Relocation? Do you need a translation or legalisation for your visa?

04 Dec Relocation? Do you need a translation or legalisation for your visa?

In the context of an international relocation, whether for work, study, or family reasons, preparing the necessary documentation is one of the most critical aspects. Many countries not only require a visa but also demand the presentation of legalised or certified translations of documents. If you are navigating an immigration process, knowing exactly which documents are needed and how to translate or legalise them correctly can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s explore what you need.

Certified Translation: Why is it essential for a visa?

When applying for a visa, foreign countries require all documents, including birth certificates, degrees, marriage certificates, or employment contracts, to be submitted in the official language of the destination country. This is where certified translation comes in.

A certified translation is not a simple translation. It must be performed by a qualified professional translator who ensures that the content faithfully reflects the original. This type of translation is generally required for:

• Identification documents (passport, ID card)
• Civil status certificates (birth, marriage, divorce)
• Academic degrees and diplomas
• Employment contracts
• Medical or legal certificates

Each country has specific requirements. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia only accept translations done by accredited professionals. To avoid delays or, worse, visa refusal, it is essential that the translations comply with these regulations.

When is legalisation required?

In addition to a certified translation, some documents require legalisation or an apostille. But what does this mean?

legalisation is a process by which the authorities of a state certify the authenticity of a document so that it is recognized abroad. If the destination country is part of the 1961 Hague Convention, an apostille—a formal seal validating the document—will suffice. In cases where the Convention does not apply, full legalisation is required, often through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the requesting country’s consulate.

Which documents need to be legalised?

Generally, documents that require legalisation are official ones issued by governmental or educational entities. The most common include:

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Criminal or judicial certificates
• Notarial acts and powers of attorney
• Academic degrees

For instance, if you are relocating to Italy for work or family reasons and need to present a British birth certificate, you must first have it translated, and then have it legalised with an apostille by the UK authorities. Alternatively, you can rely on a service that manages the entire process for you, like ours, which includes both translation and legalisation, saving you time and eliminating hassle.

Documents for Italian citizenship post-Brexit

With the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, many British citizens are applying for Italian citizenship to retain their rights to travel and reside in Europe. The process for obtaining citizenship requires the submission of numerous translated and, in some cases, legalised documents. The main documents required for citizenship include:

• Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Proof of residence or AIRE registration
• Criminal record and pending charges

Each document must be accompanied by an official translation into Italian and, if issued abroad, by an apostille or legalisation.

How to best manage your documentation?

To streamline the entire process, the best advice is to rely on professionals specialized in certified translations and legalisations. We offer:

• Translations performed by native-speaking professionals specializing in legal and administrative fields.
• Consular legalisation and notarisation thanks to collaboration with notaries and consulates, including expedited services for Italian citizens abroad.
• Personalized consultation to understand which documents are needed, in which format, and with what type of certification or legalisation.

This approach ensures you avoid errors that could delay your visa or citizenship application, helping you obtain all documents in time.

Conclusion

If you are facing an international relocation and need to handle documentation for your visa or citizenship, it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of certified translations and document legalisation. A small error or lack of certification can cause significant delays or the rejection of your application. Rely on industry experts to ensure that each step is handled with the utmost care and precision. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help simplify your relocation.