Do I Need Notarisation for UKVI?
Last updated: March 2026
No. UKVI does NOT require notarised translations for any standard UK visa application. A certified translation with a statement of accuracy is sufficient for all Home Office submissions. This page explains why and how much you save.
Does UKVI require notarised translations?
No. UKVI explicitly requires only a certified translation with a statement of accuracy, translator credentials, and contact details. Notarisation is NOT required for any standard UK visa application. This is a common and expensive misconception.
This is perhaps the single most expensive misconception in UK visa translation. Every year, thousands of applicants pay for notarisation — typically £30–£50 per document — when it is completely unnecessary for UKVI.
The confusion arises because notarisation IS required in some other countries (particularly the US for USCIS applications). However, the UK system is different. UKVI's requirements are simpler and cheaper.
- UKVI does NOT require notarised translations
- Certified translation with statement of accuracy is sufficient
- This applies to ALL visa types (spouse, student, skilled worker, visitor, ILR)
- Notarisation adds £30–£50 per document unnecessarily
- Some providers misleadingly upsell notarisation
How much do I save by not getting notarisation?
You save £30–£50 per document by using certified translation instead of notarised translation. For a spouse visa application with 10 documents, that is a saving of £300–£500.
The savings are significant, especially for document-heavy applications like spouse visas and ILR. Here is a comparison:
Certified translation: £12.99 per page Notarised translation: £45–£80 per page (translation + notary fee) Saving per page: £32–£67
For a spouse visa with 10 pages of documents: Certified: £129.90 Notarised: £450–£800 Your saving: £320–£670
Why do some translation companies push notarisation?
Some translation companies upsell notarisation because it significantly increases their revenue per order. A notarised translation typically costs 3–5x more than a certified translation. Ethical providers will tell you that UKVI does not require it.
This is an unfortunate practice in the translation industry. Applicants who are already stressed about their visa application are easy targets for upselling. By understanding that UKVI only requires certified translation, you protect yourself from unnecessary costs.
If a translation company insists you need notarisation for a UK visa, consider finding a different provider.
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UKVI-accepted certified translations from £12.99 per page. Statement of accuracy included. 24-hour delivery.