Does a Translated UK Document Need Its Own Apostille?

If you need to use a UK document abroad, you may be wondering whether the translation also needs an apostille, or whether apostilling the original is enough. The short answer: in most cases, only the original UK document needs an apostille. The translation typically accompanies it without requiring a separate one.

However, some receiving authorities do ask for the translation to carry its own apostille. The option you need depends on the destination country, the type of document and the specific requirements of the organisation requesting it.

This guide explains the four main approaches to getting an apostille translated document accepted overseas, so you can identify which applies to your situation and avoid unnecessary delays or costs.

An apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirms the authenticity of a signature, seal or stamp on a UK public document. It does not confirm that a translation is accurate. This is an important distinction.

When a translation is apostilled, the apostille authenticates the solicitor’s or notary’s certification signature on the translation, not the translation content itself. For this reason, an uncertified translation cannot be apostilled, because there is no official signature to verify.

Documents commonly requiring translation and apostille include birth certificates, degree certificates, marriage certificates, ACRO police certificates and company documents such as certificates of incorporation or articles of association.

Whether you need an apostille on the translation, the original, or both depends entirely on the receiving authority. We always recommend confirming the exact requirements before placing your order.

There are four practical approcaches you may follow. The right one depends on what the destination country or organisation requires.

If you are unsure which option applies, contact us and we can help you work out the correct approach for your destination country.

These two terms are often confused, but they are not the same thing and are used in different circumstances.

Sworn translations are prepared by translators officially recognised, registered or approved by a government, court or embassy authority in the destination country. Countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Germany commonly require sworn translations. Because the sworn translator holds official standing in that country, the translation is treated as an official document there and does not normally need a separate UK apostille. The apostille is applied to the original UK document before the sworn translator works from it.

Hague Apostille offers a sworn translation service for Spanish, Italian, French and German, among other languages.

Solicitor-certified translations are translations that have been verified and signed by a UK solicitor or notary public. This certification gives the translation an official signature that the FCDO can then authenticate with an apostille if needed. This approach is typically used when the destination country does not operate a sworn translator system, or when the receiving authority specifically requests a UK-certified translation with its own apostille.

We can solicitor certify translations as part of our apostille service. Most apostille-only orders are completed in 1 to 2 working days.

Follow these steps to make sure your document is prepared correctly:

• Step 1: Check the requirements. Contact the receiving authority (university, employer, government office, court) and ask whether they need the original apostilled, the translation apostilled, or both. Also ask whether they require a sworn translation or a certified translation.
• Step 2: Arrange the apostille on the original. In almost every scenario, the original UK document needs an apostille. You can order this through our apostille service. Check our apostille prices for a clear, fixed-fee breakdown.
• Step 3: Arrange the translation. If a sworn translation is required, this is usually done after the apostille has been applied to the original. If a certified translation is required, we can arrange solicitor certification. Visit our translation service page for more details.
• Step 4: Apostille the translation (if required). Only do this if the receiving authority has explicitly asked for it. The translation must be solicitor certified before it can be apostilled.

For documents such as birth certificates, degree certificates and marriage certificates, the process is usually straightforward. As a registered FCDO service, we handle these documents regularly and can advise on the correct legalisation approach.

Requirements can vary depending on the destination country, requesting authority and document type. We can advise on the apostille and legalisation process for UK documents, but you should confirm the exact requirements with the organisation requesting your document before placing an order.