Legal, Medical & Contract Documents: Translation Standards in the UK
17 Nov 2025
When life takes you across borders whether for immigration, marriage, education, or business accurate document translation becomes essential. At Document Translation Services (DTS), we don't just translate words; we provide certified translations that official authorities accept worldwide.
Why Choose Professional Document Translation?
Guaranteed Acceptance by Official Bodies
With over a decade of experience translating and certifying documents into English, we understand exactly what UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), courts, universities, and other official bodies require. Our translations are accepted by:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service
- Australian Immigration
- HM Passport Office
- New Zealand Immigration
- European Union authorities
The UKVI Standard
Foreign language documents submitted to UKVI must meet specific requirements. According to UK government guidelines, every translation must include:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation
- The date of translation
- The translator's full name and signature
- The translator's contact details
We've translated thousands of birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, bank statements, and police clearance certificates for UKVI applications. When you choose DTS, you can trust that your translation will meet these standards.
Our Certification Process
As proud members of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies (EUATC), and the American Translators Association (ATA), we follow a strict Code of Professional Conduct.
Every certified translation we provide includes a Certificate of Translation Accuracy on our official letterhead, featuring:
- A signed statement confirming accuracy
- Our company stamp and contact details
- Membership credentials from professional associations
- Date of translation
This certification guarantees that your documents will be accepted by the relevant authorities wherever they need to be submitted.
Types of Official Translations We Provide
Certified Translation Services
Our most popular service, certified translation, is required for most official submissions in the UK. We issue a Certificate of Translation Accuracy that confirms the translation is a true and faithful representation of the original document. No need to post original documents simply upload or email them to us.
Notarised Translation Services
For documents requiring additional legal verification, we offer notarised translations certified in front of a notary public. This service is often needed for international contracts, court proceedings, and cross-border legal matters.
Sworn Translation Services
When legal authorities require a translator authorized by law, we provide sworn translations that carry official legal weight. These are commonly needed for court judgments, international agreements, and official notarial documents.
Legalised Translation Services
For use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention or require embassy legalization, we can arrange for your translations to be properly legalised for international acceptance.
Documents We Translate
We handle over 100 different types of official documents across all areas of life:
Immigration & Visa Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Police clearance certificates
- Passport copies
Academic Documents
- Degree certificates
- Diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- School reports
- Professional qualifications
Legal & Financial Documents
- Court orders
- Legal contracts
- Bank statements
- Financial records
- Business agreements
Medical Documents
- Medical records
- Prescriptions
- Clinical reports
- Insurance claims
- Patient histories
Languages We Support
With support for over 110 languages, we can translate your documents from virtually any language into English or vice versa. Our most commonly requested languages include:
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Greek
- Romanian
- Turkish
- Dutch
- Japanese
- Korean
- Thai
- Indonesian
- And many more
How It Works
Getting your documents translated and certified with DTS is simple:
- Get a Quote: Upload your document via our website or email it to us for a free, no-obligation quote
- Place Your Order: Once you approve the quote, our experienced translators begin work
- Quality Check: Every translation undergoes thorough review for accuracy and completeness
- Receive Your Translation: We deliver your certified translation digitally, ready for submission
No complicated procedures. No sending originals by post. Just straightforward, professional service.
Translation for Key Life Events
Life's important moments often require official documentation. We're here to help with:
- Visa & Immigration: Complete your application with confidence
- Marriage: Translate foreign certificates for UK registration
- Divorce: Ensure foreign divorce decrees are properly certified
- Mortgage: Provide translated financial documents to lenders
- University: Submit certified academic credentials
- Court: Translate legal documents for proceedings
- Passport: Provide supporting documentation
- Medical: Translate health records for treatment or insurance
Privacy and Data Protection
We take the confidentiality of your documents seriously. As an ICO-compliant company, we:
- Use secure transfer methods for all documents
- Maintain strict confidentiality agreements with our translators
- Protect personal data according to UK GDPR requirements
- Store documents securely with controlled access
- Delete files after service completion upon request
Why Accuracy Matters
In legal, medical, and official contexts, precision is everything. A mistranslation in a court document could affect case outcomes. An error in medical records could impact patient care. An inaccurate visa application translation could lead to rejection.
Our translators don't just speak multiple languages, they understand the specialized terminology and legal requirements of the documents they translate. Every member of our team is:
- Experienced in professional translation
- Qualified in their language pairs
- Knowledgeable about UK official requirements
- Committed to accuracy and quality
Our Track Record
With over 98,000 translated documents and service across 74 countries, we've built our reputation on reliability, accuracy, and customer service. Our clients choose us because:
- We guarantee acceptance by official authorities
- We deliver on time, every time
- We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- We offer responsive customer support
- We maintain the highest professional standards
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're applying for a UK visa, registering a foreign marriage, enrolling at university, or handling legal matters, trust Document Translation Services to handle your translation needs professionally and accurately.
With membership in leading professional associations, compliance with data protection regulations, and a decade of experience, we're the trusted choice for thousands of clients worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a professionally translated document accompanied by a signed statement confirming its accuracy. The certification includes translator details, date, and often membership credentials from professional associations.
Are your translations accepted by UKVI?
Yes, absolutely. We've been translating documents for UKVI applications for over a decade and guarantee that our certifications meet UK government requirements.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the document type, language pair, and turnaround time. Upload your document or email it to us for an instant, free quote.
What is the turnaround time?
Most standard documents are completed within 24-48 hours. We also offer express services for urgent requests.
How will I receive my translation?
We deliver certified translations digitally via email in PDF format. If you need hard copies, we can arrange postal delivery.
Do I need to send original documents?
No. We work from scanned copies or photos. Simply upload or email clear, legible images of your documents.