Who Needs a Marriage Certificate Translation?

There are a plethora of reasons why one might need a certified translation of a marriage certificate, such as:

Reason for Certified Translation Description
Citizenship Application Often required when applying for citizenship through marriage to prove the marital relationship with a citizen of that country.
Inheritance Claims Needed when claiming inheritance rights in a foreign country where the marriage certificate is required as legal proof of relationship.
Insurance Policies Used when updating or applying for insurance policies that require proof of marriage in a different language for verification purposes.
Adoption Processes Essential for demonstrating marital status during adoption proceedings, particularly international adoptions.
Visa Sponsorship for Family Members Required when sponsoring a family member’s visa and needing to show proof of a valid marriage.
Name Change Documentation Necessary for updating legal documents with a new name post-marriage in a country where the marriage certificate must be in the local language.
Residency Applications Required to prove marital status when applying for residency permits in a foreign country.
Tax Benefits or Filing May be needed for tax purposes to claim marital status benefits in a country with different language requirements.
Estate Planning and Legal Wills Used when preparing legal documents that require proof of marriage, especially in international contexts.

What is a certified translation?

Marriage certificates, like other supporting documents, must be submitted in the language of the country where your application is being processed. Not only does the document need to be translated, but it must also be an official translation. What qualifies as an official translation can vary between countries.

For instance, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, you will need to provide a certified translation of your marriage certificate. This type of translation must include:

  • the date of the translation;
  • the full name and signature of the translator;
  • the translator’s contact information;
  • a statement from the translator confirming the accuracy of the translation.

If your marriage certificate is part of a visa or residency application to certain embassies in these countries, you might also need to provide a notarized or legalized translation. These are produced in specific ways, and we have additional details on our certified translations page.

In some European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, a ‘sworn translation’ of your marriage certificate may be required instead of a certified translation. This requirement is also common in other EU countries and some South American countries, like Brazil.

To ensure your marriage certificate translation meets the necessary standards, it's helpful to let us know the country where you will be submitting your application. This allows us to certify the translation according to local requirements.

What is a Marriage Certificate?

A marriage certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof of a marriage between two individuals. Issued by a governmental or religious authority, it records key details such as the date, location, and names of the parties involved. This document is often required for legal, administrative, and personal purposes, such as visa applications, name changes, or inheritance claims.

Steps to Get Your Marriage Certificate Translated

  1. Obtain the Original Document: Request an official copy of your marriage certificate from the relevant authorities in the country where the marriage occurred. Ensure the document is a certified copy, as required by most institutions.

  2. Choose a Certified Translation Service: Select a reputable service specializing in certified marriage certificate translations. Verify that the service meets the translation requirements for the specific country or institution you are dealing with (e.g., USCIS, UKVI).

  3. Submit Your Document for Translation: Provide the original document and specify the purpose of the translation (e.g., visa application, legal proceedings). Include any specific guidelines or requirements from the requesting agency.

  4. Review and Receive the Translated Document: Review the translated document for accuracy. Receive the final certified translation in either digital or physical format, as required.

USCIS Requirements for Marriage Certificate Translations

If you are submitting a marriage certificate as part of an application to USCIS, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translation must include:

  • A complete and accurate translation of the entire document.
  • A certification from the translator affirming their competency in both the original language and English, and the accuracy of the translation.

For more information, visit the US Department of State page on Information about Translating Foreign Documents.

UKVI Requirements for Marriage Certificate Translations

If you are applying for a visa under UKVI, you must provide a translated marriage certificate if the original is not in English. The translation must include:

  • A full and accurate translation of the document.
  • Details of the translator or translation company’s credentials.
  • Confirmation from the translator or company that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

For more information, visit the UK Government page on Family Visas.

Can You Self-Translate a Marriage Certificate?

Self-translating a marriage certificate is not permitted for most official purposes, including applications to USCIS and UKVI. Both organizations require translations to be certified, meaning they must include a statement from an independent translator or translation service confirming the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s competency in both languages.

Cost of Marriage Certificate Translation

At Certling, we believe in providing transparent and fair pricing for our certified translation services. Unlike most online providers that charge a fixed price per page (often with a 250-word limit), Certling charges per word. This means you only pay for the actual content of your document, ensuring no hidden costs or surprises.

How to Get a Quote

All you need to do is upload your document, and our system will instantly provide an accurate quote based on the word count. With Certling, you can rest assured that we won't come back asking for additional fees if your document exceeds the word limit set by competitors.

Urgent Requests and Expedited Service

Certling understands the importance of timely translations for critical applications. That's why we offer an expedited service for urgent requests, delivering translations in less than 24 hours. Whether you’re under a tight deadline for visa applications, legal proceedings, or other time-sensitive matters, our team is ready to assist.

Our approach ensures you save money without compromising on quality or speed, making Certling the trusted choice for your marriage certificate translation needs.

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