Apostille and Translation in the UK: Do You Need Both?
If you are sending a UK document abroad, or using a foreign document in the UK, you may hear two terms: apostille and certified translation. They solve different problems, and many people need both.
What an apostille does
An apostille confirms that a signature, stamp or seal on a public document is genuine. In the UK, apostilles are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office. It does not translate anything.
What a translation does
A certified translation makes the content readable in another language, with a signed statement confirming accuracy.
The order matters
- Get the apostille on the original document first, if the destination country requires one.
- Then translate the document, including the apostille itself.
- Some countries also require the translation to be notarised or legalised. Check with the receiving authority.
Sworn translation for some countries
Countries such as Spain, France and Italy often expect a sworn translation rather than a UK certified one. Each has its own system: France uses translators appointed as experts by a court of appeal, Spain uses translators appointed by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in Italy the translator swears the translation before a court official or notary.
Getting help
Espresso Translations (espressotranslations.co.uk) translates apostilled documents and can advise on the right format for the destination country. Certified translations cost £30 per page (up to 250 words) and are delivered in 24 to 48 hours; sworn translations cost £55 per page and take 7 to 14 working days.