How to Get an Apostille for a Translated Birth Certificate?

To get an apostille for a translated birth certificate in the UK, you need to follow two basic steps: first, get the apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on your original birth certificate. After that,  get a certified translation of the apostilled document. If you follow this order, then it can save your time, money, and the frustration of a rejected document abroad. 

In this blog, we will discuss every step included in the apostille process without any confusion.

Key Takeaways

• You must apostille the original birth certificate first and then get an apostille before commissioning the translation.
• Only the long (full) birth certificate is accepted internationally. The short version is often rejected. 
• Notaries and solicitors cannot certify copies of UK birth certificates due to Crown copyright. 
• A certified translation must include the translator’s signed statement of accuracy, credentials, and date. 
• The FCDO is the only authority that can issue an apostille for birth certificate or UK apostille certificate.

What Is an Apostille Certificate?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by FCDO that verifies whether the public document is genuine or not. It confirms that the authority, be it a notary, court, or registry office that issued your document, is legitimate. 

This system was introduced by the Hague Apostille Convention 1961. This was to simplify how documents are recognised internationally. Before this, documents had to be verified through multiple layers of authentication. Today, a single apostille stamp on a UK public document is accepted in over 120 member countries without any other authentication. 

Documents that require apostille legislation are: 

• Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificate
• Academic and university degree certificates
• Court orders and notary documents 
• Business contracts and company documents

It certifies the registrar’s verified signature or the GRO official seal. 

When Do You Need an Apostille for a Birth Certificate?

A birth certificate apostille is required in a wide range of situations. You will commonly need it for:

• Visa or birth certificate for immigration application
• Marriage abroad or registering a marriage in another country
• Dual citizenship or nationality application
• Adoption procedures, including foreign authorities 
• University enrollments 
• Residency applications in another country

Note: If your destination country is not a member of Hague Convention 1961, then the apostille is not enough for the requesting authority. 

How to Get Apostille for Translated Birth Certificate in UK: Step-by-Step

Here are the steps in correct order to avoid rejection by foreign authorities: 

Step 1: Get Your Long Birth Certificate From the GRO

Order a certified long version birth certificate directly from the General Register Office. Make sure the certification has the signature of a registered Superintendent Registrar. 

Step 2: Submit Your Certificate for Apostille Legislation

Send your original long birth certificate to FCDO. The apostille legalisation office checks that the documents were issued and legalised by a recognised official UK authority. Once verified, the FCDO attaches and stamps the apostille certificate. 

Step 3: Do Certified Translation of Apostille Document

This is the crucial birth certificate apostille process step by step. Once you receive your apostilled document, get a certified translation done. This is the correct apostille translation order. Translate after apostille, not before. 

Step 4: Receive and Submit Your Complete UK Document Set

Now you have a fully legalised and apostille translated document ready for official use abroad. You have the complete set, including the original and new birth certificate, the apostille stamp, and the certified translation used for official purposes. 

Short vs Long Birth Certificate: Which One Can Be Apostilled?

UK registry office issues two types of birth certificates. Knowing the difference between the two is important to know about the whole process: 

Always use the long (full) birth certificate translation for international purposes. Foreign authorities, including embassies, immigration offices, and universities needs details to confirm legal percentage, nationality, and family connections.

Why Notaries and Solicitors Cannot Certify Copies of UK Birth Certificates?

People ask is certified translation required for apostille? Yes, before you can apostille your UK birth certificate, you need an official certified copy issued by the General Register Office. The GRO has all records of births, deaths, etc., registered in England and Wales since 1837. 

The best way to order your certificate is through the GRO Online Service. You will need to provide GRO Index Reference. 

Birth Certificate Cost and Timeline

What Makes a Certified Translation Valid in the UK?

Apostilled document translation should follow the UK certified translation standards, which include:

This format ensures the translation can be trusted by foreign authorities, universities, courts, the legislation office, and government agencies, which follows apostille requirements for birth certificate.

Why Choose Translation.co.uk for Apostille Services?

Translation Services UK offers apostille translation services, including: 

• FCDO registered apostille services
• Same-day or next-day processing
• Quickest, secure, tracked document handling 
• Expert multilingual legalisation support with 200+ languages

Your request for translation will help our translator to know better about your legal translation needs for notarised, certified, or apostille a UK birth certificate to maintain authenticity.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions