German to English - Government Approved Translation of Documents

Government Approved Translation of Documents

Clients who ask for Government approved translations of documents are generally not aware that the UK does not have the concept of certified or sworn translators. For document translations to be approved by the UK government, translators who are qualified and members of a professional institute like the Chartered Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting can certify their own translations. These translations are accepted by the Home Office and all other UK government bodies for all requirements, including for visa applications.

The Home Office approves certified document translations of all official documents provided by a UK-based professional translator if:

• the translator is a full member of an official professional language organisation, for example the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) or the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL).
• the translator works for a language agency that belongs to the Association of Translation Companies.

Home Office Guidance for Government Approved Translations of Documents

The UK Home Office guidance for a certified translation of all official documents from German into English states:

If you need to provide a certified translation of an official document that’s not written in English or Welsh

• it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office. Each translation must include:
• confirmation from the translator that the translation is an accurate rendering of the original document
• the date of translation
• the translator’s full name and signature. A stamp is not required.
• the translator’s qualifications and professional affiliation
• the translator’s contact information

Full information on translations accepted by the Home Office can be read on page 48 in this pdf file.

Professional Government Approved Document Translation

As a professional translator for German to English I specialise in the certified translation of official documents. Additionally, I offer certified translations of documents from English into German, provided the documents are submitted through the German Embassy.

Official Certified Document Translation

My certified translations of official documents are accepted by the UK Home Office, all UK Government Departments, UK NARIC, HM Passport Office,  Embassies, UK insurance companies and banks, as well as schools and universities.

Explore my certification pages for detailed information on the rules and regulations governing the certified translation of bank statements from German into English.