Legalised translation services in the UK
Need a document translated and legalised for use overseas? Our sworn translation explainer helps identify when a foreign authority needs a particular officially authorised translator rather than an ordinary UK certificate. Locate Translate can review the translation, certification and document legalisation steps required for your destination. Our attestation meaning guide explains the difference between document authentication and translation certification.
Tell us the document type, issuing country, destination and receiving organisation. Our attestation FAQ explains when UK legalisation, UAE MoFA attestation, certified translation and notarisation are different steps. For a certificate issued in Italy and needed in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, see our Italian document attestation for UAE guide about Italian authorities, sworn translation, the UAE Embassy in Rome and UAE MoFA. We can review whether your submission requires a certified translation, solicitor or notary involvement, an apostille or additional consular attestation.
Translation, legalisation and delivery are separate stages. Your written quotation will specify which are included. Check when a translation needs an apostille before choosing which stages to order.
Certified, notarised, apostilled or embassy attested?
These terms describe different services. Your recipient may require one or several; none should be added automatically without checking the document and destination.
Certified translation
A translated document with a signed and dated statement confirming translation accuracy. The receiver may specify the wording or format.
Solicitor or notary
A solicitor or notary may need to certify a document, copy or signature before certain legalisation routes. The required act depends on the document.
FCDO apostille
The UK Legalisation Office checks an eligible signature, stamp or seal and issues an apostille. It does not verify the document's underlying claims.
Embassy attestation
Some destinations request additional embassy, consulate or local ministry steps after the UK apostille. Requirements vary by country and recipient. Our apostille vs legalisation guide explains the distinction.
Request a legalised translation quote
Send the document, issuing country, destination and recipient instructions. We will review the services required before confirming an itemised price.
Get the right translation and legalisation service
Tell us where your document was issued, where it will be used and what the receiving organisation needs. We will confirm the appropriate route and provide a tailored quote.
Confirm what needs legalising before you order
Ask the receiving organisation whether it needs your original document, a certified copy, the translated document, or more than one of these legalised. Confirm whether a paper original is necessary.
For UK-issued documents, the FCDO Legalisation Office checks the signature, stamp or seal on eligible documents. It cannot legalise foreign-issued documents through the UK service; these generally need the legalisation route in their country of issue.
See the official UK legalisation guidance for current eligibility, fees and processing times.
Documents we can review for translation and legalisation
Different documents can require different signatures and certification routes. Ask for a document-specific quote rather than assuming every document qualifies for the same process.
Official civil registration documents and supporting translations.
Marriage certificates, divorce records and family status paperwork.
Diplomas, transcripts, qualifications and educational records.
Police certificates and eligible disclosure documents.
Business documents, powers of attorney and company paperwork. Read our UK business apostille guide for practical document and translation checks.
Selected reports, identity documents, declarations and supporting papers.
From document review to overseas delivery
We work from the receiving organisation's instructions so you can approve the required stages and fees before the work begins.
Document & destination review
Send scans, language requirements and recipient instructions for an initial assessment.
Itemised quote & translation
Receive a quote separating the translation, certification, legalisation and delivery services.
Legalisation & dispatch
Where requested and feasible, the relevant legalisation stage is arranged and documents are delivered as agreed.
How much does legalised translation cost?
The translation price is not the full cost of an apostilled or embassy-attested document. These are the starting rates already advertised by Locate Translate; every order is subject to an itemised quotation.
Certified translation is quoted by language, document length and requirements.
- Certified translation: from £25/page
- Sworn translation where needed: typically £70/page
- Optional Statement of Truth: normally £25 extra
Certification, apostille and delivery depend on the document and destination.
- Notarisation: £130/document where required
- Apostille and embassy attestation: document-specific quote
- Return postage or courier: priced separately
How long will the legalisation take?
Translation and legalisation follow different schedules. An urgent translation does not mean an apostille, embassy attestation or postal delivery will be completed at the same speed.
The FCDO's standard paper apostille can take up to 25 working days plus delivery, while eligible e-Apostilles are generally processed within two working days. These are government estimates, not guaranteed project completion times. Additional signature verification or embassy steps may add time.
We will confirm the route and quote a realistic overall timeframe after reviewing your documents and checking current availability. See the latest FCDO processing guidance for updates.
Certified and sworn translation samples
These existing Locate Translate samples show different translation and certification layouts. They are illustrative and do not establish a legalisation route or acceptance by any particular authority.
Samples are shown for information only. Always confirm required certification and legalisation formats with the receiving organisation.
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Legalised translation FAQs
What is a legalised translation?
A legalised translation involves a translation and any required authentication of a relevant signature, seal or certification. The original document may need its own separate legalisation. The required route depends on the receiving authority.
Is a certified translation the same as an apostille?
No. Certification provides a translation accuracy statement. An apostille authenticates a recognised signature, stamp or seal on an eligible document. One is not a substitute for the other.
Do all documents need notarisation before an apostille?
No. Certain UK public documents may qualify directly. Other documents may need a signature or certification from a UK notary or solicitor before the FCDO can legalise them. Eligibility depends on the document.
Can I get a UK apostille for a document issued abroad?
The UK Legalisation Office cannot legalise foreign-issued documents through its standard service. Such documents generally need the appropriate procedure in their issuing country. We can still review any separate translation needed.
Can I order an e-Apostille for a birth or marriage certificate?
The UK FCDO currently excludes UK General Register Office birth, marriage, death and related certificates from its e-Apostille service. A paper apostille may be necessary. Confirm the route with the recipient.
Does an apostille guarantee acceptance overseas?
No. An apostille verifies an eligible official signature, stamp or seal. It does not guarantee acceptance of the document, translation, certification or full application by the receiving body.
What is the difference between an apostille and embassy attestation?
An apostille is the relevant certification route under the Hague Apostille Convention. Some countries or recipients outside that framework require additional embassy, consulate or local ministry verification.
Can you provide a complete price and timeframe?
Yes, after reviewing your document type, issuing country, intended recipient, destination, language, certification and delivery requirements. Quotes itemise relevant stages and any applicable third-party services.
Need translation and legalisation for overseas use?
Send us the documents and recipient instructions. We will confirm the appropriate service, an itemised price and the stages needed for the destination.
Start with a document-specific quote.
Translation, certification, apostille and delivery quoted as required.
Request a free quote →Contact Locate Translate