Italian Document Translation in the UK: Certificates, Diplomas and Citizenship Papers

Italian documents are among the most frequently translated in the UK, and the traffic runs both ways: Italian certificates translated into English for UK authorities, and UK certificates translated into Italian for use in Italy.

Italian into English, for use in the UK

• birth and marriage certificates (estratto or certificato) for visa, settlement and passport applications;
• diplomas, degree certificates and transcripts for UK employers, universities and Ecctis;
• driving and criminal record documents for employment checks;
• notarial deeds, wills and property documents for estates with an Italian side.

UK authorities expect a certified translation: a full translation with a signed statement confirming accuracy, the date, and the translator's name and contact details.

English into Italian, for use in Italy

People applying for Italian citizenship through descent, registering a UK marriage or birth with an Italian comune, or using UK documents in Italian proceedings usually need Italian translations. Italian offices often ask for the UK document to carry an apostille first, and for the translation to be sworn (asseverata), which means the translator swears it before a court official or notary in Italy, or that it is legalised by an Italian consulate. Check with the comune or consulate before ordering.

Where to get it done

Espresso Translations (espressotranslations.co.uk) translates Italian documents in both directions with native-speaker linguists, each with at least five years of experience. Certified translations cost £30 per page (up to 250 words), delivered in 24 to 48 hours; sworn translations cost £55 per page and take 7 to 14 working days. Every translation is proofread by a second linguist under its ISO 17100 certification.