best to confirm with the organisation asking for the translation what their requirements are.
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To get your degree or professional qualifications from another country recognised, you will need a certified translation. Your academic transcript or professional credentials are examples of the type of evidence you may have to submit. The General Medical Council is just one professional body with clear requirements for presenting documents not in English.
Types of official translation
You may also have heard of legalised or notarised translations, apostilles, and sworn translations. The differences are explained below.
Sworn translation
The UK does not have a system of sworn translation as in other countries. In these countries, translators sit official exams to earn the title of sworn translator. There are databases for these officially approved translators.
Unfortunately, the UK does not (yet) have such a system in place, which can lead to confusion. If in doubt, the best thing to do is ask the organisation receiving your translation what their requirements are.
Notarised translation
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These translations involve a Notary Public. The Notary Public usually signs a declaration from the translator or makes a declaration on the translation and the original document. Most commonly, this process is used for documents required outside the UK.
If the Notary Public does not have professional accreditation in the two languages, they do not certify the quality of the translation. Typically, notarised translations take slightly longer as there are more parties involved in the process.
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Legalised or apostilled translation
For a translation to be apostilled, it must be certified by the translator then notarised before being submitted to the apostille process. An apostille is the final link in a chain of certifications and authentication of a document.
They are used when documents will be presented in other countries and provide guarantees for the receiving authority. In the UK, they are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Apostilled documents are accepted in countries that have signed the Apostille Convention.