What Documents Should I Translate To Get Married In The UK

Documents That May Need Translation

1. Birth Certificate

• You will likely need to provide your birth certificate as proof of identity and age. If your birth certificate is in a language other than English or Welsh, it must be translated by a certified translator. The translation must include all details from the original, such as names, dates, and places of birth.

2. Passport

• If your passport includes non-English or non-Welsh sections (such as personal details or visas), these parts must be translated. This requirement is less common but may apply to passports with bilingual or multilingual text.

3. Proof of Residence

• Documents showing your address, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements, need to be translated if they are not in English or Welsh. This helps establish your residency status.

4. Divorce or Annulment Certificate

• If either party was previously married or in a civil partnership, you must provide a divorce decree or annulment certificate if applicable. This document must be translated if it is not in English or Welsh to prove that you are legally free to marry.

5. Death Certificate of Former Spouse

• If your former spouse has passed away and you are remarrying, you need to provide a death certificate of the former spouse. If this document is in another language, it must be translated.

6. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

• This certificate confirms that there is no legal reason preventing you from getting married. If issued in a foreign language, it must be translated. Some countries also require this document to be legalized with an apostille.

7. Parental Consent (if applicable)

• If you are under 18 (the legal marriage age in the UK), you need written consent from your parents or guardians. This consent must be translated if it is in another language.

8. Other Legal Documents

• Any additional legal documents related to your marital status (like name change certificates or court orders) must be translated if they are not in English or Welsh.

Translation Requirements

To ensure your translations are acceptable, follow these guidelines:

1. Certified Translator: Use a professional certified translator or a professional certified translation agency.

2. Complete and Accurate: The translation must be a true and complete representation of the original document, including all details like names, dates, and official stamps.

3. Certified Statement: The translation must include a statement from the translator confirming that it is a true and accurate representation of the original document.

4. Translator’s Details: Include the translator’s contact details, full name, date of translation, and signature in the translated document.

5. Apostille Requirements: Some documents, particularly divorce decrees or certificates of no impediment, might need to be legalized with an apostille before translation. This ensures that the document is recognized as valid.

Additional Considerations

1. Legal Notice of Marriage

   • Before you can marry, you must give notice of your intention to marry at a register office. If either party is from outside the UK, you may need to provide proof of residency and immigration status, which may require translations.

2. Visa Requirements

   • If you or your partner are not UK or Irish citizens, you may need a Marriage Visitor Visa. This visa application may require translations of supporting documents.

3. Cost of Translations

   • Translation costs vary depending on the document’s length and complexity. Get quotes from several certified translators or agencies to find a suitable option.

4. Avoid Free Translation Tools

   • Free online translation tools are not acceptable for legal purposes due to their lack of certification and accuracy. Always use professional, accredited translators.

Consequences of Inadequate Translations

If you fail to provide certified translations, it could delay the processing of your marriage application or result in a rejection. To avoid complications, ensure all necessary documents are accurately translated by a reputable service.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth process for getting married in the UK, with all documents properly translated and certified.