The Language Corner – certified translations for official use in the UK
Our clients need certified translations to submit to various organisations. Below are some examples, along with links to their websites, specifying what they require.
Passport Office
Guidance relating to the translation of foreign documents
submitted with a passport application
Where a document written in a foreign language is submitted in support of a
passport application it should be submitted with an English translation
attached. It should be provided by a translator registered with an official
organisation such as the Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translation &
Interpreting. A translator who is employed by a recognised translation
company the latter being a member of the Association of Translation
Companies is also acceptable.
Visas and Immigration
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
The UKVI requires a fully-certified original translation for each document you provide that is not in English or Welsh. If you are making an application in the UK the translation must:
- be made by a professional translator or translation company
- include details of the translator or translation company credentials
- include confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- include the date of the translation
- include the original signature of the translator or an authorised official of the translation company
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
The UKVI requires a fully-certified original translation for each document you provide that is not in English or Welsh. If you are making an application in the UK the translation must:
- be made by a professional translator or translation company
- include details of the translator or translation company credentials
- include confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- include the date of the translation
- include the original signature of the translator or an authorised official of the translation company
General Medical Council (GMC)
For every document that is not in English, you must send us a copy in the original language and a complete and accurate English translation.
All translations must include the contact details of the translation service or translator. This should be attached to the translation, and your documents must be stamped and signed by the translation service.
We strongly advise your translations are done by:
- court or council appointed translators or
- reputable commercial translation services.
Before you use any commercial translation service, you should check that:
- it has a generally recognised professional accreditation or
- it has a membership with a relevant professional or trade association.
In the UK, professional associations of translators include:
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting
- Chartered Institute of Linguists
- Association of Translation Companies
All three provide online directories of their members which you may find helpful.
Other official UK organisations which regularly require a certified translation
UK universities https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/
HM Land Registry https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/land-registry
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency