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If you are applying for a UK visa, there is a good chance you will need to submit certified translations of documents originally issued in a language other than English. The Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require that all foreign-language documents submitted in support of a visa application are accompanied by a certified translation — one that confirms the translation is accurate and complete.

This guide explains which documents typically require certified translation, what a certified translation must include, and how to ensure your translations meet UKVI standards. It covers the most common visa categories: spouse and partner visas, student visas, and skilled worker visas.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation agency confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document. The statement must include the translator’s full name, signature, the date, and their contact details or qualifications.

In the United Kingdom, there is no formal government register of certified translators. However, UKVI expects translations to be produced by a competent translator — and using a translation agency that holds membership of a recognised professional body, such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), provides verifiable assurance of quality and professional standards.

TranslationsInLondon Ltd is an ITI Corporate Member (No. 00030335), operating to ISO 17100 quality standards with a strict human-only, no machine translation policy.

Spouse and partner visa (Family visas)

Spouse and partner visa applications are among the most document-intensive UK visa types. If any of the following documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation is required:

  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Birth certificates (yours or your partner’s)
  • Divorce or dissolution certificates from previous relationships
  • Bank statements or financial documents
  • Payslips or employer letters
  • Tenancy agreements or property ownership documents
  • Any correspondence or supporting evidence submitted in a foreign language

It is important that translations are complete and unabridged. UKVI will reject partial translations or summaries. The translation must reflect the full content of the original document, including all stamps, seals, headings and official markings.

Student visa (formerly Tier 4)

International students applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route may need certified translations of the following:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates (GCSEs, A-levels or equivalent)
  • Degree certificates and diplomas
  • Bank statements or financial sponsorship letters issued in a foreign language
  • Birth certificate (if required as supporting documentation)
  • Any other supporting documents not originally issued in English

Universities and higher education institutions in the UK may also require certified translations of academic documents for admissions purposes, independently of UKVI requirements. It is advisable to check both sets of requirements before applying.

Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2)

Applications under the Skilled Worker route typically require fewer personal documents than family visas, but certified translations may still be needed for:

  • Qualifications and professional certificates issued outside the UK
  • Employment records or references in a foreign language
  • Criminal record certificates (required for certain roles)
  • Marriage or birth certificates where family members are included in the application
  • Bank or financial documents not originally issued in English

Applicants whose professional qualifications were obtained outside the UK may also need their credentials assessed by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC). In such cases, the certified translation of the original qualification certificate is a prerequisite for the assessment.

What must a certified translation include?

To be accepted by UKVI, a certified translation must include:

  • The full translated text of the document
  • A statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete
  • The full name and signature of the translator
  • The date of the translation
  • The translator’s contact details and/or professional credentials

At TranslationsInLondon, every certified translation includes a signed statement of accuracy on agency headed paper, together with the translator’s credentials. Our translations are accepted by the Home Office, UKVI, UK courts, and universities.

How long does a certified translation take?

For standard personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts and driving licences, we typically deliver within one to two working days. Larger or more complex documents are scoped individually.

Urgent same-day delivery is available in some cases. Please contact us to discuss your deadline and we will advise on availability.

Get a certified translation for your UK visa application

TranslationsInLondon Ltd is an ITI Corporate Member agency based in West London, providing certified translations for UK visa applications, court proceedings, universities and official bodies. All translations are produced by qualified human translators — no machine translation, no AI.

To request a quote or discuss your documents, contact us at info@translationsinlondon.com or call 07730 032146. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 60 minutes during business hours.