Certified translation and apostille, explained
Transcripts, certificates and police records often need certified translation and sometimes an apostille or legalisation before a university or consulate will accept them. Getting this wrong — or leaving it late — is a quiet but common cause of delays. Here's what you actually need.
Updated 2026-06-20
Certified translation vs. apostille
A certified translation is an accurate translation by an accepted translator, with a statement of accuracy. An apostille (or legalisation, for non-Hague-Convention countries) is an official stamp that authenticates the original document for use abroad. Many applications need both, on different documents.
What usually needs each
Requirements vary by destination, but commonly:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates: certified translation, sometimes credential evaluation.
- Police/criminal-record certificates: often apostille/legalisation plus translation.
- Birth/marriage certificates (for dependants): often apostille plus translation.
Avoid the timing trap
Apostille and legalisation are issued by government authorities and can take weeks, and translators add time. Order certified copies in multiples (each application needs originals), and start the moment you have your documents — not when the deadline looms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an apostille for student-visa documents?
No — it depends on the destination and the document. Some accept certified translations alone; others require apostille/legalisation on certain documents. Check each destination's rule.
Who can do a certified translation?
A translator or agency accepted by the destination authority or university — not just any translator. Confirm the accepted standard before paying.