UKVI Certified Translation Requirements (Home Office Guide)

This guide explains what UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI / Home Office) requires for certified translations, what must be included in the certification statement.

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Getting a certified translation for your UK visa application couldn't be simpler with Certling.

UK Home Office

A UKVI certified translation is a translation into English that includes a signed certification confirming it is a true and accurate translation of the original document, along with the translator’s name, contact details, and date.

We're committed to providing fast, accurate, and affordable certified translations that are guaranteed to meet UKVI requirements. Our straightforward process, transparent pricing, and experienced translators make us the perfect choice for your visa application. With secure processing and rapid turnaround times, Certling takes the stress out of document translation, helping you focus on your move to the UK.

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All our translations come with the necessary certification for the UKVI and HM Passport Office.

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UKVI Translation Requirements

For a translation to be accepted by UKVI, the translator or translation company must confirm in writing on the translation:

  • that it’s a ‘true and accurate translation of the original document’
  • The date of the translation
  • their full name and contact details

Work with Professional Translators

Choose a professional translator or agency that is a member of a recognised body such as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) or CIOL.

Professional Translation Services for UKVI

At Certling, we specialise in providing top-quality certified translations which not only meet, but exceed UKVI requirements.

  • UKVI-Compliant Certified Translations
    Every translation includes a certification letter, containing all necessary details for official acceptance by the Home Office and UKVI.
  • Transparent, Per-Word Pricing Structure
    Get an immediate quote based on the word count of your documents, ensuring you only pay for the translation you actually need.
  • Swift Turnaround, Impeccable Quality
    Benefit from our efficient service, without ever compromising on the accuracy and quality of your translation.
  • Unwavering Commitment to Data Security
    Your privacy is our priority. We adhere to the strictest data protection standards, retaining your data only as long as is necessary to deliver our services.
  • Straightforward, User-Friendly Platform
    Easily upload your documents (photos or scans) via our intuitive platform, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

Do You Need Notarised Translation for UKVI?

UKVI does not typically require notarised translations. However, some applicants choose to notarise their translations for additional verification. It's important to check specific requirements based on your visa application type and consult with your immigration advisor if necessary. Notarisation might be necessary if you are requested to provide the translation of court documents.

Save money the safe way: don’t pay to translate what doesn’t need translating

UKVI guidance says that documents not in English or Welsh should be accompanied by a full translation and a proper certification statement. (See: GOV.UK supporting documents guidance and Home Office caseworker guidance (example).)

In practice, many documents contain sections that are already in English, repeated boilerplate, logos, or generic disclaimers that add pages but not evidence. Certling helps you avoid paying to translate content that is not actually relevant to your application, while still ensuring the key non-English evidence is translated properly.

For example, with bank statements, UKVI caseworkers focus on the evidence that supports your application: your name, account details, balances, and the transactions or entries you rely on. Our platform lets you mark content that can be excluded so you can keep costs down without compromising what matters.

If you’re unsure what to include, message our team on live chat and we’ll advise you before you order.

Watch: How to remove content before ordering

Tip: This feature is especially useful for bank statements, payslips, and tenancy agreements.

How to Get Certified Translation with Certling

Step 1

Upload your document

Securely upload images or PDFs directly from your device.

Step 2

Smart scanning

Our system reads your documents and instantly calculates the word count.

Step 3

Remove unnecessary content

Optional: Remove unnecessary text and only pay for what you need.

Step 4

Certified translation delivered

Officially accepted for UK visa applications and other UK official uses.

Why Use Professional Translators?

The importance of employing professional translators for UK visa documentation cannot be overstated. While a bilingual acquaintance might seem sufficient, specialist translation demands considerably more expertise. Our professional translators possess extensive training in both linguistics and specialist translation techniques, guaranteeing precise and thorough attention to every detail.

This wealth of experience offers crucial insight into cultural subtleties and relevant regional equivalents, ensuring your documents are fully understood by UKVI officials. Such understanding can significantly reduce the risk of misinterpretations or requests for further clarification.

Cost of Certified Translation for UKVI

The cost of certified translation can vary depending on factors such as document complexity and language pair. Certling provides instant transparent pricing based on word count, ensuring you know the cost upfront without hidden fees.

Common documents for UKVI

Whatever your needs, we provide certified translations for a wide range of documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a notarised translation always required?

For most UK-related matters, including submissions to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a certified translation is usually sufficient. Notarisation provides an additional layer of legal verification, often necessary when the document will be presented in a courtroom setting or used for specific legal processes. Examples include property transactions, inheritance matters, or certain formal court submissions. Unsure if you need it? Contact us through our website's chat feature or via email at [email protected] for personalised guidance.

Am I allowed to translate my own documents and then certify them?

Unfortunately, no. While possessing bilingual skills is advantageous, the certification process demands objectivity and a degree of specialised knowledge that goes beyond simple linguistic ability. Certified translators are skilled at conveying the original document's meaning precisely, free from bias or subjective interpretations. This impartiality is also important for official matters. Many organisations specifically require translations from members of recognised professional bodies for this reason. Employing a certified translator guarantees recognition of your documents by the necessary authorities.

How is the price of a certified translation determined?

Many online translation services calculate costs using a per-page system, often capped at 250 words. This can result in imprecise estimates and unanticipated expenses. At Certling, we advocate for straightforward and accurate pricing. We utilise a per-word rate, ensuring you're billed only for the actual translated content.

To obtain a precise quote specific to your document, simply upload it via our website. Our system will immediately count the words and supply you with a clear, obligation-free estimate. This ensures you are fully informed and can plan your budget effectively.

What is the typical turnaround time for a certified translation?

At Certling, we recognise the importance of deadlines. Because of this, a detailed time estimation is provided during the quotation process, tailored to the specifics of your document. Our delivery times are primarily influenced by word count. With our standard service, we can typically translate documents containing up to 3000 words within two business days. For particularly time-sensitive projects, an express service is available, halving the standard turnaround. Reach out to us for a quote and a precise delivery estimate.

What's the process for submitting my documents for translation?

Submitting your documents for translation is a breeze! Just upload a scan, or a well-lit photograph, of your document via our online quotation system. Kindly ensure the text is clear and that the document is properly oriented. If necessary, you have the option to rotate your document directly within the quoting tool.