At Kwintessential, we are regularly asked for "certified", "official" or "legal" translations. For many of the individuals requesting the service, it is the first time that they have come across such terms and, as such, will need to fully understand what is being requested of them.
As a starter, you should always ensure that you verify the type of legalisation required for your translated documents prior to authorising the work as the level of legalisation varies depending on the nature of the document and the purpose for which is being translated and legalised.
Certified Translations
A certified translation is the translation of a document which is typically required for official use by a non-governmental organisation. Translations are usually required to be certified by institutions such as universities, schools, insurance providers or potential future employers.
Examples of documents which may fall into this category include:
- Birth, marriage, divorce or academic certificates
- Official transcripts, such as school, work, medical reports
- Regulatory documents such as power of attorney, contracts, etc.
- Household bills
As part of the Certified Translation Service, Kwintessential will translate the documents, stamp them with our company stamp and an appropriate reference number and return them with a certificate which confirms that they have been translated by a qualified translator, that we believe them to be accurate and ‘true’ translations and finally attesting to our membership with a professional translation body.
Costs: Price on asking; please send us your documents to review.
Notarised Translations
Notarised translations are often required by formal governmental and legal bodies. The process of notarisation is more formal than that required for certification.
Notarisation of translation involves the translator of the document/s attending the offices of a Public Notary and declaring both on oath and in writing that the translation is a true and honest translation.
The Notary will then mark the translation accordingly with a certified stamp.
It is often the case that original documents are required for this purpose. For this reason, you should always check with the body requesting the legalisation.
Costs: Only £70 + VAT for one document and then £10 for each subsequent document. This is for notarisation of the document(s) only and does not include translation. Postage costs are additional.
Legalisation/Apostille
This level of certification is required for documents which are to be used overseas with countries working in compliance with the Hague Convention. Examples of documents falling into this category include those supporting an overseas marriage, adoption, visa or job application.
The process essentially involves the same steps as those for notarisation. The documents resulting from this process are then sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The official acting on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office completes a final document which confirms that the Notary signing the notarisation had the authority in which to do so. This final document acts as proof that all legal avenues have been completed and that the authenticity of the document should not be contested.
Costs: Only £50 + VAT for per document. This is for an apostille only and does not include translation. Postage costs are additional.
