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Document Translation Requirements in the United Kingdom

Official bodies in the United Kingdom generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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United Kingdom requirements at a glance

Translation standardCertified translation
Who can translateProfessional translator or translation company providing certification
ApostilleNo, unless the document will be used abroad
Accepted languagesEnglish or Welsh (depending on authority)
Responsible authorityUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Important: Certified translations in the UK must contain a signed statement confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.

Who can translate documents for use in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom does not operate a sworn translator system. Any competent professional translator or translation company may provide a certified translation. For institutional or professional requirements, including regulatory bodies or professional admissions, translations are often expected to be completed by recognised professional translators. More information can be found here: Professional UK certified translation guidance .

What makes a translation official in the United Kingdom?

A certified translation must include a written statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document, along with:
  • The translator’s full name
  • The date of certification
  • Contact details
  • Signature
    • Detailed guidance on how to correctly certify a translation can be found here: How to certify a translation for the UK .

    How does the United Kingdom treat documents from abroad?

    Foreign documents submitted to UK authorities such as UKVI must be translated into English or Welsh and properly certified. If the document is issued abroad and will be used outside the UK after translation, it may also require an apostille from the issuing country or legalisation by the UK Foreign Office.

    Legal basis

    Certified translation requirements in the UK are based on administrative guidance rather than statute. The UK government does not issue translator licences. Instead, certification is a formal declaration of accuracy by the translator or translation company.

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    Submitting foreign documents in the United Kingdom?

    Authorities in the United Kingdom accept certified English translations with a signed Certificate of Accuracy. We translate from 60+ languages with delivery in 24–48 hours.

    Browse languages we translate See document types we certify

    Sending U.S. documents to the United Kingdom?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in the United Kingdom — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

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    United Kingdom translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does the United Kingdom require?

    The United Kingdom follows the certified translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: professional translator or translation company providing certification.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in the United Kingdom?

    No, unless the document will be used abroad

    What languages do British authorities accept?

    Official authorities in United Kingdom accept documents in: English or Welsh (depending on authority). Documents in any other language need a certified translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for the United Kingdom?

    Yes. We provide certified translations into English with a signed Certificate of Accuracy — the format accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and credential evaluators in United Kingdom.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    AustriaBelgiumSwitzerlandGermanyDenmarkSpainView all countries on the map

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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