Notarised Translation Services UK
Important: UKVI does NOT require notarised translations. Learn when you need notarisation and when certified translation is sufficient.
Notarised translation involves a solicitor or notary public witnessing the translator's signature. UKVI does NOT require notarised translations for standard UK visa applications — a certified translation with statement of accuracy is sufficient. However, notarisation may be needed for some legal and international purposes.
Do I need a notarised translation for a UK visa?
No. UKVI does not require notarised translations for standard UK visa applications. A certified translation with a statement of accuracy is sufficient. This saves you £30–£50 per document compared to notarisation.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about UK visa translations. Many applicants — and even some advisors — assume notarisation is required because it is standard in the US and some European countries. However, UKVI explicitly requires only a certified translation with a statement of accuracy.
Some competitors upsell notarisation as a requirement for UK visa applications. This is misleading. Our certified translations meet all UKVI requirements without notarisation, saving you both time and money.
- UKVI does NOT require notarised translations
- Certified translation with statement of accuracy is sufficient
- Saves £30–£50 per document vs notarisation
- No additional processing time
- Same legal validity for UKVI purposes
What is the difference between certified, notarised, and sworn translation?
Certified translation includes a translator's statement of accuracy. Notarised translation adds a solicitor or notary witnessing the signature. Sworn translation is done by a court-appointed translator. For UK visas, only certified translation is required.
Understanding these three types of translation is important because they serve different purposes and carry different costs. For UK visa applications, certified translation is the correct and sufficient choice.
| Feature | Certified | Notarised | Sworn |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it includes | Translation + statement of accuracy + translator credentials | Certified translation + solicitor/notary witnessing signature | Translation by court-appointed translator |
| Required for UKVI? | Yes — this is all you need | No — not required | No — not used in UK system |
| Typical cost | From £12.99/page | £45–£80/page (translation + notary fees) | Varies — not standard in UK |
| Turnaround | 24 hours | 3–5 days (requires notary appointment) | Varies |
| Common in | UK, Australia, Canada | US, some EU countries | France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands |
| Accepted by | UKVI, Home Office, HMCTS, universities | US (USCIS), some EU bodies | Courts in countries that use the sworn system |
When DO you need a notarised translation?
Notarised translations are needed for some international legal proceedings, property transactions abroad, documents being submitted to US immigration (USCIS), and some EU administrative processes. They are NOT needed for UK visas.
While UKVI does not require notarisation, there are legitimate scenarios where a notarised translation may be necessary. These typically involve cross-border legal matters or submissions to authorities in countries that mandate notarisation.
If you do need a notarised translation, we offer a full notarisation service in partnership with registered notaries across the UK. This includes the certified translation plus a notary appointment to witness the translator's declaration.
- International property transactions
- US immigration (USCIS) applications
- Some EU administrative submissions
- International adoption proceedings
- Cross-border legal disputes
- Apostille requirements for some countries
Frequently Asked Questions
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UKVI-accepted certified translations from £12.99 per page. Statement of accuracy included. 24-hour delivery.
Related Services
UKVI-accepted certified translations with statement of accuracy, delivered in 24 hours from £12.99 per page.
Translation of apostilled documents and preparation of translations for apostille legalisation.
Certified translations that meet all UKVI and Home Office requirements. No notarisation needed.