When you use a UK document abroad, getting an apostille may only be one part of the process. Many foreign authorities also require the document to be translated into the local language before they will accept it.

This is common for marriage abroad, visa applications, residency, citizenship, court proceedings, property transactions, company registration, academic recognition and professional licensing.

The important question is not only whether you need a translation, but also when it should be completed: before apostille, after apostille, or as a separate legalised translation.

This guide explains when certified translation may be required after apostille, how the process works and what to check before submitting your documents overseas.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

The certification may include:

• Translator’s name
• Translator’s signature
• Date of translation
• Language pair
• Confirmation of accuracy
• Translator or agency contact details
• Stamp or certification wording

A certified translation is commonly used for official, legal, immigration and administrative documents.

Some countries use the term sworn translation instead. A sworn translation may need to be completed by a translator officially recognised in the destination country.

Why translation may be needed after apostille

An apostille confirms that the signature, stamp or seal on a UK document is genuine. It does not translate the document.

If the receiving authority does not work in English, they may need the document translated so they can understand:

• The content of the document
• The apostille certificate
• Names and dates
• Legal wording
• Court or registry details
• Academic information
• Company information
• Medical or financial details

In many cases, the translation is completed after the apostille so that both the original document and the apostille certificate are translated together.

When might you need certified translation after apostille?

Certified translation after apostille may be required when the document is being used in a country where English is not the official language or where the receiving authority requires documents in the local language.

Common situations include:

• Getting married abroad
• Applying for a visa
• Applying for residency
• Applying for citizenship
• Registering a birth, marriage or death overseas
• Submitting documents to a foreign court
• Buying or selling property abroad
• Opening a company overseas
• Registering with a professional body
• Applying to a university abroad
• Completing inheritance or probate matters
• Submitting medical or police documents
• Dealing with foreign tax or banking authorities

The exact requirement depends on the country, authority and document type.

Which documents often need translation?

Many UK documents may need translation after apostille.

Common examples include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce final orders
• Certificates of No Impediment
• Letters of No Trace
• Adoption certificates
• Deed poll documents
• DBS certificates
• ACRO police certificates
• Medical certificates
• Doctor’s letters
• Degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Powers of attorney
• Affidavits
• Statutory declarations
• Bank statements
• Employer letters
• Companies House documents
• Certificates of incorporation
• Business contracts

Some documents may also need translation of supporting attachments, schedules or exhibits.

Translation before or after apostille?

This is one of the most important questions to check.

Some authorities require the UK document to be apostilled first, then translated. This allows the translator to include the apostille certificate in the translation.

Others require the document to be translated first, especially if the translation itself needs to be certified, notarised or apostilled.

There are three common routes:

• Apostille the UK document first, then translate the apostilled document
• Translate the UK document first, then certify and apostille the translation
• Apostille both the original document and the certified translation separately

The correct route depends on the foreign authority’s instructions.

Why apostille-first translation is common

Apostille-first translation is common because the apostille certificate becomes part of the document being submitted abroad.

This may be required where the receiving authority wants to read:

• The original UK document
• The apostille certificate
• The FCDO authentication wording
• Dates and reference details on the apostille
• Any certification wording from a solicitor or notary

If the translation is completed before apostille, the apostille itself will not be included in the translated text unless a second translation is arranged later.

When might translation need its own apostille?

In some cases, the translation itself may need to be legalised.

This may apply if the receiving authority asks for:

• Certified translation with apostille
• Sworn translation with apostille
• Notarised translation
• Translation certified by a solicitor or Notary Public
• Translation attached to the original document
• Separate apostille on the translation

In this case, the translator’s certification or solicitor/notary certification may need to be apostilled separately.

Before arranging this, confirm exactly whether the apostille is required on the original UK document, the translation, or both.

Certified translation vs sworn translation

The terms certified translation and sworn translation are often used differently across countries.

A certified translation is usually translated by a professional translator or agency with a signed statement of accuracy.

A sworn translation is often completed by a translator who is officially authorised or sworn in a particular country.

For example, some authorities in Europe may request a sworn translation completed by a locally recognised translator. Others may accept a UK-certified translation.

Before ordering translation, ask the receiving authority whether they require:

• UK certified translation
• Sworn translation
• Translation by an approved local translator
• Translation by an embassy-approved translator
• Translation after apostille
• Legalisation of the translation

Does the apostille itself need translation?

Often, yes.

If the receiving authority requires the full document to be translated, the apostille certificate may also need to be translated.

This is why many people translate the document after apostille. The translator can then include:

• Main document text
• Solicitor or notary certification wording, if any
• Apostille certificate wording
• Stamps, seals and visible notes
• Dates and reference numbers

This helps the foreign authority understand the complete legalised document package.

Does translation replace apostille?

No. Translation and apostille serve different purposes.

An apostille authenticates the signature, stamp or seal on the UK document.

A translation makes the document readable in another language.

A translated document without apostille may still be rejected if the authority requires legalisation. Likewise, an apostilled document may still be rejected if the authority requires translation.

In many cases, both are needed.

Translation and embassy attestation

If the destination country is outside the Hague Apostille Convention, embassy attestation may also be required after apostille.

The translation order can become more important in these cases.

Depending on the country, the document may need to be:

• Apostilled, embassy-attested, then translated
• Apostilled, translated, then embassy-attested
• Translated first, then notarised, apostilled and attested
• Submitted with a local sworn translation after arrival

Non-Hague countries may have stricter rules, so check the exact process before starting.

What information should you confirm before translation?

Before arranging certified translation, ask the receiving authority:

• Is translation required?
• Which language is required?
• Should the apostille be translated too?
• Should translation happen before or after apostille?
• Is a certified translation enough?
• Is a sworn translation required?
• Must the translator be approved locally?
• Does the translation need notarisation?
• Does the translation need its own apostille?
• Does embassy attestation need to happen before or after translation?
• Are names, dates or addresses required in a specific format?

Getting these answers early can prevent repeated translation costs.

Common mistakes with apostille and translation

Common mistakes include:

• Translating the document before apostille when the apostille also needed translation
• Apostilling the original but forgetting the translation requirement
• Using a non-certified translation for an official process
• Choosing a UK-certified translation when a sworn local translation was required
• Not translating solicitor or notary certification wording
• Not translating the apostille certificate
• Sending documents abroad before translation or attestation was complete
• Assuming all countries accept the same translation format
• Not checking whether the translation itself needs legalisation
• Missing embassy attestation requirements

These mistakes can cause delays, especially for marriage, visa, property and court matters.

How long does apostille and translation take?

The timescale depends on the document type, language, number of pages and whether additional legalisation is required.

At The Apostille Office, the main apostille service options are:

• Premium Apostille Service — 1 working day
• Express Apostille Service — 5 working days

Translation, embassy attestation and international delivery are separate stages and should be added to the overall timeline.

If you have a visa appointment, wedding date, court deadline or property completion date, start as early as possible.

Apostille and translation checklist

Before using a UK document abroad, check:

• Does the document need apostille?
• Does it need translation?
• Should the translation happen before or after apostille?
• Does the apostille certificate need translation?
• Is certified translation accepted?
• Is sworn translation required?
• Does the translation need notarisation?
• Does the translation need its own apostille?
• Is embassy attestation required?
• Are there deadline or issue-date rules?
• Does the receiving authority require paper documents?

Checking these details before starting can help avoid rejection and repeated costs.

Need help with apostille and certified translation?

If you need a UK document apostilled and translated for use abroad, our team can help you choose the correct order and format.

We can advise whether your document needs solicitor or notary certification, arrange apostille legalisation, and help with certified translation, embassy attestation and secure delivery where required.

Contact The Apostille Office on +44 (0) 204 630 6700 and we will help you prepare your documents correctly for the destination country.