How Much Does a Notarised Translation Cost in the UK?

Key Takeaways

• Certified translation costs £30–£60 per page in the UK, depending on language and complexity.
• Notarised translation typically ranges from £90 to £200+, as it includes both the translation and a notary public fee.
• Apostille certification adds a further £30–£60 (FCDO fee) on top of notarisation.
• Price is not the only factor — rejected translations cost far more in time and resubmission fees.
• Always get an itemised quote so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Notarised translation costs vary more than most people expect, and it's rarely obvious from a quick search what you'll actually pay. Prices depend on the document type, language pair, word count, turnaround time, and whether you need additional certification like an apostille.

This article breaks down what goes into the cost, what typical UK rates look like, and how to make sure you're not paying for more than you need. If you're unsure whether you actually need notarised translation or whether certified translation will do, read our guide on certified vs notarised vs apostille translation first.

Table of contents

• What affects the cost of notarised translation?
• Typical UK prices for certified and notarised translation
• Apostille costs
• Why the cheapest option can cost you more
• Do you actually need notarised translation?
• How to get a quote from Global LTS

What affects the cost of notarised translation?

Several factors influence what you'll pay:

Language pair. Common European languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian) are generally less expensive than rarer languages where fewer qualified translators are available. Arabic, Mandarin, and Japanese typically cost more than Western European languages.

Document length and complexity. Most agencies price by word count or page. A standard A4 page of text averages 250–300 words. Legal and technical documents take longer to translate accurately, which pushes costs up.

Document type. A birth certificate is straightforward. A 40-page commercial contract is not. More complex documents require more specialist knowledge.

Turnaround time. Standard delivery (3–5 working days) costs less than express or same-day services. If you have a deadline, expect to pay a premium.

Notarisation fee. The notary public charges separately for their time. This is usually a fixed fee per appointment or per document, and varies by notary.

Apostille (if required). The FCDO charges a government fee for apostille certification, on top of the translation and notarisation costs.

Typical UK prices for certified and notarised translation

These are indicative ranges based on current UK market rates:

For a typical single-page document like a birth certificate or marriage certificate requiring notarised translation, expect to pay £90–£150 all in. For a longer or more complex document, or one that also requires an apostille, costs can reach £250–£400+.

Right to Remain reported in 2025 that certified translation averages £0.10–£0.16 per word in the UK, or £30–£45 per page, rising to £60 for legal documents. Notarisation sits on top of these figures.

Apostille costs

If your document needs to be used in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you'll need an apostille from the FCDO after notarisation.

The FCDO charges a standard government fee per document. Processing times vary — postal applications take longer than in-person submissions. Some agencies offer an apostille service where they handle the FCDO submission on your behalf, which adds a service fee but saves time.

Total cost for translation + notarisation + apostille on a standard document: typically £180–£350, depending on language and notary.

Why the cheapest option can cost you more

A rejected translation means resubmitting — and if you're mid-application (for a visa, a court case, or a business transaction), delays have real consequences.

Common issues with low-cost providers:

• Missing or incomplete certification statements
• Translations that don't cover all text, stamps, and markings on the document
• No verifiable translator details (required by UKVI and many other institutions)
• Slow response if corrections are needed

The cost of resubmitting a document — and the time lost — usually far outweighs any saving made on a cheaper initial translation.

Quality matters most when the stakes are high. For immigration applications, legal proceedings, or cross-border business, the safest approach is a qualified professional translator at a reputable agency.

Do you actually need notarised translation?

Before ordering, it's worth confirming exactly which type of translation your institution requires. Many applicants pay for notarised translation when certified translation is all that's needed.

UKVI and the Home Office require certified translation — not notarised. See our full guide on notarised translation for UKVI for everything the Home Office expects.

UK courts and tribunals generally require notarised translation.

Foreign embassies vary — some require notarisation, some accept certified translation, and some require a sworn translator.

Companies House requires certified translation for most foreign document filings.

If you're unsure, contact the institution and ask specifically which type they accept. We're also happy to advise — get in touch before you order and we'll confirm what you need.

How to get a quote from Global LTS

Our notary translation services cover 120+ languages, and we provide transparent pricing before you commit to anything.

To get an accurate quote, share:

• The document you need translated (a photo or scan is fine)
• The source and target languages
• Where the translation will be used (UKVI, court, embassy, etc.)
• Your deadline

We'll confirm the type of certification required, the cost, and the turnaround time. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Request a quote today and we'll get back to you the same working day.