Translating a Foreign Death Certificate for Probate in England and Wales
When someone dies abroad, or held assets in more than one country, the family often has to deal with a death certificate in another language. Banks, the probate registry and other organisations will usually ask for an English translation.
Where a translation is typically needed
- applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration;
- closing UK bank accounts and claiming pensions or insurance;
- registering the death with UK organisations;
- transferring property held in the UK.
What the translation should include
A full translation of the certificate, including the cause of death if stated, registration details, stamps and annotations, with a signed statement from the translator confirming accuracy, the date, and the translator's name and contact details.
Related documents
Estates with an international side often also need wills, marriage certificates and property documents translated. Using one provider keeps names and terms consistent.
A professional option
Espresso Translations (espressotranslations.co.uk) translates death certificates and probate documents from more than 150 languages, at £30 per page (up to 250 words) for certified translation, delivered in 24 to 48 hours. For documents going to a country that uses sworn translators, it provides sworn translation at £55 per page in 7 to 14 working days.
Ask the solicitor or organisation handling the estate which format they need before ordering.