It depends on the receiving authority. Some require the original UK document apostilled first, with the document and apostille translated afterwards.
UK apostille & translation services
Apostille & Translation Services UK
Need a document translated and apostilled for use overseas? We provide certified translation and help you identify the correct UK apostille or legalisation route before processing begins. Send the document, destination country and the receiving authority's instructions so the sequence can be checked first.
- Certified translation from £40/page
- Route reviewed before processing
- Notarisation guidance where required
- Digital and postal delivery options
Not sure what needs apostilling?
Send the receiving authority's wording with your document so the likely route can be checked first.
Translation
Complete translation of the readable document content
Certification
Accuracy statement and professional identifying details
Legalisation route
The relevant original document or eligible signature is considered
Delivery
Digital, postal or combined delivery according to the confirmed service
Sometimes. If the apostille forms part of the submitted document set, the receiving authority may require its wording to be translated too.
An apostille authenticates an eligible signature, stamp or seal. A certified or notarised translation may need an eligible signature before legalisation.
The essential distinction
What Is an Apostille Translation in the UK?
“Apostille translation” is commonly used to describe a translated document that also needs official authentication for use in another country. Translation, certification, notarisation and apostille legalisation are separate steps. If you need legalisation without translation, see our UK apostille and document legalisation service.
A certified translation communicates the document's content in the required language and includes a statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. An apostille serves a different purpose: it authenticates an eligible official signature, stamp or seal connected with a UK document.
The apostille does not certify that the translation itself is accurate. The receiving authority decides which document or signature must be authenticated and whether the original document should be apostilled before translation.
The order matters.
Some organisations want the original UK document apostilled first and translated afterwards. Others may require a certified or notarised translation whose relevant signature can then be legalised. Send the authority's exact instruction whenever possible.
Choose the correct route
Do You Apostille Before or After Translation?
Instructions such as “translate and apostille”, “apostille certified translation” and “apostille for translated documents” can describe different processes. These are the three routes most commonly encountered.
Original Document Apostilled, Then Translated
The UK public document or eligible official copy is legalised first. A certified translation of the document and attached apostille is then prepared for the overseas authority.
- Often relevant to UK civil certificates
- The original eligible signature or seal is authenticated
- The attached apostille may also need translation
Translation Certified or Notarised Before Apostille
The translation is prepared and certified. Where the receiving authority requires further authentication, an eligible notarial or other qualifying signature may be needed before legalisation.
- Used when authentication connected with the translation is required
- Notarial involvement may be necessary
- Eligibility should be checked before submission
Certified Translation Without Apostille
Many UK organisations only require a properly certified translation. Legalisation should not be added automatically when the receiving organisation has not requested it.
- Relevant to many UK applications
- Avoids unnecessary additional processing
- Translation requirements can be reviewed separately
How the service works
How Our Apostille Translation Service Works
Apostille translation can involve translation, certification, notarisation, the Legalisation Office and physical document handling. Identifying the required route before processing helps avoid unnecessary steps.
- Upload the document Send a clear scan or photograph of every relevant page, plus the destination country and deadline.
- Provide the instructions Share wording mentioning translation, certification, notarisation, apostille, attestation or legalisation.
- The route is reviewed The document and instructions are checked to determine the likely translation and legalisation requirements.
- Translation and checking A professional translator prepares the complete translation and relevant certification details.
- Additional processing and return Where applicable, eligible documents or signatures proceed through the confirmed legalisation route.
Before posting an original document:
Do not send irreplaceable documents until you have received instructions. Some routes can begin with a scan, while others require an original or properly certified copy.
Personal, legal and business records
Documents We Can Help With
UK public documents and professionally certified records can be reviewed for translation and apostille support. Suitability depends on the document, its signature or seal and the receiving authority's requirements.
Birth certificates
Citizenship, family registration, residency and civil-status matters.
Marriage certificates
Marriage abroad, nationality and family-related procedures.
Death and divorce records
Inheritance, remarriage and overseas administrative procedures.
Passports and identity documents
Identity, nationality and residency evidence.
Academic records
Degrees, diplomas and records for study, employment or recognition overseas.
Police certificates
Documents used for immigration, employment and licensing procedures.
Legal documents
Powers of attorney, court records and related documents.
Company documents
Incorporation records, resolutions and commercial submissions.
Information needed
What to Send Us Before Ordering
Complete information at the beginning makes it easier to review the document, certification level, possible legalisation route and delivery requirements.
A clear copy of every page
Include signatures, seals, stamps, endorsements, handwritten notes and attached certificates.
The destination country
Legalisation requirements depend on where the completed documents will be submitted.
The receiving authority
Tell us whether the document is for an embassy, court, university, employer, notary or government body. If the documents are for an overseas visa or consular submission, see our certified translation for visa applications service.
The authority's exact instruction
Attach emails, checklists or guidance mentioning certification, notarisation, apostille or legalisation.
The required language
Confirm the source and target languages and whether the attached apostille also needs translation.
Your deadline and delivery needs
Include your submission date and whether digital delivery, printed copies or return of originals is required.
Planning your submission
UK Apostille Times, Translation and Delivery
Translation may be completed faster than notarisation or apostille processing. GOV.UK currently states that a standard paper apostille usually takes up to 25 working days, while an e-Apostille can take up to 2 working days. Those Legalisation Office times are separate from translation, notarisation and delivery time, and they can take longer if a signature needs verification.
| Service route | Commonly used when | Timing considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation only | The receiving organisation requires a complete certified translation but has not requested legalisation. | Available translation timing can be confirmed after the document and language have been reviewed. |
| Original apostilled, then translated | An overseas authority requires authentication of an eligible signature or seal on the original UK document. | Allow for legalisation, return delivery and translation of the document and attached apostille where required. |
| Certified or notarised translation plus apostille | The authority requires authentication connected with the translated document or notarial certificate. | Additional time may be needed for certification, notarisation, legalisation and physical return. |
| Further embassy or consular legalisation | The destination or receiving authority requires processing beyond the UK apostille stage. | Requirements and processing periods vary and should be checked with the relevant authority. |
Common reasons for ordering
When Translation and Apostille Services May Be Needed
Citizenship or Residency Abroad
Birth, marriage, divorce, police and identity records may be requested for citizenship by descent, family registration or residency.
Marriage in Another Country
Birth certificates, divorce documents and certificates of no impediment may require translation and legalisation.
Employment or Study Overseas
Degrees, diplomas, transcripts, professional records and police certificates may need translation and authentication.
Property or Legal Matters
Powers of attorney, court orders, declarations and notarial documents can require a formal translation and legalisation chain.
International Company Activity
Companies may need incorporation documents, board resolutions and certificates translated and legalised for overseas use.
Family and Civil Documents
Adoption, inheritance, parental-responsibility and civil-status records may involve different formalities depending on the destination.
Document-level review
Quality Checks Before Delivery
Official document translation requires careful comparison with the source. Names, dates, reference numbers, visible markings and certification details are reviewed before the completed translation is supplied.
- Names and identity details: names, dates of birth, document numbers and addresses are compared with the source.
- Dates and figures: dates, amounts, currencies and numerical references are checked.
- Stamps, seals and annotations: readable official markings, signatures and handwritten notes are translated or identified appropriately.
- Completeness and layout: the translation is arranged clearly so it can be compared with the original document.
- Certification details: the final translation is checked for the relevant accuracy statement, date and professional contact information.
Prevent avoidable delays
Common Apostille Translation Mistakes
The authority may require the original document to be legalised rather than the translation, or the reverse.
An apostille authenticates an eligible signature, seal or stamp. A suitable certification or notarial step may be required first.
If the apostille is attached afterwards, the receiving authority may expect the apostille certificate to be included in the translation.
Missing edges, blurred seals and unreadable handwritten information can delay assessment and translation.
Provide the preferred spelling of names where more than one transliteration into the target alphabet is possible.
Paper documents may need to move between the client, translator, notary, Legalisation Office and delivery provider.
Clear pricing before work begins
How Apostille Translation Pricing Is Calculated
Certified translation pricing begins at £40 per page. Apostille, notarisation, certified-copy, courier and return-delivery costs depend on the document and required route, so the complete price is confirmed after review.
There is not one universal “translation + apostille” price because the required sequence can differ from one receiving authority to another.
Certified translation
From £40
per page, subject to document review
- Document type and page count
- Source and target language
- Certification requirements
- Whether notarisation is needed
- Apostille or further legalisation route
- Physical return and delivery requirements
Service examples
Apostille Translation Service Examples
Examples of how translation, certification and legalisation support may be used for overseas submissions.
Before work begins, the document, destination country and receiving authority’s instructions are reviewed so the appropriate translation and legalisation route can be confirmed.
Translation timing is confirmed separately from notarisation or apostille processing, with physical-document requirements and return delivery considered in the overall schedule.
Individual requirements and processing times vary according to the document, language and receiving authority.
Questions clients often ask
Apostille Translation UK FAQs
Requirements vary by destination and receiving authority. Send the exact instructions with your documents whenever the wording is unclear.
What is an apostille translation?
An apostille translation usually means a certified translation prepared in connection with a document that also needs UK legalisation for overseas use. It may involve apostilling the original document before translation or authenticating an eligible signature connected with a certified or notarised translation.
Does an apostille need to be translated?
It depends on the receiving authority and the language of the apostille. If the apostille is attached to the document before translation, the authority may require the apostille certificate itself to be translated as part of the complete document set. Check the recipient's instructions before ordering.
Should I get the apostille before or after translation?
The receiving authority should confirm the sequence. Some authorities want the original UK document apostilled first and the document plus apostille translated afterwards. Others may require a certified or notarised translation with an eligible signature that can then be legalised.
Can you translate and apostille my document?
Home Office Translator can provide certified translation and support with the appropriate notarisation or apostille route for eligible documents. The available service is confirmed after the document and destination requirements have been reviewed.
Do I need to send the original document?
A clear scan is usually sufficient for translation assessment. Some legalisation applications require an original document or properly certified copy. You will be told what must be posted after the route has been checked.
How long does apostille translation take?
Translation timing depends on the language, number of pages and document complexity. Legalisation takes additional time and may also involve notarisation, postal submission or return delivery. A complete timeline is confirmed before you proceed.
Which documents can be translated and apostilled?
Common examples include birth, marriage and death certificates, academic records, police certificates, powers of attorney, court documents and company records. Eligibility depends on the document and the official signature, stamp or seal being authenticated.
Which countries use apostilles?
Apostilles are used between relevant parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, although individual authorities can still impose specific translation and document requirements. Check the destination requirements before ordering.
Is an apostille required for a Home Office or UKVI translation?
A certified translation and an apostille are different services. For many UK applications, a correctly certified translation is sufficient. Add legalisation only when the application guidance or receiving authority specifically requests it. You can also read about certified translation for the Home Office and UKVI certified translation.
Check the route before ordering
Send Your Document and Overseas Submission Requirements
Include the destination country, receiving authority, required language, deadline and any instruction mentioning certification, notarisation or legalisation. The likely route can then be reviewed before work begins.