Arrange a sworn translation when a court, registry, embassy, consulate or overseas authority specifically requires work completed or formally declared by an authorised sworn translator.
Send the document together with the destination country and the receiving authority’s instructions. These details allow the required translator, declaration, delivery format, price and expected timeline to be reviewed before work begins.
A sworn translation is a translation completed or formally declared by a translator who is authorised under the legal or administrative system used by a particular country or jurisdiction.
The translator may need to use prescribed wording, a recognised stamp, signature, registration details or another formal declaration. The exact format depends on the country and the authority receiving the document.
A standard certified translation is sufficient for many submissions within the UK. A sworn translation is a separate, jurisdiction-specific route and should normally be requested only when the receiving organisation expressly asks for one.
Ask for its requirements in writing whenever possible. In particular, confirm whether the translator must be sworn in the destination country, in the document’s country of origin or under another named jurisdiction.
Sworn translations are generally connected with official procedures in jurisdictions that recognise or appoint sworn, court-authorised or otherwise officially registered translators.
Official certificates may require sworn translation when they are being registered, recognised or relied upon in another country.
A court, solicitor, notary, land registry or other legal recipient may prescribe who must translate the document and how it must be declared.
Embassies, consulates, immigration authorities and government departments may request sworn work as part of an overseas administrative procedure.
Universities, professional bodies or employers may require a particular sworn format when qualifications are being recognised overseas.
Send every relevant page, including any reverse side, attachment, stamp, signature, seal or handwritten entry that forms part of the official record.
These terms describe different translation or verification procedures. One service does not automatically include the others.
| Service | What it means | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | A professional translation accompanied by a signed statement confirming that it is complete and accurate. | Whether standard certification is sufficient for the organisation receiving the document. |
| Sworn translation | Translation completed or formally declared by a translator authorised under a particular jurisdiction’s system. | The country in which the translator must be sworn and the required declaration, stamp or registration details. |
| Notarised translation | A translation or certification connected with an additional formal act carried out by a notary. | What the notary must verify and whether an original, identification or a physical document is required. |
| Apostille support | A separate legalisation process that authenticates an eligible UK signature, seal or document for use abroad. | Which document or signature must receive the apostille and whether translation happens before or after that stage. |
Use the wording supplied by the receiving authority. Do not order notarisation, an apostille or sworn translation merely because the document will be used overseas.
The process begins with the receiving authority’s requirements rather than the document title alone.
Upload a clear scan, PDF or photograph showing every relevant page, stamp, seal, signature and annotation.
State the destination country, receiving organisation, target language and any instructions mentioning a sworn translator.
The translator requirements, expected wording, delivery format, price and timeline are reviewed before work begins.
The document is translated, checked and supplied in the agreed digital or physical format for the intended submission.
Sworn translation pricing depends on the language pair, document, destination country and the precise authorisation required by the receiving authority.
Published pricing route Contact usA formal declaration cannot compensate for an incomplete source file. Accuracy and completeness remain essential throughout the translation.
Personal names, dates, identification numbers and official references are checked carefully against the supplied document.
Visible stamps, seals, handwritten notes and endorsements are accounted for where they form part of the official record.
The required declaration, translator information and document format are prepared according to the route agreed for the receiving authority.
The authority’s wording may indicate that certification, notarisation or an apostille is required instead of, or in addition to, sworn translation.
Requirements can differ even between authorities in the same country. Written instructions from the final recipient should take priority.
It is a translation completed or formally declared by a translator who is authorised under the system used in a particular country or jurisdiction. The declaration, stamp and translator details required can vary according to the receiving authority.
Not automatically. A standard certified translation is sufficient for many UK submissions. Arrange sworn translation when the receiving authority expressly asks for a sworn, court-appointed or otherwise jurisdiction-authorised translator.
This depends on the authority’s rules. Some procedures require a translator authorised in the destination country, while others recognise different arrangements. Ask the recipient to state the required jurisdiction in writing.
Documents commonly reviewed include birth, marriage and divorce certificates, police certificates, passports, degrees, transcripts, court papers, contracts, powers of attorney, company documents and immigration records.
The website publishes a 2–3 day turnaround guide for sworn translation. Actual availability depends on the document, language pair, required jurisdiction, translator availability and any additional formal or physical-delivery steps.
Sworn translations are priced after review. The confirmed amount depends on the document length, languages, destination country, required translator authorisation, formatting, deadline and delivery method.
Not necessarily. Sworn translation, notarisation and apostille are different procedures. Arrange additional verification only when the receiving authority’s instructions require it.
A clear scan, PDF or photograph can be submitted for initial review. Include every relevant page and avoid cropped edges, blur, glare or missing reverse-side information. The final procedure may still require a printed copy or original document.
Hard-copy delivery can be discussed where the recipient or procedure requires physical documents. State this when submitting the request so the delivery method and expected timeline can be confirmed.
Include the source and target languages, destination country, receiving organisation and deadline. The appropriate sworn translation route, price and expected delivery can then be reviewed before work starts.
