UK courts, tribunals, and the Home Office have specific requirements for certified translations. Understanding those requirements can prevent costly delays and ensure your client's evidence is accepted without challenge.
Why Certified Translation Matters in Legal Proceedings
Legal proceedings frequently involve documents from foreign jurisdictions — birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical reports, court orders, and country-specific evidence. The Home Office, First-tier Tribunal, and UK courts all require that foreign-language documents be accompanied by an accurate certified English translation. A substandard translation — one that is inaccurate, incomplete, or improperly certified — can undermine your case at a critical moment.
What Makes a Translation "Certified" in UK Legal Contexts?
In the UK, a certified translation is one accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. The certification should include the translator's full name, contact information, qualifications, and the date. Unlike some other jurisdictions, UK law does not require a notarised or sworn translation — though these may occasionally be requested by specific bodies.
Common Documents Requiring Translation in Immigration Cases
- Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Police registration certificates and clearances
- Court judgments and criminal records
- Medical and psychological reports
- Threatening letters, evidence of persecution
- National identity documents and travel documents
- Educational certificates and transcripts
Ereventis Certified Translation Services
Ereventis has been providing certified translations for legal and immigration documents since 2014. Our translators are native speakers with expertise in legal, medical, and official document translation, and all work undergoes internal quality review before delivery. We work to your deadline and handle all documents with complete confidentiality.
Ereventis provides independent country expert reports, SQE preparation courses, and certified translation services to legal professionals across the UK.