Certified, Notarised or Sworn Translation in the UK: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

18 Aug Certified, Notarised or Sworn Translation in the UK: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

“Do I need a sworn translation or is a certified one enough?” It is a question we receive almost every day — and the answer depends on where the document will be used. In the British system, these distinctions work differently from those in Italy (or other European countries), and confusing them can lead to unnecessary costs or, worse, documents that are not accepted. This guide clears everything up once and for all.

The Three Types of Translation: What They Mean

1. Certified Translation

This is the most common type of translation in the UK and the one accepted by the Home Office, UKVI, courts, universities and most British public bodies.

A certified translation is simply a professional translation to which the translator (or agency) attaches a signed declaration confirming:

• that the translation is accurate and faithful to the original
• their full personal details (name, surname, contact information)
• their professional competence in the languages involved
• the date of the translation

No notarial stamp is needed. No court appearance is needed. No government authorisation is needed. It is the translator’s signature and professional accountability that gives the translation its validity.

2. Notarised Translation

This is a certified translation that has been further authenticated by a Notary Public. The process adds a formal layer to the certification: the notary does not verify the quality of the translation, but authenticates the translator’s identity and the signature on the accuracy declaration.

A notarised translation is more expensive (notary fees are generally £150-200 on top of the translation cost) and takes longer (a notary appointment must be arranged). In the UK, it is rarely needed for domestic applications.

When is a notarised translation needed?

• When submitting to a foreign authority that explicitly requests it (e.g. a foreign embassy or court)
• In some UK legal proceedings where the judge or opposing party specifically requires it
• For some international property transactions

It is NOT required by the Home Office for visa, ILR or citizenship applications.

3. Sworn Translation (Traduzione Giurata)

A sworn translation is a concept that exists in many European countries with civil law systems — including Italy, Spain, France and Germany — but does not exist as such in the British system.

In Italy, the sworn (or asseverated) translation is one that the translator physically takes to a court, where they swear before the court clerk on the accuracy of the text, with a court stamp and revenue stamps applied. The resulting document carries a specific legal value within the Italian system.

In the UK, this system does not exist. The UK has no formally recognised category of state-appointed sworn translators, unlike Spain, France or Germany. What Italy calls a “sworn translation” is achieved in the UK — where needed for use abroad — through a certified translation authenticated by a notary, or through a sworn affidavit by the translator before a notary.

Italian System vs British System: A Comparison

What the Home Office Requires for British Citizenship

The Home Office explicitly requires a certified translation. It does not require:

• a notarised translation (not necessary, costs more without adding value for UK applications)
• a sworn translation in the Italian sense (this category does not exist in the UK)
• an apostille on the translation (apostilles relate to the original document, not the translation)

The certified translation for the Home Office must include the translator’s declaration, their full name, contact details and the date. That is sufficient.

Who Can Carry Out a Certified Translation for the Home Office?

The Home Office does not maintain an official register of approved translators, but states that the translation must be produced by a professional translator with competence in the languages involved. In practice, translations produced by translators who are members of recognised professional bodies — such as the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) or the CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) — tend to encounter the fewest problems during assessment.

Cristina Boscaino of Words at Hand is an ITI member and has been working on UKVI applications for over 13 years. Our certified translations are accepted by the Home Office and comply with the required format.

But What If the Document Is Needed in Italy?

Different situation. If the translated document needs to be submitted to the Italian Consulate, an Italian court or an Italian authority, asseveration before a court (traduzione giurata) may be required. In this case, Words at Hand can also support you through this process — advising you on how and where to have the translation asseverated in Italy.

How We Can Help

Words at Hand produces certified translations for Home Office, UKVI and consular applications, in the correct format for each destination. We work in English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German and many other languages.

Contact us: cristina@wordsathand.com | WhatsApp: +44 7824 347667 | wordsathand.com/contact