In brief
The UK has no sworn translation: British authorities accept a certified translation — a translation with the translator’s written statement that it is accurate, the date, the translator’s full name and contact details. It does not matter where the translation was made, and no notary is needed. A criminal record certificate is required, for example, for a Skilled Worker visa in education, healthcare and social care. We obtain the documents in Russia without you travelling, apostille them if needed and provide a certified translation.
Which Russian documents are most often needed in the UK
- Criminal record certificate — for a Skilled Worker visa in education, healthcare and social care, and for work with children.
- Civil registry (ZAGS) certificates — birth, marriage, divorce; for visas and registration.
- Diplomas — for work and recognition of qualifications.
Apostille
The UK is a party to the Hague Convention. British rules do not explicitly require an apostille on visa documents, but employers, regulators and universities sometimes ask for one. We will ask who is requesting the document and tell you whether you need an apostille.
Certified translation
The translation must include the translator’s statement that it is a “true and accurate translation of the original document”, the date of the translation, and the translator’s full name and contact details. No notary is needed, and the translation can be made in any country. We translate into English in this form: €10 per translation page (1,800 characters); certification with the company seal: €10.
Prices
- Criminal record certificate with apostille: from €115 — turnaround times and prices.
- Duplicate ZAGS certificate: from €65; apostille from the Moscow ZAGS: €60.
- Apostille on a diploma: €95.
The state fee for the apostille is included in the price. Delivery to the UK is charged at the courier’s rate. Euro prices are based on the Bank of Russia exchange rate on 22.10.2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Russian criminal record certificate for a visa need an apostille?
The gov.uk page on Russian certificates does not mention an apostille. However, some organisations and employers ask for one. Check the requirement with whoever is asking for the certificate — and if time is short, we will arrange the apostille straight away.
Will a translation made outside the UK be accepted?
Yes. Under the gov.uk rules, what matters is that the translator confirms the translation is accurate and gives the date, their full name and contact details. Notarisation is not required.
From which countries do I need criminal record certificates for a Skilled Worker visa?
If you are 28 or older — from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. If you are under 28 — from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
Sources
- gov.uk — Certifying a document (translations) — checked 22.10.2026
- gov.uk — Skilled Worker visa: documents you must provide — checked 22.10.2026
- gov.uk — Criminal records checks for overseas applicants: countries Q–Z — checked 22.10.2026
- HCCH — Contracting Parties to the Apostille Convention — checked 22.10.2026
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements may differ between authorities: please confirm them before you submit your documents. Legal notice