Visa applicants often think a notarized translation is "more official" and always the better choice. That is only partly true. Below we explain what each form confirms, who decides which one you need, and how to read the embassy's checklist so that you do not take an unnecessary step.
Certified and notarized translation: the difference
A certified translation is a translation confirmed by the bureau or the translator: it states that it is an accurate translation of the original and shows the date of translation, the translator's name, surname and signature, the bureau's seal and contact details. The recipient can contact the bureau and verify the translation.
A notarized translation is a translation on which a notary confirms that the translator's signature is genuine. The notary does not check the quality of the translation, and does not confirm that the bank statement is genuine or that the amount shown in the account really exists. The notary confirms that the translation is signed by a specific, identified translator.
In both cases the translation is prepared and checked in the same way. The difference is in the legal form, not in the accuracy of the translation.
A notary cannot "strengthen" a weak bank statement. If the statement shows an unexplained lump-sum deposit, a notarized translation does not answer that question. On the content of financial documents: which financial documents you need for a tourist visa.
Who decides which one you need
The recipient decides: the embassy, the consulate or the university. Not the visa centre, and not the translator.
VFS Global and other visa centres accept applications on behalf of embassies: they check that every document on the checklist is there, take biometrics and send the package to the embassy. The requirements and the decision are set by the embassy. So do not look for the answer on the visa centre's general page, but in the specific checklist for your visa type that the embassy publishes.Examples:
- United Kingdom - the Home Office guidance requires a full translation of every document that is not in English or Welsh, which can be independently verified: with the translator's confirmation that the translation is accurate, the date, the name, surname and signature of the translator or an authorized person from the bureau, and contact details. This is a certified translation; no notary is needed;
- USA - at a non-immigrant visa interview you show financial documents to the consul on request. An English translation is needed; notarization usually is not;
- Schengen countries - national (D) visa checklists differ: some consulates accept an English translation, some require their own language, and some require notarization. Here you have to read the checklist afresh every time.
What you get in your hands
A certified translation consists of the translated pages with the bureau's confirmation: the translator's statement that the translation corresponds accurately to the original, the date, signature, seal and contact details. A copy of the original is attached, so that the recipient can read both together.
A notarized translation is bound together with a copy of the original, and at the end it carries the notary's certification: the notary's name, the registration number of the notarial act, the date, signature and seal. Do not take the bound document apart: the recipient may reject a copy that has been unbound.
Both forms are prepared on paper. If the embassy accepts applications online and asks you to upload a file, you scan the finished translation and bring the original to the interview or the visa centre, if the checklist asks for it.
How to read the embassy's checklist
In the checklist, pay attention to the exact wording:
- "certified translation", "translation by a professional translator" - a certified translation with the bureau's seal is enough;
- "notarized" or "notarised translation" - notarization is required;
- "apostille" or "legalized" - an apostille or legalization is required after notarization. This is rare for a bank statement, so double-check the requirement;
- "translated into [language]" - pay attention to the language: English is not always enough;
- "original bank statement", "stamped by the bank" - this refers to the original, not the translation: you can get a statement with the bank's stamp at a branch.
If the checklist says nothing at all about the form of translation, a certified translation is usually enough. If in doubt, send us the checklist, or ask the embassy in writing and keep the reply.
Three typical scenarios
1. A visitor visa for the United Kingdom. The bank statement is in Georgian, and so is the employment letter. Both are translated into English in certified form: with the translator's confirmation, the date, the signature, the bureau's seal and contact details. No notary is needed. 2. A national student visa for a Schengen country. The student is supported by a parent. The parent's bank statement, employment letter, sponsor letter and the birth certificate are translated. The language and the form of certification are set by the consulate's checklist: if it says "notarized", every translation is notarized, and the names must be written the same way in all of them. 3. Residence or a work permit. The bank statement goes to a foreign country's immigration authority as proof of income. Here a notarized translation is often mandatory, and sometimes an apostille as well. This is exactly the scenario in which it is worth clarifying the requirement in writing, because an apostille takes extra time.In all three cases the content of the translation is the same: the table with the same columns, the figures as in the original, the dates with the month in words. The only thing that changes is what is attached to the translation: the bureau's confirmation or the notary's certification.
Internet banking PDFs and the notary
The translation of a PDF statement downloaded from mobile or internet banking can also be notarized: the notary verifies the translator's signature, and the translation is attached to a printout of the statement. The question is not whether the notary will accept a PDF, but whether the embassy will accept a statement without the bank's stamp. If the checklist asks for the bank's stamp or signature, or the PDF does not carry the bank's details and a verification code, first get a stamped statement at a branch and then have it translated. More details: bank statement translation.
How to save time
- Ask your bank for an English statement. Many Georgian banks also issue statements and certificates in English. If the embassy accepts an English document, you may not need a translation of the statement at all;
- Do not notarize "just in case". If the checklist asks for a certified translation, notarization is an unnecessary step;
- More than one embassy? If you are submitting the same statement in two places, order both copies at the same time - you will not have to come back;
- Translate the whole financial package together. The bank statement, employment letter and RS.ge certificate with the same names and terms: salary certificate and employment document translation;
- First the original, then the translation. If you need a statement with the bank's stamp, get it first: a translation of a different document will be of no use later;
- Know the timelines. Our translation, notarization included, is ready the same or next day. The time for an apostille is set by the Public Service Development Agency, and you need to plan for it separately.
When an apostille is needed
For a tourist or visitor visa, an apostille on a bank statement is almost never needed. It may be required for residence, a work permit or court proceedings, if the document is going to a country that is party to the Hague Convention. In that case the apostille is placed on the notarized translation, by the Public Service Development Agency. More details: apostille and apostille or legalization.
How to order
Send us the bank statement
The PDF file or a scan of the statement stamped by the bank, by WhatsApp or email.
Attach the checklist
The embassy's or visa centre's list, so we can choose the right form of certification.
Tell us the language
English or the language the embassy requires.
Get the translation
The certified or notarized translation will be ready the same or next day.
Not sure whether you need a certified or a notarized translation? Send us the embassy's checklist and your bank statement - the translation will be ready the same or next day.
Call: 501 113 200Frequently asked questions
Is a notarized translation more reliable than a certified one?
The translation is prepared the same way in both cases. The notary only confirms that the translator's signature is genuine. So the notarized form is needed only when the recipient asks for it.
Do I need a notary for a UK visa?
The Home Office guidance asks for a translation with the translator's confirmation, the date, signature and contact details. It does not ask for notarization.
Does VFS Global decide what kind of translation I need?
No. The visa centre accepts the application on behalf of the embassy and checks that all the documents are there. The requirements are set by the embassy, so read the checklist for your specific visa.
Does the notary check that the bank statement is genuine?
No. The notary confirms the translator's signature. The embassy verifies the authenticity of the statement in its own way, for example by contacting the bank.
Can an internet banking PDF statement have a notarized translation?
Yes. The translation is attached to a printout of the statement. If the embassy asks for the bank's stamp, first get a stamped statement at a branch and then have that translated.
How long does a notarized translation take?
The same or next day, notarization included. The time for an apostille is set by the Public Service Development Agency.