Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Certified
| Apostille required | No, unless the document will be used abroad |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Certified translation |
| Who can translate | Professional translator or translation company providing certification |
| Official translator registry | No central sworn translator registry in the UK |
| Accepted languages | English or Welsh (depending on authority) |
| Legalisation authority | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Official source | UK Government – Certifying a document |
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.
Find a certified translator in the United KingdomThe 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 .
A certified translation must include a written statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document, along with:
Detailed guidance on how to correctly certify a translation can be found here: How to certify a translation for the UK .
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.
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.
