A practical guide for law firms, HR professionals and notaries in the UK
Not all documents need a certified translation. But when they do — it’s essential to get it right.
As a translation agency certified by the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), we’re often asked:
❓ What does “certified translation” actually mean?
❓ Who is legally allowed to produce one in the UK?
❓ When is certification required by courts or institutions?
Let’s break it down — clearly and practically.
What is a certified translation?
In the UK, a certified translation is a translation of a document accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or agency, confirming that it is a true and accurate representation of the original.
At Lingonika, our certificates include:
- The name and contact details of the agency
- Confirmation of ATC membership
- The date of translation
- A signature and stamp
These elements ensure that the document meets the standards expected by UK authorities.
When do you need one?
Certified translations are commonly required when submitting documents to:
- The Home Office (e.g. for visa, immigration or asylum applications)
- Courts (e.g. civil or family proceedings, probate cases)
- Universities and exam boards
- HMRC and other government institutions
- Solicitors and notaries, particularly in cross-border matters
Examples include:
- Birth, marriage or divorce certificates
- Wills, death certificates, probate documentation
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Identity documents
- Legal decisions and contracts
Who is authorised to provide them?
Unlike many countries, the UK does not have state-certified sworn translators.
Instead, certification is typically done by:
- A professional translation agency (ideally a member of ATC or ITI)
- Or a qualified freelance translator who can provide a signed statement with credentials
Important to note:
❌ A bilingual friend or relative is not accepted.
❌ Google Translate is definitely not an option.
Why work with Lingonika?
At Lingonika, we’ve specialised in certified translations for over 25 years — and our documents have never been rejected by UK courts, the Home Office or any other institution.
We’re a proud member of the Association of Translation Companies, and we work closely with legal professionals across London, Eastbourne and Brighton.
If your law firm, HR department or notary office handles official documents — we’re ready to help.
Need a certified translation?
Email us at office@lingonika.com or visit www.lingonika.com