Birth Certificate Translation Services UK
Espresso Translations is an industry-leading birth certificate translation provider, offering a range of services, including certified translation, sworn translation, an apostille service, and notarised translations.
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Certified translations of birth certificates
Birth certificate translations are one of the most requested services in the UK. It involves translating a birth certificate from its original language into another language.
There are many instances where one might need their birth certificate translated, including for presentation to UK authorities, foreign government bodies or for university applications.
Birth certificate translations can usually be completed within 24 hours and costs start from £30 + VAT. We also offer an express same-day service for more urgent requests.
Our team of qualified and accredited translators will provide you with a translation of your birth certificate that is fit for purpose and meets the requirements of your specific needs.
The table below shows the main features of our birth certificate translation service.
| Accepted by | A wide range of government bodies |
| Translator Credentials | Accredited translators with 5+ years of experience |
| Types of Legalisation | Certified, sworn, notarised |
| Quality Assurance | ISO 17100 certified |
| Cost | Prices start from £30 + VAT |
| Languages | Over 150 different languages |
| Delivery | Express service for urgent translation needs |
| Other services | Apostille service available |
What is a birth certificate translation?
Birth certificate translation is the process of translating a birth certificate from its original language into another language. In the UK, there are two types of birth certificates: a short form and a long form.
The short form version contains only the child’s full name, gender, place and date of birth. A long or full form birth certificate is a more detailed copy of the entry in the register of births. It contains parental information including name, occupation and address.
If you need to translate a birth certificate for official use, it is recommended that the long version is translated. Some foreign organisations and governments may also request that your birth certificate is apostilled and/or sworn.
When translating a birth certificate to be used in the UK, a certified copy of your birth certificate is valid for official bodies such as the UK Passport Office, Home Office and Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.
Why do I need to translate my birth certificate?
You may need an official translation of your full birth certificate in the instances listed below:
• Visa or passport applications
• Getting married or entering into a civil partnership
• Applying for residency
• Confirming your country of birth
• Applying to join a foreign country’s healthcare system
Document translation for UK visa applications is required when the original documents are not written in the English or Welsh language.
For non-UK nationals getting married in a UK registry office or church, a foreign birth certificate translated into English will be needed.
When applying for residency either in the UK or overseas, the local immigration office may request a certified copy of your translated birth certificate.
If you wish to study at a foreign university, the admissions department may also request a translation into the respective language. Similarly, foreign students applying to UK universities will require a foreign birth certificate translation.
In order to be considered valid in the UK, a translated birth certificate must be completed by a qualified, professional translator and accompanied by a translation certification. Overseas translation requirements will vary depending on the country’s specific regulations. In many cases you will be asked for a sworn birth certificate translation.
Our official birth certificate translation services
Espresso Translations is a certified translation agency in London that provides certified translations of birth certificates that are valid for official use in the UK.
With many years of experience providing certified translation services in both the UK and abroad, we guarantee that your birth certificate translation will be suitable for whatever official or legal purpose you need it.
We have a network of over 2000 translators, meaning we can offer certified birth certificate translation services in over 150 different languages. As we are ISO-certified, our translators have more than 5 years’ experience and only ever translate into their native language.
Whether you need to use your translations in the UK or another country, our team of specialist translation experts can advise you on the type of official translation you need for your birth certificate.
Our certified birth certificate translations are accepted by all UK government bodies including the Home Office, UK Passport Office, Home Office and Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), HM Courts & Tribunals and the UK NARIC. They are also accepted by UK universities and other academic institutions.
If you need to provide foreign embassies or government offices with your birth certificate, we can translate and certify it in a number of different languages.
Birth certificate translations accepted by:
How do I translate a birth certificate UK?
To get a certified translation of a birth certificate, you will need to seek the assistance of a birth certificate translation provider.
At Espresso Translations, we have streamlined our process so that you can get your birth certificate translated easily and quickly:
- Send a clear, legible photocopy of your personal documents either by email or using our online form
- Let us know the language combination, which country you need to submit your documents to and for what purpose
- We will get back to you with a quote and turnaround time within one hour
- We will email you a copy of your translated and certified birth certificate, respecting the same formatting as the original
- We can post hard copies out to you for a small fee
What do our clients say?
We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, including speedy support and comprehensive guidance from our project managers. Check out our customer reviews:
I recently utilized the certified translation services offered by Espresso Translations, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and efficient.
– David
NHS
The translations provided by Espresso Translations were of exceptional quality. The accuracy and precision with which they translated my official documents were impressive.
– Paul
British Embassy
How long does it take to translate a birth certificate?
We can usually translate and certify a birth certificate within one working day of you placing the order. This may take longer if the original document has particularly complex formatting.
If you need an urgent birth certificate translation, we offer an express solution that means you get your translated birth certificate within a matter of hours.
How much does it cost to translate a birth certificate UK?
Prices start from £30 for standard certification which includes free delivery of digital copies. Translation quotes are calculated based on the language pair, number of words to be translated and the complexity of the formatting. Postage charges for hard copies start at £5.
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What does a translated birth certificate look like
Here is an example of a translation certification:
Does a birth certificate need to be translated?
Birth certificates need to be translated when being used for official purposes both in the UK and overseas. The exact requirement for translation varies from country to country.
Some countries accept a certified translation, while others only accept a sworn translation. If you are unsure whether you need your birth document certified or sworn, we definitely recommend verifying the specific requirements with the requesting entity.
Birth certificate translation for immigration
If you are moving to the UK from abroad, your birth certificate will need to be translated and submitted to the UK Visas and Immigration Service. It is used to verify both your identity and nationality and is a vital part of background checks before the respective authorisations to stay will be granted.
Similarly, if you move from the UK to a non-English speaking country, you will need to have your UK birth certificate translated into that country’s language.
Birth certificate translation for UK passports
UK passport applicants who provide birth certificates in English or Welsh do not need to have the document translated. For those born outside the UK applying for their first passport, the requirements for documentation depend on the country in which they were born.
If, for example, you have an American, Australian or South African passport, you do not need a translation as it is already written in English.
Birth certificate translation for visas
Anyone applying for a UK visa must submit a translated version of their birth certificate together with other documents that will need to be translated and certified.
If you are applying for a visa in another country, you will have to check their specific requirements for translating British documents. You can usually find the requirements with a quick online search or by contacting your local embassy.
Birth certificate translation for marriage licenses
To obtain a marriage license in a foreign country, you will likely need to have your UK birth certificate translated in order for it to be considered legally valid. Similarly, if you want to legalise your overseas marriage in the UK, a translation of a birth certificate is usually requested.
Birth certificate translation for citizenship applications
If applying for British citizenship, you will need to provide an English translation of your birth certificate if it is in a non-English language. This has to be done by a professional translator who will certify the translation.
Similarly, if you are a UK citizen applying for citizenship in another country, you will have to provide a translated copy of your birth certificate that meets that country’s requirements.
Who can translate a birth certificate?
A professional, qualified translator or translation agency can translate and certify birth certificates for use in the UK. We work with native speakers who specialise in UK birth certificate translation and who only ever translate into their mother tongue.
Where can I get birth certificate translation near me?
We offer official birth certificate translation in London and worldwide. You may be wondering ‘where can I find birth certificate translation services near me?’ but, surprisingly, you don’t need to use a local service as nowadays everything can be done remotely.
With a network of translators spanning the globe and a team of notarisation and legalisation partners in several countries, we can help whatever and wherever your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I certify a translated birth certificate?
Professional birth certificate translators are able to provide official translation of birth certificates. You should contact a translation provider that specialises in certified translation services.
Espresso Translations has a large team of certified translators from many languages into English. They will translate your birth certificate and then add a translation certification that affirms that it’s a ‘true and accurate’ translation of the original document. This certification is recognised by the UK government as giving the translation legal validity.
Where to get a birth certificate translated and notarised near me?
Espresso Translations offers birth certificate translation and notarisation services in both London and globally. With a network of professional translators and notaries worldwide, we can have your translations stamped and sealed by a notary in a number of countries. It should be noted that a solicitor cannot offer this service, only a notary public.
How to get a birth certificate translated and apostilled?
Some countries may request that your birth certificate translation is apostilled. It is worth checking the exact requirements as some countries may want an apostille for the original document, others may want an apostille for the sworn translation.
An apostille verifies the signature of the public official that has signed either the original birth certificate or has witnessed the swearing of the translation. An apostille will only be requested by countries who are part of the Hague Convention.
We have a team of experts who have the knowledge and experience required to translate and apostille birth certificates in the UK and worldwide.
Does a translated birth certificate need to be notarised?
If you are using your documents in the UK, they don’t usually need to be notarised. If, however, you will be using your documents overseas, some UK based embassies may request that your documents be notarised by a UK notary public. Requirements in foreign countries may differ, but our team of experts can advise on how to determine exactly what kind of birth certificate translation you need.
Can a notary translate a birth certificate?
A notary cannot translate a birth certificate. Only a qualified translator can translate documents. A notary simply verifies the identity and signature of the translator.
Can anyone translate a birth certificate?
Only a professional translator has the experience necessary to accurately translate and certify a birth certificate.
Can I translate my own birth certificate?
You cannot translate your own birth certificate if you need to use it for official purposes. A translation that you do yourself will not be accepted by government bodies, foreign entities or academic institutions.
How to get a certified translation of a birth certificate?
Contact us today if you are looking for a professional service that is guaranteed to be accepted by public bodies in the UK and overseas. Please use the form online or contact us by email or phone for a free quote. We will get back to you within one hour with a cost and estimated delivery time.
Be sure to send us clear scans of your documents and let us know in which country you intend to use them. Requirements may vary depending on the country, and additional services are often required. Please ask us if you have other documents that should also be translated. This way, we can provide one comprehensive quote and offer a more convenient price.