What Documents Need Translation for a UK Visa?
Last updated: March 2026
UKVI's rule is simple. If a supporting document isn't in English or Welsh, it needs a certified translation. Full stop. The harder question is which documents you actually need to submit. That varies a lot by visa type. This guide walks through the checklist by route — spouse, student, Skilled Worker, visitor, ILR, citizenship — and flags what does and does not need translating.
Which documents require certified translation for UKVI?
All documents not in English or Welsh that you submit with a UK visa application need certified translation. That covers identity documents, financial documents, employment letters, academic certificates, and relationship evidence.
There is no exception list. Identity documents, financial papers, employment letters, academic certificates, relationship evidence, court papers — if it isn't in English or Welsh, it needs a certified translation. Even 'universal-looking' documents get caught. International bank statements and recognised qualification certificates still count.
The trickiest case is the half-translated document. Bilingual certificates with an incomplete English column. Bank statements with English headers but foreign-language transaction lines. Identity cards with English transliterated names but foreign-script binding details. When in doubt, translate it. An unnecessary translation costs much less than a UKVI query that delays your decision by weeks.
- Birth certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Death certificates (for dependant applications)
- Bank statements and financial documents
- Employment letters and contracts
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical reports and TB test results
- Property ownership documents
- Utility bills (for address proof)
- Military service records
- Court orders and legal documents
Documents by visa type
Spouse visas need the most translations: marriage certificates, financial evidence, and relationship proof. Student visas need academic documents. Skilled Worker visas need qualifications. Visitor visas need financial and employment evidence.
The number of documents you need translated varies a lot by visa type. Here is a typical breakdown:
Spouse visa: 5–15 documents (marriage cert, birth certs, bank statements, employment letters, relationship evidence) Student visa: 2–5 documents (degree cert, transcripts, bank statements) Skilled Worker visa: 2–4 documents (degree cert, transcript, criminal record) Visitor visa: 1–3 documents (bank statements, employment letter) ILR: varies widely — could be 5–20+ documents
Documents that do NOT need translation
Documents already in English do not need translation. That includes English-language passports, UK-issued documents, CAS letters, BRP cards, and documents from English-medium institutions issued in English.
You can save money by spotting documents that are already in English or that you don't need to submit. Not every document you have needs to go with your application. Check UKVI guidance or speak to your immigration advisor to find out what is actually required.
- Passports (biographic page is typically in English)
- UK-issued documents (BRP, NHS letters)
- CAS letters (already in English)
- English-language certificates from English-medium institutions
- Documents from UK employers or institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
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