One of the most common points of confusion when preparing documents for overseas use is whether you need a certified translation, an apostille, or both. The answer depends on the type of document, the destination country, and what the receiving authority requires. This guide explains the relationship between translation and apostille.
The Difference Between Translation and Apostille
These are two distinct processes that serve different purposes:
- Certified translation makes the content of a foreign-language document understandable. It is relevant when submitting a document in language A to an authority that works in language B.
- An apostille authenticates that a public document is genuine and was issued by the authority it purports to be from. It is relevant when submitting a UK document to a foreign authority that needs to verify its authenticity.
When Do You Need Both?
You need both a certified translation and an apostille when:
- You are submitting a UK English-language document to a non-English-speaking country that requires authenticated documents (e.g., a UK birth certificate for a Spanish residency application requires an apostille AND a Spanish translation)
- You are submitting a foreign-language document that also needs its authenticity verified
When Do You Need Only One?
You need only a certified translation (no apostille) when:
- Submitting a foreign-language document to a UK authority (Home Office, UKVI, UK courts) — UK authorities do not require apostilles on foreign documents submitted within the UK
You need only an apostille (no translation) when:
- Submitting a UK English-language document to a Hague Convention country that accepts English-language documents without translation (less common, but possible in some Anglophone countries)
Our Combined Service
We provide both services: certified translation and apostille. If you need both, we can handle the process end to end — we translate the document and obtain the apostille on your behalf, delivering everything together. Contact us with your specific requirements and we will advise on the best approach.
