In the UK, when documents in foreign languages are needed for official reasons, what is known as a ‘legalised translation’ is necessary.
However, there is more than one type of legalised document translation. Which type of legal translation you need in the UK will ultimately come down to who the translation is for and why.
For example, the legalised translation needed for documents pertaining to a legal case will be very different from that of an insurance claim. Similarly, the required level of legalisation for immigration documents will again be very different to that needed for a university application form.
It is always best to ask whoever needs your documents what level of legalisation they require.
Here is a basic overview of the different types of legalised translation in the UK:
1. Certified Legalised Translations
A certified translation is the translation of a document by a translator or translation company, who can then certify that the translation is accurate and faithful to the original.
This is the least formal type of legalised translation in the UK and perhaps the simplest. It is usually used for documents like birth and marriage certificates, academic qualifications, household bills, power of attorney, contracts, reports, transcripts, etc.
Certified translations are usually sufficient with non-government type organisations, i.e. schools, hospitals, businesses, etc. It can on occasion also be called an “Official Translation”.
2. Sworn Legalised Translations
A sworn translation in many countries refers to a translation carried out by a “sworn translator”, i.e. a professional translator who is held on an official register. However, in the UK no such system exists.
When translations need to be sworn in the UK, it refers instead to the translation/translator being verified by a public notary or solicitor. In the UK, certifying has no bearing on the quality of a translation; instead it serves only to identify the translator and his qualifications, so that they are accountable.
3. Notarised Legalised Translation
A notarised translation is very similar to a sworn translation in that the translator must swear before a public notary that the translation is true and faithful.
3. Apostille Legalised Translation
An apostille translation is whereby the government of a country (where a document has been issued) confirms its authenticity of signatures and allows it to be used in any country which recognises the Apostille. ]
In the UK, apostille documents are processed by the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office. One must either take all their translated and original documents to be processed, or use an agency to file their documents for stamping.
This level of legalised translation is most common for documents like legal certificates, visa applications and foreign job applications.
Need more help?
As experts in legalised translations in the UK, we are more than happy to help our clients with any questions they may have as to how they go about getting their documents ready.
Please contact one of the team who will talk you through the steps.
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