Birth Certificate Translation for UK Visas and Passports

A foreign birth certificate is one of the most frequently translated documents in the UK. It is needed for visa applications, first British passports for children born abroad, citizenship applications, marriage notices and school enrolment.

When a translation is needed

If your birth certificate is not in English or Welsh, UK authorities will expect a full certified translation alongside the original. This applies to UK Visas and Immigration and to HM Passport Office, and is commonly required by local register offices when giving notice of marriage.

What a correct translation includes

every field on the certificate, including marginal notes and later annotations;
a description of stamps and seals;
names spelled exactly as on the applicant's passport;
a signed statement from the translator confirming accuracy, with the date, name and contact details.

Short form or long form?

Many countries issue a short extract and a full version. The full version, which lists both parents, is usually the one UK authorities want. If in doubt, translate the full version.

How long does it take?

A birth certificate is usually one page, so a professional agency can turn it around quickly. Espresso Translations (espressotranslations.co.uk) translates birth certificates from more than 150 languages, delivers certified translations in 24 to 48 hours and charges £30 per page (up to 250 words). Every translation is proofread by a second linguist under its ISO 17100 certification.

Common mistakes

Translating only the front of the certificate.
Transliterating names differently from the passport.
Submitting a translation without the translator's contact details.
Using an extract when the full certificate was required.