Why the type of certification matters
When you need an English–Turkish document translated for a UK authority, you will quickly meet the words “certified”, “notarised”, “sworn” and sometimes “apostille”. They are not interchangeable. Each describes a different level of verification, and asking for the wrong one can mean paying for a step you do not need — or submitting a document an institution will not accept.
This guide explains, in plain terms, what each type of certification involves, how they differ, and which one UK authorities typically ask for when they receive an English–Turkish translation. It is general information to help you plan; the receiving institution always determines what it will accept. For the standards we apply to every file, see our certified translation services.
What a certified translation is
A certified translation is a complete and faithful rendering of a source document, prepared by a qualified translator and accompanied by a formal statement — usually called a Statement of Accuracy — confirming that the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original. The statement carries the translator’s name, credentials, signature and contact details, and is often stamped by the bureau that prepared it.
Certified translation is the most common requirement for English–Turkish documents submitted to UK institutions. It confirms who translated the document and that they stand behind its accuracy, without involving a notary or a court. For a fuller explanation of what this involves, read what a certified translation means for UK applications.
What a notarised translation is
A notarised translation adds a further step: a Notary Public signs and seals a certificate confirming that the translation was carried out. The notary does not re-translate the document or vouch for its linguistic accuracy; they verify the identity of the person who prepared it and witness their declaration.
Because a notary’s involvement adds time and cost, notarisation is usually requested only where the receiving body specifically asks for it — for example, certain overseas authorities, some court filings, or particular consular processes. For most UK Home Office and university submissions, a certified translation is sufficient, but the decision rests with the institution you are submitting to.
What a sworn translation is — and why the UK has no sworn translators
In Turkey and many civil-law countries, a “sworn translator” (yeminli tercüman) is a translator who has taken an oath before a public authority and is authorised to produce officially recognised translations. Documents they certify carry a particular legal weight in those jurisdictions.
The United Kingdom does not have an equivalent system of sworn translators. Instead, UK institutions rely on the translator’s professional credentials and a signed Statement of Accuracy. This is why an English–Turkish translation prepared for a UK authority is normally described as “certified” rather than “sworn”, even though it serves a comparable purpose. Our guide to the compliance checklist for certified Turkish translations in the UK sets out the elements we include.
What an apostille is — and what it is not
An apostille is a separate matter entirely. Issued under the Hague Apostille Convention, it authenticates the origin of a public document so that it is recognised between member countries. An apostille can be attached to the original document, or to a notarised translation, but it does not itself certify the quality of a translation.
In practice, apostille legalisation is needed when a document is travelling to another country that requires it — for example, a UK document being used in Turkey, or a Turkish document being used in another jurisdiction. For straightforward UK submissions, an apostille is rarely required. If you are unsure whether your situation calls for one, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance is the authoritative source, and we can help you understand where translation fits into the wider process.
Which type do UK authorities usually need?
Requirements vary by institution and by the purpose of the submission, so it is always worth confirming directly with the body that will receive your document. As a starting point, the following reflects what is typically requested for English–Turkish documents in the UK:
- Home Office and UKVI — a certified English translation with a signed Statement of Accuracy is usually sufficient for visa, settlement and immigration applications. See our immigration & asylum translation services.
- UK courts and tribunals — a certified translation is commonly accepted, though some proceedings may ask for notarisation depending on the document and the jurisdiction. See our legal & medical translation services.
- Universities and recognition bodies — a certified translation is typically expected for diplomas, transcripts and civil registry documents submitted for admissions or comparability checks.
- HMRC and government departments — a certified translation is usually adequate, with specific wording or format requested in some cases.
- Consulates and overseas authorities — these may require notarisation, an apostille, or both, because the document is leaving the UK for another jurisdiction.
How to confirm what your institution requires
A short check before you commission a translation can save time and avoid paying for a step you do not need. We suggest:
- Ask the receiving institution directly which level of certification it requires — certified, notarised, or apostille — and whether it specifies a format or wording.
- Confirm the direction of translation: Turkish-to-English is most common for UK submissions, but English-to-Turkish arises where a document is destined for use in Turkey.
- Share the intended use and deadline so the translation can be prepared and certified in the format expected, and prioritised if it is urgent.
- Keep the original available, as the receiving authority may wish to compare the translation against the source document.
Request the right certification for your document
If you are unsure which type of certification your English–Turkish document needs, send us the details and we will help you understand the options before work begins. We prepare certified translations with a signed Statement of Accuracy and translator credentials, and can arrange notarisation or advise on apostille legalisation where a specific authority requires it. Request a quote, email info@gtranslation.co.uk, or call +44 7990 096669 / +44 20 3637 4669.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notarised translation for the Home Office?
For most Home Office and UKVI submissions, a certified English translation with a signed Statement of Accuracy is sufficient. Notarisation is usually only required where a specific authority asks for it. We recommend confirming the requirement with the institution that will receive your document, and we can arrange notarisation where it is needed.
What is the difference between certified and sworn translation?
A certified translation is accompanied by a signed Statement of Accuracy from a qualified translator. A sworn translation is produced by a translator who has taken an oath before a public authority, a system used in Turkey and other civil-law countries. The UK has no equivalent system of sworn translators, so UK institutions rely on certified translation and the translator’s professional credentials instead.
Does the UK have sworn translators?
No. The United Kingdom does not operate a system of sworn translators. UK authorities instead accept certified translations prepared by qualified translators who provide a signed Statement of Accuracy and their professional credentials.
Is an apostille the same as a certified translation?
No. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document so it is recognised between Hague Convention countries; it does not certify the accuracy of a translation. A certified translation confirms that the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original. The two serve different purposes and are sometimes combined when a document is destined for use abroad.
How do I know which certification my document needs?
The receiving institution determines what it will accept, so the most reliable step is to ask it directly whether it requires a certified, notarised or apostilled translation. Share the intended use and destination of your document with us, and we will advise on the appropriate certification before work begins.
Get an English–Turkish translation quote
Send your document and our London team will respond the same business day.