Translations and certified copies, explained
Two requests that confuse almost everyone, what each one means, and when to pay for them.
Two requests confuse almost everyone: a certified copy and a certified translation. They are different things, and you may need one, both or neither.
Certified copies
A copy that an authorised person has compared with the original and signed. Who counts as authorised depends on where the application is going, so check before you pay anyone.
Certified translations
A translation of a document that isn’t in the language the application needs, prepared by a qualified translator and signed as accurate.
Our advice
Don’t pay for either until we know which documents the application actually needs. We tell you exactly what to translate or certify, and nothing more.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ between countries and change over time, so speak to a registered adviser about your own situation.