Legalised Translation Services in London and the UK
Legalised translation services convert UK documents into a foreign language and authenticate them via the FCDO Apostille for legal use abroad in 4 steps.
- ISO 17100 Certified
- Same-day Turnaround
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What we do
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What is a legalised translation service?
A legalised translation service is a 4-stage process where a UK document is translated by a certified translator, signed by a notary or solicitor, and authenticated by an FCDO Apostille so the document is legally accepted by foreign authorities, courts and consulates
How does the UK legalised translation process work?
The UK legalised translation process works in 4 sequenced steps: certified translation by an ATC-registered agency, notarisation by a UK notary public, submission to the FCDO Legalisation Office for the Apostille, and optional embassy attestation for non-Hague
What is the difference between certified, notarised, sworn and legalised translations?
Certified translations are signed by the agency, notarised translations add a UK notary’s seal, sworn translations are issued by court-appointed translators abroad, and legalised translations carry an FCDO Apostille on top of notarisation for international
Which documents commonly require legalised translation?
Documents that commonly require legalised translation include 8 categories: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic degrees, powers of attorney, company incorporation papers, court judgments and no-impediment letters for marriage
How much do legalised translation services cost in the UK?
Legalised translation services cost between £85 and £220 per document in the UK, combining £45–£120 for certified translation, £40–£75 for notarisation, £30 standard or £75 premium for the FCDO Apostille, plus £8–£12 courier where
How long does a legalised translation take in London and the UK?
A legalised translation takes 5–7 working days end-to-end on standard service, or 48 hours when the FCDO premium same-day Apostille is combined with same-day notarisation. with same-day notarisation and a same-day translation
What we do
What is a legalised translation service?
A legalised translation service is a 4-stage process where a UK document is translated by a certified translator, signed by a notary or solicitor, and authenticated by an FCDO Apostille so the document is legally accepted by foreign authorities, courts and consulates
How it works
A legalised translation service is a 4-stage process where a UK document is translated by a certified translator, signed by a notary or solicitor, and authenticated by an FCDO Apostille so the document is legally accepted by foreign authorities, courts and consulates
Why us
How does the UK legalised translation process work?
The UK legalised translation process works in 4 sequenced steps: certified translation by an ATC-registered agency, notarisation by a UK notary public, submission to the FCDO Legalisation Office for the Apostille, and optional embassy attestation for non-Hague
What’s included
What is the difference between certified, notarised, sworn and legalised translations?
Certified translations are signed by the agency, notarised translations add a UK notary’s seal, sworn translations are issued by court-appointed translators abroad, and legalised translations carry an FCDO Apostille on top of notarisation for international
Complete guide
What 5 facts define a UK legalised translation?
Foreign authorities reject UK documents every week because the translation, notarisation and Apostille were completed in the wrong order. A legalised translation service in London and the UK sequences these stages correctly so the finished bundle is accepted by embassies, civil registries and courts overseas.
A legalised translation service is a 4-stage process where a UK document is translated by a certified translator, signed by a notary or solicitor, and authenticated by an FCDO Apostille so the document is legally accepted by foreign authorities, courts and consulates abroad. The four sequenced stages are:
- Certified translation by an ATC- or ITI-registered UK agency.
- Notarisation by a UK notary public (or true-copy certification by a solicitor).
- FCDO Apostille issued by the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes.
- Optional embassy attestation for non-Hague destinations.
What does ‘legalised’ mean on a translation?
‘Legalised’ means the translation carries an FCDO Apostille certificate, confirming the signature of the UK notary or solicitor who certified the translator is genuine, in line with the 1961 Hague Convention. The Apostille does not validate the translation’s content; it authenticates the signature, stamp or seal of the UK official whose mark appears on the bundle.
Who needs a legalised translation in the UK?
UK residents submitting documents to a foreign embassy, court or registry need a legalised translation, including spouses on marriage visas, expatriate workers, overseas students and companies registering subsidiaries abroad. Typical user groups include:
- Spouses lodging marriage visas in Spain, Italy, Portugal or Brazil.
- Expatriate workers relocating to the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or Kuwait.
- Postgraduate students enrolling in German, French or Dutch universities.
- UK companies incorporating subsidiaries in Mexico, India or South Africa.
- Litigants filing UK court judgments in foreign jurisdictions.
How it works
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Step 1: How is the document translated and certified?
An ISO 17100-accredited translation agency in London translates the document, attaches a signed certificate of accuracy, and binds the translation to a copy of the original for notarial inspection. The certifying agency must hold recognised membership — such as ATC or ITI — because overseas embassies and civil registries specifically require evidence that the translation originates from a professional, audited supplier. Our Certified Translation Services page covers the standalone certification route used when no Apostille is needed.
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Step 2: How is the translation notarised by a UK notary?
A UK notary public verifies the translator’s identity and credentials, then notarises the translator’s signature on the certificate of accuracy so the FCDO can match the notary’s signature against its register. The notary does not authenticate the translated text itself — they authenticate the translator’s sworn statement that the translation is accurate and complete. Having in-house notary relationships removes the need for clients to source an independent notary, which would otherwise add 2–3 days of scheduling delays. Our Notarised Translation Services handle the notary booking and bundle preparation.
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Step 3: How does the FCDO Apostille legalise the translation?
The FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes attaches an Apostille certificate to the notarised translation, confirming the notary’s signature, stamp or seal matches its sample register. The FCDO charges £30 per document for the standard 2 working-day postal service and £75 per document for the same-day premium service via the London drop-off point. Both services produce a universally recognised Apostille certificate accepted across all 126 Hague Convention member states. See our Apostille Translation Services for the standalone Apostille workflow.
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Step 4: When is embassy attestation also required?
Embassy attestation is required when the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, including the UAE, China, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, adding 3–10 working days and consular fees on top of the FCDO Apostille. The attestation order is fixed by international protocol: the FCDO Apostille must be obtained first, and only then can the destination country’s embassy in London apply its own consular stamp. The FCDO Apostille alone does not guarantee acceptance in non-Hague countries — destination-country rules govern the final step entirely.
Certified translations are signed by the agency, notarised translations add a UK notary’s seal, sworn translations are issued by court-appointed translators in civil-law jurisdictions abroad, and legalised translations carry an FCDO Apostille on top of notarisation for international recognition. Each type exists to satisfy a different receiving authority, and choosing the wrong level means documents are rejected — so matching the type to the destination country is essential. The comparison below shows which UK body issues each and what it typically costs:
| Type | Issuing body in the UK | Typical use | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified | ATC or ITI member agency | UK Home Office, UK universities, Companies House | £45–£120 |
| Notarised | UK notary public | Foreign civil registries requiring proof of translator credentials | +£40–£75 |
| Sworn | Not issued in the UK | Civil-law countries that accept UK certified + apostilled equivalents | n/a in UK |
| Legalised | FCDO Legalisation Office, Milton Keynes | Hague Convention countries — overseas official use | +£30 or £75 |
When is a certified translation enough?
A certified translation is enough for UK Home Office visa applications, UK university admissions, Companies House filings and most UK government bodies that accept ATC-member agency certification. Companies House accepts certified translations signed by a solicitor, notary public or professional translator, and the Home Office treats a certificate of accuracy from a recognised agency as sufficient evidence of translation quality. No Apostille or notarial layer is required for any purely UK-facing submission.
When does a UK document need notarisation as well?
A UK document needs notarisation when a foreign authority requires proof that the translator is a real, qualified professional, typically as a mandatory prerequisite before the FCDO Legalisation Office will process the Apostille. Civil-law jurisdictions across Europe, Latin America and Asia routinely require this notarial layer because their domestic systems rely on court-sworn translators, and notarisation is the closest UK-law equivalent. Without notarisation, the FCDO Apostille process cannot proceed for most personal and corporate documents destined for overseas civil registries.
Does the UK issue sworn translators?
The UK does not appoint sworn translators because common-law jurisdictions instead rely on certified translations from ATC-registered agencies, combined with notarisation and an FCDO Apostille when documents are needed abroad. Civil-law countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Germany — all Hague Convention members — accept this UK chain as the legal equivalent of a domestic sworn translation. Where a foreign authority specifically asks for a “sworn translation,” presenting a notarised and apostilled certified translation from a recognised UK agency satisfies that requirement in practice.
Which documents commonly require legalised translation?
Documents that commonly require legalised translation include 8 categories: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic degrees, powers of attorney, company incorporation papers, court judgments and no-impediment letters for marriage abroad. Our highly qualified legal translators handle all eight categories across 60+ language pairs, supported by in-house notary relationships that eliminate the delays of sourcing an external notary. The matrix below shows which documents need notarisation before the FCDO Apostille:
| Document | Notarisation before Apostille? | Common destination |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Yes (translation notarised) | Spain, Italy, UAE |
| Marriage certificate | Yes | Portugal, Brazil, Qatar |
| Divorce decree | Yes | Germany, France |
| Degree certificate | Yes | UAE, China, Saudi Arabia |
| Power of attorney | Yes — signed before notary | Mexico, India, Spain |
| Certificate of incorporation | Solicitor true copy + Apostille | UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore |
| Court judgment | Solicitor true copy + Apostille | Italy, Greece, Cyprus |
| No-impediment letter | Yes | Spain, Portugal, Denmark |
Browse our full Document Translation Services UK for further document categories.
Which personal documents need legalisation?
Personal documents needing legalisation include birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, death certificates, adoption papers and no-impediment letters required by foreign civil registries. Police clearance certificates (ACRO) are also routinely translated and legalised for visas to the UAE, Qatar, Australia and Canada. Each personal document type has a specific notarisation requirement: the translator’s certificate of accuracy must be notarised separately, and the original document may also require a solicitor’s certified true copy before the bundle is submitted to the FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes.
Which corporate documents need legalisation?
Corporate documents needing legalisation include certificates of incorporation, memoranda and articles of association, board resolutions, powers of attorney and HMRC tax residency letters. Cross-border commercial contracts, shareholder agreements and audited accounts also fall in this category when subsidiaries are registering in overseas jurisdictions. The corporate legalisation pathway typically involves a solicitor’s true copy of the original Companies House document, a certified translation, and an FCDO Apostille — with embassy attestation added for destinations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Our Business Translation Services manage the full corporate bundle.
Which academic documents need legalisation?
Academic documents needing legalisation include degree certificates, transcripts, CELTA and TEFL certificates, professional diplomas and school leaving certificates required for overseas teaching posts, postgraduate applications and professional licensing. The UAE Ministry of Education and the Chinese Ministry of Education both require the full notarisation-plus-Apostille chain for foreign teacher work permits, with additional embassy attestation required for China. Professional qualification certificates — such as those issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the General Medical Council or the Nursing and Midwifery Council — are increasingly required in legalised form for overseas registration.
What types of legal documents can be translated and legalised?
Legal documents such as contracts, powers of attorney, court orders, affidavits and immigration paperwork frequently require legalised translation for use abroad. The legalisation pathway differs by document type and must be matched precisely to the requirements of the receiving authority:
- Commercial contracts — certified translation, solicitor true copy of original, FCDO Apostille.
- Powers of attorney — signed before a UK notary, then translated and certified, then FCDO Apostille.
- Court orders — court-sealed copy, certified translation, FCDO Apostille, embassy attestation where required.
- Affidavits — sworn before a UK notary or solicitor, translated and certified, then FCDO Apostille.
- Criminal record (ACRO) certificates — certified translation, notarised, FCDO Apostille.
- Immigration tribunal decisions — certified translation, FCDO Apostille, consular attestation for non-Hague destinations.
Pricing
How much do legalised translation services cost in the UK?
Legalised translation services cost between £85 and £220 per document in the UK, combining £45–£120 for certified translation, £40–£75 for notarisation, and £30 standard or £75 premium for the FCDO Apostille, plus £8–£12 for courier where used. A minimum project fee typically applies to short single-page certificates, and VAT at 20% applies to translation and courier components. The total cost is determined by document length, language pair, notarisation complexity and the FCDO service tier chosen.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Spanish certified translation of 3 short documents | £75 see our Spanish Translation Services. |
| UK notary public bundling and signature verification | £45. |
| FCDO Apostille (premium, 1 bundle) | £40 prorated across documents. |
| London same-day courier collection | £10. |
| VAT at 20% on translation and courier | £8. |
| Total | £178 inclusive of VAT. |
How long does a legalised translation take in London and the UK?
A legalised translation takes 5–7 working days end-to-end on the standard service, or as little as 48 hours when the FCDO premium same-day Apostille is combined with same-day notarisation and a same-day translation slot in London. Timing depends on document volume, language pair, notarisation complexity and whether embassy attestation is also required. The FCDO standard postal service adds 2 working days at £30 per document, while the FCDO premium drop-off service delivers the Apostille the same day at £75 per document — making the premium route the only option when a visa appointment or embassy submission deadline cannot be moved.
What is the fastest same-day legalised translation route in London?
The fastest same-day route in London uses morning translation and certification, midday notarisation in central London and afternoon FCDO premium drop-off in Westminster for Apostille collection before 16:00. This route requires all documents to be received by 09:00 and is only feasible for short documents of 1–2 pages per language pair. Same-day courier collection from the FCDO office is included in the premium workflow, and the notarised, apostilled bundle can be dispatched to the client or directly to an embassy the same evening. Our Translation Services London hub coordinates the full courier chain to keep the timeline on track.
How long does embassy attestation add to legalised translation?
Embassy attestation adds 3 to 10 working days depending on the consulate, and this time must be factored into the overall legalisation plan from the outset. Each embassy operates its own submission window and fee structure independently of the FCDO. Indicative consular timetables for common non-Hague destinations are:
- UAE Embassy, London: 5 working days after FCDO Apostille.
- Qatar Embassy, London: 10 working days after FCDO Apostille.
- Kuwait Embassy, London: 7 working days after FCDO Apostille.
- Saudi Embassy, London: 5–7 working days after FCDO Apostille.
- Chinese Visa Application Service Centre: 7 working days after FCDO Apostille.
These timelines are indicative and subject to change at the consulate’s discretion, so submitting documents well ahead of any registration or visa deadline is strongly recommended.
Which countries accept FCDO-apostilled translations?
126 Hague Convention member states accept FCDO-apostilled translations directly, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, South Africa and Japan — with no further consular step required once the FCDO Apostille is attached. The Apostille is issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes at £30 per document on the standard 2 working-day postal service, or £75 per document on the same-day premium London service. Acceptance within Hague countries still depends on the receiving authority’s local rules, such as a recency window of 3–6 months applied by some civil registries, or a requirement that the translation is notarised before the Apostille is processed.
Which countries require extra embassy attestation?
Non-Hague countries requiring extra embassy attestation include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, China (mainland) and Vietnam, each maintaining its own consular fee schedule and submission procedure at its London embassy. The attestation order is fixed by international protocol: the FCDO Apostille must be obtained first, and only then can the destination country’s embassy apply its consular stamp. Skipping or reversing the order renders the document invalid. Additional countries that periodically require attestation rather than — or in addition to — an Apostille include certain Gulf Cooperation Council states and some Sub-Saharan African nations, so confirming the destination authority’s current requirements before submitting is essential.
Which languages do legalised translation services cover in the UK?
UK legalised translation services cover 60+ languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Hindi and Bengali, matched with notaries and certified translators registered for each language pair. Our team of highly qualified legal translators is trusted by individuals, companies and over 200 legal firms, giving us the breadth to handle both high-volume European language pairs and lower-frequency language combinations without sacrificing quality or turnaround. Dedicated language pages include French Translation Services and German Translation Services for EU-bound paperwork.
Which European languages are most commonly legalised?
The most commonly legalised European language pairs are English into Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, reflecting the high volume of UK nationals registering births, marriages and property transactions in those Hague Convention countries. Polish, Romanian, Greek and Dutch are also frequent requests, driven by bilateral family and employment migration. All European language pairs are supported by translators with specialist legal terminology knowledge covering civil registry, corporate law and immigration document types.
What about rare-language legalised translations?
Rare-language legalised translations — such as Amharic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Burmese, Nepali and Somali — take 7–10 working days because sourcing a translator with the required specialist legal knowledge and notarisation eligibility requires additional lead time. Lead times extend by up to 2 working days where the translator must attend the notary appointment in person to have their signature verified. For these language pairs, submitting source documents as early as possible is strongly recommended, particularly when a consular appointment or visa deadline is fixed.
How do you choose a legalised translation service provider in London?
Choose a legalised translation service provider in London using 6 checks: ATC membership, ISO 17100 certification, in-house notary relationships, transparent and itemised fee tables, FCDO premium-service access, and named project managers who handle the courier logistics end-to-end. The provider’s ability to manage translation, notarisation and FCDO submission under one roof is the single most important operational factor — fragmented suppliers add delay and increase the risk of bundle errors that cause FCDO or embassy rejection. Our team is trusted by over 200 legal firms precisely because every stage of the legalisation chain is coordinated by qualified professionals without handoffs to unknown third parties.
What credentials should a legalised translation agency hold?
A legalised translation agency should hold ATC membership, ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 certification, and demonstrate a documented chain-of-custody process that is audited annually by an independent certification body. ISO 17100 is the internationally recognised quality standard for translation service providers and is specifically required by UK courts, the Home Office and overseas embassies as evidence that the translating agency operates to a verified standard. ISO 9001 demonstrates broader quality management system compliance across the entire service operation — not just translation production. Agencies that hold both certifications are equipped to provide the written quality assurance that many overseas civil registries and corporate law departments require before accepting a translation bundle.
What service-level questions should you ask a legalised translation agency before ordering?
Ask 5 service-level questions before placing an order: what is the turnaround in working days for each stage, what is the total inclusive fee including notarisation and FCDO Apostille, which named notary will be used, which FCDO service tier is recommended for the deadline, and what is the refund or re-submission policy if the embassy rejects the document. A reputable agency answers each question in writing before payment is taken. Confirming the FCDO fee tier upfront is particularly important: the standard service costs £30 per document over 2 working days, while the premium same-day service costs £75 per document — and choosing the wrong tier against a fixed embassy deadline cannot be easily reversed.
These 6 FAQs cover the most common queries about legalised translation services in London and the UK, addressing validity, rejections, scanned documents, language pairs, payment and Home Office acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
Can an apostilled document be translated?
Yes, an apostilled document can be translated — and often must be — before it is accepted by foreign authorities. Once a document carries an apostille certificate issued by the FCDO (UK) or equivalent authority, a certified translator renders the full content, including the apostille text itself, into the target language. This is standard practice for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates and legal contracts. The translation is then certified to confirm its accuracy and completeness.
Can you get a translated document apostilled?
Yes, a certified translation can itself be apostilled in the UK under certain circumstances. Typically, the original source document is apostilled first by the FCDO, and the certified translation accompanies it. However, when the original document is foreign and has already been notarised or legalised, a notary public can certify the translation, which can then receive an apostille. This process is common for documents destined for countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention.
How much does apostille cost in the UK?
The FCDO charges £45 per document for an apostille in the UK as of 2024. This is the official government fee for the apostille certificate itself and does not include any professional handling, courier or translation fees. If you use an intermediary agency to manage the process on your behalf, total costs typically range from £75 to £150+ per document depending on the complexity and urgency of the service.
How long do apostille and translation take?
Apostille processing by the FCDO currently takes around 4–5 working days for a standard service, while an urgent same-day or next-day service is also available at a higher fee. Certified translation turnaround depends on document length and language pair, but most standard documents (1–3 pages) are completed within 1–3 working days. Combined, a full apostille-plus-translation service typically takes 5–10 working days end to end, though expedited options can reduce this significantly.
How much does it cost to translate and apostille documents?
The total cost to translate and apostille a document in the UK typically ranges from £120 to £300+ per document. This combines the FCDO apostille fee (£45 per document), certified translation costs (commonly £60–£150 per document depending on language pair and length), and any agency handling or courier fees. More complex legal or technical documents, rare language pairs, or urgent turnaround requests will sit at the higher end of this range.
How to get a document legalised by the FCDO?
To get a document legalised by the FCDO, you must submit it to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office either directly or via an authorised agent. The document must first be signed by a UK public official (e.g. a notary, solicitor, or registrar) or be an official UK public document. You then submit it to the FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes by post or in person. The FCDO attaches an apostille certificate confirming the signature’s authenticity, making the document legally recognised in Hague Convention countries.
How long does FCDO legalisation take?
FCDO legalisation currently takes approximately 4–5 working days for the standard postal service. A premium same-day service is available for documents submitted in person at the FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes, typically for an additional fee. Turnaround times can vary during peak periods or if documents require additional checking. Using a professional intermediary agency can streamline the process and help avoid delays caused by incorrectly prepared documents.
Do apostilles have to be translated?
Apostilles do not always have to be translated, but many receiving countries require the full document — including the apostille — to be translated into their official language. The apostille certificate itself is standardised under the 1961 Hague Convention and is typically issued in the issuing country’s language (English for UK apostilles). Countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany and China commonly require a certified translation of both the underlying document and the apostille text before accepting it officially.
How much does it cost to get a document legalised?
The FCDO charges £45 per document for legalisation (apostille) in the UK. If you require a same-day service or submit through a professional agency, total costs — including handling, postage and agency fees — typically range from £75 to £150 per document. For documents that also require notarisation before apostille, notary fees of £50–£150 per document may also apply, bringing the overall legalisation cost to between £100 and £300 depending on the document type and urgency.