Do I need to upload two documents (original and English translation) for non-English certificates in UK/Ireland?
Yes, you must always submit both documents. UK authorities like UKVI and Irish authorities like the Department of Justice require the original certificate alongside a certified English translation with a statement of accuracy, the translator's details, and the date. You cannot translate your own documents as the applicant.
Your non-English certificates, whether birth, marriage, or academic, need two documents together for UK or Ireland applications, the original itself and a properly certified English translation. Authorities need the original to trace the source data and the translation to actually understand it, so neither one works alone.
What Each Document Must Include
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Original certificate | The original document or a clear, high-quality scan or photograph of it |
| Certified English translation | Statement of accuracy, translator's full name and contact details, completion date, and full coverage of stamps, seals, and reverse-side text |
Rules For A Valid Certified Translation
- It must come from an independent, qualified professional translator or agency, not from you if you are the applicant
- Every part of the document needs translating, including handwritten notes and official stamps
- Missing the translator's contact details or the accuracy statement can get your translation rejected outright
My Advice
Book a certified translator well before your submission deadline, since rushed translations are more likely to miss required elements like the accuracy statement or full stamp coverage. Keep a scanned copy of both the original and the translation together in your application folder so you never submit one without the other.
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