If you are applying for a UK visa, indefinite leave to remain, or British citizenship, you will likely need to submit a certified translation of your birth certificate. Here is everything you need to know.
What UKVI Requires
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department requires that all foreign-language documents be accompanied by:
- A full translation of the original document
- Certification that the translation is accurate
- The full name and signature of the translator or an authorised official of the translation company, and their contact details
- The date of translation
- For leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain: certification by a qualified translator and details of the translator or translation company's credentials
The official wording, with sources, is on our page foreign birth certificate for the Home Office.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Gather Your Original Document
You will need a clear copy of your birth certificate. If you only have a photocopy, most translation agencies (including us) can work with high-quality scans. However, for apostille services, you may need the original.
2. Choose a Professional Translation Service
UKVI does not maintain a list of approved translators, and for leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain the rules ask for certification by a qualified translator. Look for:
- Membership of a professional body (ITI, ATC, CIOL)
- ISO 17100 certification
- Experience with immigration documents
3. Receive Your Certified Translation
Your translation should include a dated certification statement confirming accuracy, signed by the translator or an authorised official of the translation company, with their contact details and, for leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain, their credentials.
4. Submit with Your Application
Include both the original document (or certified copy) and the certified translation with your visa application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Google Translate or uncertified translations
- Submitting translations without certification statements
- Forgetting to include the original document
Need Help?
We provide UKVI-accepted certified birth certificate translations with same-day delivery available. Get an instant quote or contact us with questions.
Already translated it with ChatGPT or Google Translate? Our AI Translation Check has a qualified linguist check it against the original and correct it, then we certify it.
