How to arrange certified translations for a UK visa or another official purpose

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Establish the recipient's requirements first

A translation is commissioned for a particular organisation and process: a visa, bank, university or court. Before paying, tell the recipient which document you have and ask whether it needs a complete translation, a paper original, the translator's certification, a notarial act or an apostille. These services perform different functions; the word “certified” needs clarification.

For a UK visitor visa, a document in a language other than English or Welsh must have a complete translation that the Home Office can independently verify. The requirements appear in the official supporting documents guide ↗. For another immigration route, start with that route's own document checklist.

What to send the translator

Prepare clear images of every page, reverse side, stamp and attachment. Separately provide the spelling of your name in Latin characters from your passport, including previous spellings that appear in the documents. Do not ask a translator to correct a date or alter the original's content: explain a discrepancy separately or obtain a corrected document from the issuer.

Record the languages, intended purpose, page count, deadline and delivery method in your order. Ask whether certification, correction of typing errors, delivery and an additional copy are included. Compare the total price for the same work rather than the advertised price “per page”.

Check the completed translation

For a visitor visa, it must include confirmation of accuracy, the translation date, the translator's full name and signature, and contact details. GOV.UK's general guidance ↗ also describes a translator's written confirmation. Do not assume that notarisation is compulsory for every UK visa; follow the requirements for your particular application.

Check names, numbers, dates, currencies, amounts and descriptions of stamps. Make sure the translation can clearly be linked to its source document. For an online submission, check the final PDF for legibility, page orientation and cropped margins.

When another procedure is needed

If an overseas recipient requires an apostille on a British document, establish separately what must be apostilled: the original, a certified copy or a professional's signature. FCDO explains the legalisation process ↗. A translation does not replace an apostille, and an apostille does not establish that the translation is accurate.

Keep the agreed requirements, invoice, source file and final translation. If a recipient rejects it, ask for the specific defect in writing: a missing page, translator details or the wrong form of certification. You can then correct the actual problem without paying again for the entire package.