Legalised Translation Services UK: FCDO Apostille, Consular & Notarised, from £25 per document

What is a legalised translation service in the UK?

A legalised translation service in the UK produces a certified translation of a document that has been notarised and then apostilled by the FCDO, or consular-legalised for non-Hague states, so the translation and its underlying document are recognised by an overseas authority.

What types of official translation exist for overseas use?

There are five types of official translation for overseas use: standard certified, notarised, sworn, apostilled/legalised via the FCDO, and consular-legalised for non-Hague states.

How do you order a legalised translation from Certified Translation Services UK?

Send a clear scan of the source document to +44 20 7459 4983 or the online quote form, confirm the destination country and receiving authority, and receive a fixed-fee quote covering certified translation from £25 per personal document, notarisation and FCDO apostille or consular legalisation — with a 2–3 working day standard turnaround on the translation stage.

Which documents most often need a legalised translation?

The documents most often legalised are birth, marriage, death and civil partnership certificates, diplomas and academic transcripts, wills and probate grants, court judgments, powers of attorney, employment references and tenancy or property agreements used abroad.

Who is authorised to produce a legalised translation UK authorities and foreign consulates will accept?

UK authorities and foreign consulates accept legalised translations produced by translators registered with the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), or member companies of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) operating under ISO 17100 workflow with second-linguist review.

How do country-specific requirements change a legalised translation?

Country-specific requirements change the sequence, the acceptable translator credential and whether apostille or consular legalisation applies; Hague states accept an FCDO apostille, non-Hague states require embassy legalisation, and specific consulates such as Italy for jure sanguinis restrict acceptable translators to a published list.

Legalised translation services connect a UK-issued document to an overseas authority by pairing a certified translation with either an FCDO apostille or consular legalisation. The Covent Garden office of Certified Translation Services UK coordinates the translation stage alongside notarisation and legalisation, delivering the certified translation from £25 per personal document within a 2–3 working day standard turnaround across 150+ language pairs.

What is a legalised translation service in the UK?

A legalised translation service in the UK produces a certified translation of a document that has been notarised and then apostilled by the FCDO, or consular-legalised for non-Hague states, so the translation and its underlying document are recognised by an overseas authority. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the sole UK competent authority for issuing apostilles under the Hague Convention 1961. For non-Hague destinations, the destination country's embassy in London stamps the document instead.

The service bundles four discrete stages when the destination requires them:

How does a legalised translation differ from a certified, notarised or sworn translation?

A certified translation carries a signed accuracy statement; a notarised translation adds a solicitor's witness of the translator's signature; a sworn translation is signed by a translator registered with a foreign court; a legalised translation adds an FCDO apostille or consular legalisation on top. The four tiers are already mapped on the Certified Translation pillar page.

Tier	Signed by	Receiving authority	Trigger
Certified	CIOL/ITI/ATC translator	Home Office, UKVI, UK universities	UK-facing official use
Notarised	Translator + solicitor/notary	Overseas notaries, some embassies	Pre-apostille chain step
Sworn	Foreign-court sworn translator	Civil-law foreign courts	Court demands sworn signatory
Legalised (apostille)	Translator + solicitor + FCDO	Hague Convention 1961 states	Hague destination
Consular-legalised	Translator + solicitor + FCDO + embassy	Non-Hague foreign authorities	Non-Hague destination

Which UK authorities and overseas bodies request a legalised translation?

Overseas courts, land registries, embassies, foreign universities and civil registries request legalised translations for UK judgments, wills, foreign property purchases, marriage registrations abroad and citizenship applications such as Italian jure sanguinis. The Home Office and UKVI accept ISO 17100 certified translations for UK-facing files; the FCDO apostille is added when the same document travels abroad.

What types of official translation exist for overseas use?

There are five types of official translation for overseas use: standard certified, notarised, sworn, apostilled/legalised via the FCDO, and consular-legalised for non-Hague states. Certified Translation Services UK delivers each tier under an ISO 17100 workflow across 150+ language pairs, with a signed certificate of accuracy included at no extra cost.

How do the five certification tiers compare at a glance?

The five tiers compare across signatory, receiving authority, cost driver and typical use case, summarised in the table below.

Tier	Signatory	Receiving authority	Cost driver	Typical use case
Certified translation	Translator on company letterhead	Home Office, UKVI, UK courts, universities	Per word or from £25 per personal document	UK visa, university admission, employer file
Notarised translation	Translator + solicitor/notary	Foreign notaries; step in the apostille chain	Translation fee + solicitor's fee	Powers of attorney, corporate filings abroad
Sworn translation	Translator sworn before a foreign court	Civil-law courts abroad	Jurisdiction-specific	Court filings in France, Spain, Germany
Apostilled/legalised (FCDO)	Translator + solicitor + FCDO	Hague Convention 1961 states	Translation + solicitor + FCDO fee	Marriage abroad, foreign property purchase
Consular-legalised	Translator + solicitor + FCDO + embassy	Non-Hague states via London embassies	All of the above + embassy fee	UAE, China, Qatar, Kuwait, Vietnam

When is an apostille required and when is consular legalisation required?

An FCDO apostille is required for documents used in Hague Convention 1961 states; consular legalisation is required for non-Hague states and involves the destination country's embassy in London stamping the document after FCDO or notary authentication. See our dedicated Apostille page for the FCDO procedure.

• Hague states — apostille route: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia.
• Non-Hague states — consular route: United Arab Emirates, China (mainland), Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt.

Do I need certified translation, apostille AND legalisation, or just one?

Depending on the destination and document, all four steps — certified translation, notarisation, apostille and consular legalisation — may be required simultaneously. A UK will used in a non-Hague country typically needs certified translation plus notarisation plus consular legalisation. A UK degree submitted to a French university needs only certified translation plus FCDO apostille on the original.

How do you order a legalised translation from Certified Translation Services UK?

Send a clear scan of the source document to +44 20 7459 4983 or the online quote form, confirm the destination country and receiving authority, and receive a fixed-fee quote covering certified translation from £25 per personal document, notarisation and FCDO apostille or consular legalisation — with a 2–3 working day standard turnaround on the translation stage.

1. Scan and send the source document, naming the destination country and the receiving authority.
2. Receive a fixed-fee quote covering every stage: translation, notarisation, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation.
3. Approve the quote and pay a single invoice; the translator qualified in the subject begins work.
4. A second linguist reviews the translation under the ISO 17100 workflow.
5. The signed certificate of accuracy is issued; notarisation, apostille and legalisation are coordinated.
6. Digital PDF is delivered by email; wet-ink hardcopy is posted on request.

In what order do notarisation, translation and apostille happen?

The FCDO apostille sits on the original document before the certified translation is produced in most workflows; for documents where the translator's signature itself must be apostilled, the certified translation is produced first, Notarised by a solicitor, then apostilled by the FCDO.

• Pattern A (apostille-before-translation): original document → FCDO apostille → certified translation of both the document and the apostille.
• Pattern B (translation-then-apostille): certified translation → solicitor notarises the translator's declaration → FCDO apostille on the notarised translation.
• Pattern C (non-Hague): pattern A or B → destination embassy in London stamps the file.

How long does a legalised translation take end to end?

The certified translation stage is 2–3 working days for every document type; FCDO apostille processing and consular legalisation windows sit on top and vary by embassy. Same-day and weekend delivery on the translation stage is available at a 30–50% surcharge. Documents under 1,000 words qualify for a 24-hour turnaround on request.

How much does a legalised translation cost in the UK?

Certified translation is priced at £0.10–£0.20 per word depending on language pair and subject, with short personal certificates from £25 per document; notarisation, FCDO apostille and consular legalisation fees are quoted separately and confirmed in a single fixed-fee quote before work starts.

Cost element	Typical fee
Certified translation (short personal certificate)	From £25 per document
Certified translation (per-word)	£0.10–£0.20 per source word
Same-day / weekend delivery	+30–50% surcharge on standard price
Notarisation (solicitor/notary)	Quoted per document
FCDO apostille (standard service)	Statutory fee, quoted in the fixed quote
Consular legalisation	Embassy-set fee, quoted in the fixed quote

UK VAT applies to translation services for UK business and consumer clients per HMRC rules; overseas B2B clients may be outside the scope of UK VAT and this is confirmed on the invoice.

Which documents most often need a legalised translation?

The documents most often legalised are birth, marriage, death and civil partnership certificates, diplomas and academic transcripts, wills and probate grants, court judgments, powers of attorney, employment references and tenancy or property agreements used abroad. A birth certificate translation is the common source document for overseas marriage, citizenship and civil registration; a death certificate translation is the common source document for overseas probate, insurance and repatriation.

How do you legalise a UK civil partnership or marriage certificate for overseas use?

Obtain an FCDO apostille on the original UK Civil Partnership Certificate or marriage certificate first, then commission a certified translation into the destination country's language on company letterhead. Foreign courts, embassies and consulates then recognise both the original and the translation.

How do you legalise a UK birth, death or academic document abroad?

For a UK birth, death or academic document used abroad, the original is issued or verified, apostilled by the FCDO, then certified-translated by an ISO 17100 provider; consular legalisation follows for non-Hague destinations. Academic transcripts and diplomas typically require the awarding body's signature to be authenticated before the FCDO stage.

Who is authorised to produce a legalised translation UK authorities and foreign consulates will accept?

UK authorities and foreign consulates accept legalised translations produced by translators registered with the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), or member companies of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) operating under ISO 17100 workflow with second-linguist review. Notaries and the FCDO verify the translator's credentials before authenticating the document.

When must the translator be a consulate-listed translator?

The translator must be a consulate-listed translator when the receiving embassy publishes an official list — for example, Italian jure sanguinis applications processed via the London consulate typically require translations from a translator named on the consulate's official list. The consulate-listed credential is a distinct route from CIOL/ITI membership and, in many case types, replaces the notarisation step.

Should translations be produced in the originating country or in the UK?

Translations should be produced in the originating country when that country's consulate or ministry (for example the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is the receiving authority; otherwise UK ISO 17100 providers translate the document for FCDO apostille or consular legalisation in London. Using the issuing country's consulate abroad to legalise a UK-produced translation is an alternative route where the destination ministry insists on a local sworn translator.

How do country-specific requirements change a legalised translation?

Country-specific requirements change the sequence, the acceptable translator credential and whether apostille or consular legalisation applies. Hague states accept an FCDO apostille, non-Hague states require embassy legalisation, and specific consulates such as Italy for jure sanguinis restrict acceptable translators to a published list.

What are the routes for France, Italy, Spain and other Hague states?

For France, Italy, Spain and other Hague Convention states, the route is FCDO apostille on the original document followed by a certified translation into the destination language, with consulate-listed translators required for specific case types such as Italian citizenship by descent.

• France — apostille on the original, certified French translation; sworn translator required for court filings.
• Italy — apostille on the original, consulate-listed translator for jure sanguinis via the London consulate.
• Spain — apostille on the original, sworn Spanish translation for civil registry and court use.
• Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Poland — apostille on the original, certified translation by a CIOL/ITI/ATC-affiliated linguist.

What are the routes for non-Hague states requiring consular legalisation?

For non-Hague states, the route is notarisation of the original or certified translation, FCDO authentication, then legalisation by the destination country's embassy in London. The embassy stamp replaces the apostille and confirms overseas recognition.

• United Arab Emirates — solicitor notarisation, FCDO authentication, UAE Embassy London legalisation.
• China — notarisation, FCDO, Chinese Embassy legalisation for use on the mainland.
• Qatar and Kuwait — notarisation, FCDO, embassy legalisation, with the translated Arabic text often required.
• Vietnam and Egypt — notarisation, FCDO, embassy legalisation of both original and translation.

Why choose Certified Translation Services UK for legalised translation?

Certified Translation Services UK covers 150+ language pairs from £25 per personal document, delivers a 2–3 working day standard turnaround, and includes a signed certificate of accuracy at no extra cost. Every job is checked by a second independent linguist under an ISO 17100 workflow — the same dual-review standard accepted by the Home Office, FCDO, and foreign consulates worldwide. Our translators are registered with the Chartered Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, and the company holds full ATC membership, so every legalised translation we produce carries the professional credentials that overseas authorities require.

We were the first UK translation company to achieve ISO 17100 certification, and that quality framework applies to every legalised translation order without exception. When a document needs notarisation before the FCDO can affix an apostille, we coordinate the solicitor witnessing stage as part of a single fixed-fee quote — so you deal with one team, not three separate suppliers. For destination countries outside the Hague Convention, we manage the full consular legalisation chain, including submission to the relevant embassy in London after notary or FCDO authentication. Our legal translations are relied on in proceedings up to the highest courts in England and Wales, and trusted by more than 150 UK solicitors' firms, which reflects the consistency of our output under real-world scrutiny.

Same-day and weekend delivery is available at a 30–50% surcharge for urgent legalised documents. Because pricing is fixed at the point of quote and covers every stage of the chosen legalisation route, there are no hidden fees when the apostille or embassy stamp is added. Word-rate pricing of £0.10–£0.20 per word applies to longer commercial and legal documents, keeping costs proportionate to volume.

Where is the Certified Translation Services UK office and how do I contact the team?

The office is at 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ, open Monday to Saturday 9:00–18:00. The direct line is +44 20 7459 4983. Quotes are returned by email with a fixed fee covering each stage of the legalisation workflow — certified translation, notarisation where required, and FCDO apostille or consular embassy stamping. The Covent Garden location makes in-person document drop-off straightforward for clients based in or travelling through central London, and the team is available throughout the week to advise on which legalisation route applies to your specific destination country.

The most frequently asked questions cover cost, who can produce a legalised translation, whether all four steps are required, and how consulate-listed translators differ from independent certified translators. Concise answers follow below.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone do a certified translation?

No — a certified translation must be produced by a qualified translator who can sign a certificate of accuracy attesting that the translation is complete and correct. In the UK there is no single government register, but accepting authorities such as the Home Office, UKVI, and universities expect the translator to be professionally qualified, working to a recognised standard such as ISO 17100, and to have the translation checked by a second linguist. A bilingual friend or family member cannot provide a certified translation for official purposes.

Do sworn translators exist in the UK?

The UK does not have a formal system of court-sworn or officially appointed translators in the way that many European countries do. Instead, UK authorities accept certified translations accompanied by a signed statement of accuracy from a qualified translator. Translators qualified to professional standards — and working under an ISO 17100 process with a second-linguist review — are the UK equivalent of what other countries call sworn translators. For submissions to foreign authorities that require a sworn translator, consular legalisation or an Apostille may also be needed.

How much does it cost to translate a legal document?

Certified translation in the UK is typically priced at £0.10–£0.20 per word, depending on the language pair and subject matter. Short personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and passports are often quoted at a fixed rate from £25 per document. Longer or complex legal and regulatory texts — contracts, court orders, patent filings — are priced per word and quoted individually, as volume and specialist terminology affect the rate. A signed certificate of accuracy is included at no extra cost.

What counts as an 'official' or 'certified' translation for a university or visa application?

An official or certified translation is one produced by a qualified translator and accompanied by a signed certificate of accuracy confirming the translation is a true and complete rendering of the original. For UK visa applications (UKVI/Home Office) and university admissions, the translation must clearly identify the translator, state their qualifications, and include contact details. Working to an ISO 17100 process — which includes a mandatory second-linguist check — gives additional assurance that the submission will be accepted.

How do I get a birth certificate translated to English for legal use?

Send a clear scan or photograph of your birth certificate to a certified translation provider, who will produce a full translation accompanied by a signed certificate of accuracy. Standard turnaround is 2–3 working days; if you need it sooner, same-day and weekend delivery is available at a 30–50% surcharge. The translated document is then accepted by the Home Office, UKVI, HM Passport Office, courts, and universities. Pricing for a single personal document starts from £25.

Do I need a certified translation, an Apostille, AND legalisation — or just one of these?

It depends on where the document will be used and which country is requesting it. A certified translation alone is usually sufficient for UK domestic use — visa applications, universities, employers, and courts. An Apostille (issued by the FCDO) is needed when a UK document must be recognised in another Hague Convention country. Full consular legalisation (Apostille plus embassy stamp) is required for countries outside the Hague Convention. Many situations call for a certified translation of the document alongside an Apostille or legalisation — contact us with your specific requirement for tailored advice.

Can I get an apostille from the FCDO in the UK?

Yes — the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the sole UK authority that issues Apostille certificates under the 1961 Hague Convention. An Apostille authenticates the signature of a UK public official (such as a notary, registrar, or government official) so the document is recognised in other Hague Convention member countries. The document may also need a certified translation if the destination country requires it in its own language. We can coordinate the full process — translation, notarisation, and FCDO Apostille — on your behalf.

How to get a document notarized and apostilled in the UK?

First, have the document signed by a UK notary public, who will authenticate signatures or certify copies. The notarised document is then submitted to the FCDO, which attaches an Apostille confirming the notary's credentials. If the receiving country also requires a translation, a certified translation should be prepared alongside or after this process. Turnaround times vary — the FCDO processing window can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the service chosen, so build in sufficient lead time for your deadline.

Where can I find apostille and translation services in the UK?

Certified Translation Services UK offers both certified translation and FCDO Apostille coordination from its London office at 71–75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ. We cover 150+ languages, with certified translation starting from £25 per personal document and a standard turnaround of 2–3 working days. Call +44 20 7459 4983 or visit us Monday to Saturday, 9:00–18:00, to discuss translation, notarisation, Apostille, and full consular legalisation as a combined service.

How much does an apostille cost in the UK?

The FCDO sets its own fee for issuing an Apostille, which is separate from any translation or notarisation costs — check the current FCDO schedule for the latest figure, as government fees change periodically. In addition, if a notary public needs to certify the document first, a notarial fee applies. If a certified translation is also required, that starts from £25 per personal document with us. Contact us for a combined quote covering translation, notarisation, and Apostille coordination.

How much do translation services cost in the UK?

Certified translation in the UK typically costs £0.10–£0.20 per word, varying by language pair and subject matter. Short personal documents — birth, marriage, or death certificates, diplomas, passports, and ID cards — are often priced as a flat fee, starting from £25 per document. A signed certificate of accuracy is included at no extra cost. Same-day and weekend delivery is available at a 30–50% surcharge. Large legal, technical, or regulatory projects are quoted individually. Standard turnaround is 2–3 working days.

If I'm moving countries, do I need certified translations of all my UK documents for a French visa?

For a long-stay French visa or residence permit, French authorities typically require certified translations of key personal documents — such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and qualifications — into French. Not every document you own will necessarily need translating, but official submissions to French state bodies must be accompanied by translations produced by a qualified translator. We cover 150+ languages including French, with personal documents starting from £25 and a standard 2–3 working day turnaround. Check the specific requirements with the French consulate for your visa category.

Does a translation of a certificate need to be notarised for the Italian consulate (jure sanguinis)?

Italian consulates processing jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent) applications generally require certified translations of vital records — birth, marriage, and death certificates — and may additionally require the translations to be notarised or the originals to carry an Apostille, depending on the country of origin of the documents. Requirements can vary by consulate, so always confirm with the specific Italian consulate handling your case. We provide certified translations, and can coordinate notarisation and FCDO Apostille services where needed, with personal documents starting from £25.