Who Can Certify a Translation in the UK?

In the UK, any person who is competent in both languages and who is not the applicant (or a close family member) can certify a translation. There is no statutory requirement to use a member of a professional body — however, the Home Office, UKVI, and most UK authorities strongly prefer translations from professional translation agencies or qualified translators.

The UK’s Approach to Translation Certification

Unlike France, Germany, or Spain, the UK does not have a court-appointed sworn translator system. The legal basis for certifying translations in England and Wales comes from case law and Home Office guidance rather than statute.

The Home Office guidance states that a certified translation must be produced by a ‘professional translator’ — but does not define ‘professional’ in statute. In practice, this means the translator must be genuinely competent in both languages and must not have a conflict of interest (i.e., they cannot be translating their own documents).

Professional Bodies: ITI, CIOL, and ATC

While not mandatory, membership of a recognised professional body adds credibility to a certified translation:

• ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) — the UK’s professional membership body for translators and interpreters. Full members (MITI) have passed a professional assessment.
• CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) — another respected professional body. CIOL members who have passed the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) are particularly well-regarded.
• ATC (Association of Translation Companies) — the trade association for translation companies in the UK.

Can a Bilingual Friend or Family Member Certify?

No. The Home Office guidance is clear that the translator must not be the applicant or a close family member. Even if a friend is genuinely bilingual, using them as a translator for an immigration application creates a conflict of interest and risks rejection.

For any official use — immigration, court proceedings, academic admissions — you should use an independent professional translation agency or qualified translator.

What the Home Office and UKVI Expect

For Home Office and UKVI applications, the translation must:

• Be a complete translation of every word on the original document (including stamps, endorsements, and handwritten notes)
• Include the translator’s name and contact details
• Be signed and dated by the translator
• Be submitted with a copy of the original document

UKVI caseworkers compare the translated document against the original. If any part of the original is untranslated, the application may be delayed or refused.