Sworn Translation
in London

Sworn Translation Services in London

If you’ve been told you need a “sworn translation” for documents being submitted to authorities in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, or other countries that operate a sworn translation system, you’re in the right place. The UK does not have a formal sworn translator system like many European countries[reference:68][reference:69]. Instead, we provide certified translations with notarisation where required — which are accepted by authorities worldwide as the equivalent of a sworn translation[reference:70].

We are a London-based translation service providing sworn translations for legal, immigration, academic, and business use[reference:71]. All translations are completed by university-qualified, experienced human translators[reference:72] who understand the specific requirements of different countries and authorities. We advise you on exactly what your receiving authority requires — certified, sworn, notarised, or legalised — so your documents are accepted first time, every time[reference:73].

What Is a Sworn Translation?

A sworn translation is a legally certified translation that is signed and stamped by a qualified translator who swears an oath (or makes a formal declaration) that the translation is accurate and complete[reference:74]. In countries that operate a sworn translation system — including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Belgium, and many Latin American countries — this type of translation is required for official documents submitted to courts, government authorities, embassies, and universities[reference:75].

Important UK context: The UK does not have a formal “sworn translator” system like many European countries[reference:76][reference:77]. UKVI and the Home Office accept “certified translations” completed by qualified translators[reference:78]. However, if your documents are being submitted to authorities in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, or other countries that require sworn translations, you will need a sworn translation — which we provide through certified translation with notarisation where required[reference:79].

Which Countries Require Sworn Translations?

Sworn translations are typically required for documents being submitted to authorities in[reference:80]:

• Spain — for residency applications, marriage registration, court proceedings, and legal matters
• Italy — for citizenship applications, marriage, and legal proceedings
• France — for court documents, administrative matters, and legal proceedings
• Germany — for court documents, notarisation, and official matters
• Greece — for court and government submissions
• Austria — for court and official matters
• Poland — for court, notary, and government submissions
• Portugal — for court and government submissions[reference:81]
• Belgium — for legal and official matters
• The Netherlands — for court and government submissions
• Many Latin American countries — including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile

If you’re not sure whether your documents need a sworn translation, contact us and we’ll advise you based on your destination country and receiving authority[reference:82].

Documents We Sworn Translate

We provide sworn translations for a wide range of documents, including[reference:83][reference:84]:

• Birth certificates — for visa applications, immigration, and overseas registration[reference:85]
• Marriage certificates — for immigration, marriage registration abroad, and legal matters[reference:86]
• Divorce decrees — for overseas legal proceedings and registration[reference:87]
• Death certificates — for overseas legal and administrative purposes
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates — for university admissions, NARIC assessments, and professional registration[reference:88]
• Police clearance certificates — for visa applications, immigration, and overseas employment[reference:89]
• Court documents — for international legal proceedings and overseas filing[reference:90]
• Contracts and legal agreements — for international business and overseas legal use[reference:91]
• Immigration documents — for visa applications, residency, and citizenship[reference:92]
• Medical reports — for overseas insurance claims, legal matters, and immigration
• Company registration documents — for overseas business filing and legal compliance[reference:93]

Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. Here’s the simple answer[reference:94][reference:95]:

• Certified translation — A translation completed by a qualified translator who certifies that it is accurate and complete with a signed statement of truth[reference:96]. This is generally sufficient for UKVI, the Home Office, UK courts, and UK universities[reference:97].
• Sworn translation — A translation that carries the official stamp and signature of a translator who has sworn an oath (or made a formal declaration) that the translation is accurate. This is typically required for documents being submitted to authorities in countries that operate a sworn translation system — particularly in Europe and Latin America[reference:98].
• Notarised translation — A certified translation that has been witnessed and stamped by a notary public[reference:99]. This is sometimes required for documents being submitted to authorities in certain countries or for certain purposes[reference:100].
• Legalised translation — A translation that has been certified by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and/or the relevant embassy. This is typically required for documents being submitted to authorities in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention[reference:101].

When you contact us, we’ll advise you on exactly what your receiving authority requires — so you don’t pay for unnecessary certification or miss a requirement that could delay your application[reference:102].

Why Choose Translations London for Your Sworn Translation?

Based in Isleworth, West London[reference:103], we provide sworn translations that are accepted by UKVI, the Home Office, UK courts, and authorities worldwide[reference:104]. Our translators are human, qualified professionals[reference:105] who understand the specific requirements of different countries and authorities. We offer transparent pricing, fast turnaround, and expert advice — so your documents are accepted first time, every time.[reference:106]