If you’re registering an overseas company in the UK, expanding a foreign business into a UK branch, or filing supporting documents at Companies House, you may need certified translations of any documents not originally in English. Companies House has clear translation requirements — and submissions that don’t meet them get rejected, sometimes delaying business operations by weeks.
Here’s exactly what Companies House requires, when certified translations are needed, and how to get the process right first time.
When Does Companies House Require Certified Translations?
Companies House requires certified English translations of foreign-language documents in several specific circumstances:
Registering an Overseas Company in the UK
When an overseas company opens a UK establishment (a branch or place of business), it must register with Companies House by filing Form OS IN01 along with supporting documentation. If the company’s constitutional documents — its charter, statute, memorandum, or articles of association — are not in English, a certified English translation must accompany the originals.
Filing Overseas Company Accounts
If the overseas company is required to prepare, audit, and disclose accounts under its parent country’s law, those accounts must be filed at Companies House. Any accounts not originally in English must be submitted with a certified translation alongside.
Subsequent Filings for Overseas Companies
Once registered, overseas companies have ongoing obligations — including filing changes to their constitutional documents, director details, or accounts. Any of these documents in a foreign language must include certified translations.
Voluntary Translations (Form VT01)
Companies House also allows for voluntary translations of original documents through Form VT01. This is used when a company chooses to submit a translation of an existing document for clarity or international reference, even when not strictly required.
Director Identity Verification
With Companies House now requiring identity verification for all directors, any supporting identity documents in foreign languages may need certified translation to support verification.
Charges and Security Documents
Security documents and charges registered at Companies House may need certified translation if the originals are in foreign languages, particularly where international parties are involved.
What Is a Certified Translation in the Companies House Context?
Companies House defines a certified translation as “a translation certified to be a true and accurate translation.” In practice, this means:
- The translation is produced by a professional translator or translation company
- A signed certification statement confirms the translation is accurate and complete
- The translator or company provides full contact details, allowing Companies House to verify the source if needed
- Every element of the original document is translated, including stamps, seals, signatures, and annotations
Companies House does not maintain an official register of approved translators, but submissions are expected to come from recognised translation professionals — typically those registered with established professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), or the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
How to Get Documents Translated for Companies House
1. Identify All Documents That Need Translation
Before getting started, check which of your foreign-language documents will be submitted to Companies House. Common documents requiring certified translation include:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Company charter, statute, or constitutional documents
- Memorandum of association
- Articles of association
- Annual accounts and financial statements
- Director resolutions and board minutes (where required)
- Powers of attorney
- Certificates of good standing
2. Choose a Professional Translation Service
Companies House requires certified translations from qualified professional translators. General translators without commercial or legal experience often miss nuances of corporate terminology, which can cause problems. Use a service experienced in business and corporate translation.
3. Provide Context to Your Translator
Brief your translator on:
- The Companies House form you’re filing (OS IN01, VT01, etc.)
- Whether the original documents have been certified by a notary
- Any specific terminology used in your company’s existing UK documents (for consistency)
- The structure and purpose of your UK establishment
The more context your translator has, the more accurately they can render the document.
4. Receive Your Certified Translation
Each certified translation will include:
- A complete translation of every element of the original document
- A signed certification statement confirming accuracy and completeness
- The translator’s or translation company’s full name, signature, and contact details
- The date of translation
5. Submit Original Documents and Certified Translations Together
Companies House requires both the original foreign-language document and the certified English translation to be filed together. Where the originals are certified copies (verified by a notary or solicitor in the country of origin), submit the certified copy alongside the certified translation.
LITS provides certified business and legal translations for Companies House submissions across 300+ languages, with translators experienced in corporate documentation and UK regulatory requirements.
Common Documents Translated for Companies House
Certificate of Incorporation
The fundamental “identity document” of a company. Translated certificates of incorporation are routinely needed for overseas company registration, opening UK business banking, and supporting various Companies House filings.
Articles of Association
The governing document setting out how the company is run — including share structures, director powers, and decision-making procedures. Particularly important for overseas company registration and ongoing compliance.
Memorandum of Association
For older companies registered before October 2009, the memorandum outlines the company’s name, registered office, and original objects. Often required for overseas company filings.
Annual Accounts
Foreign company accounts requiring translation typically include balance sheets, profit and loss statements, directors’ reports, and auditor’s reports. These can be substantial documents and translation should be planned well in advance of filing deadlines.
Powers of Attorney
Where a UK-based representative is appointed to act on behalf of an overseas company, the power of attorney document may require certified translation.
Certificate of Good Standing
A document from the company’s home country confirming the company is registered, compliant with regulatory requirements, and not in liquidation. Often translated alongside other corporate documents.
What Makes a Companies House-Compliant Translation?
Complete Coverage
Every element of the original document must be translated — including company seals, official stamps, registration numbers, dates, and any annotations.
Certified Statement of Accuracy
The certification must explicitly state that the translation is a true and accurate translation of the original document.
Translator Credentials and Contact Details
Companies House expects translations to come from identifiable, traceable professional sources. The translator or company must include their full name, signature, contact details, and date.
Consistency With Original Document Structure
The translation should mirror the layout and structure of the original document — making it straightforward for Companies House caseworkers to cross-reference both versions.
Submitted With the Original
A translation submitted without the original document will not be accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting Self-Translations or Machine Translations
Companies House expects certified translations from qualified professionals. Self-translated or AI-generated translations will be rejected.
Translating Only Part of a Document
Annual accounts in particular can be lengthy — some applicants try to translate only the main financial statements. Companies House expects complete translation including directors’ reports, auditor’s reports, and all notes to the accounts.
Missing Apostille Where Required
For overseas company registration, the original constitutional documents from the parent country may need to be apostilled or otherwise authenticated by the issuing authority before being translated. The apostille comes first, the translation second. If you’re unsure how the apostille process works or whether your documents require one, our guide on when you need an apostille for UK documents covers the full process.
Inconsistent Terminology Across Documents
If you’re submitting multiple translated documents, terminology must be consistent. The same legal term should not be translated differently across different parts of your filing. Brief your translator to maintain consistent terminology throughout.
Using a Translator Without Corporate Experience
General translators may produce technically accurate translations that nonetheless miss the conventions and terminology expected in UK corporate filings. Use a translation service experienced in business and Companies House work.
Missing the £124 Registration Fee
For overseas company registration via Form OS IN01, the £124 fee must accompany the application. Companies House will reject applications without the correct fee, regardless of how well your translations are prepared.
Translation Turnaround for Companies House Submissions
Typical timescales for certified translation of Companies House documents:
- Short documents (certificates of incorporation, single-page documents): 1-2 working days
- Medium documents (articles of association, constitutional documents): 3-5 working days
- Long documents (annual accounts, full filings): 5-10 working days depending on length and complexity
Always build translation time into your Companies House filing schedule — particularly for time-sensitive registrations or compliance deadlines.
Get Certified Translations for Companies House Submissions
At LITS, we provide certified translations for Companies House across 300+ languages, with translators experienced in corporate documentation, UK regulatory requirements, and the specific formatting expectations of overseas company registration and filing.
Whether you’re registering a UK establishment for an overseas company, filing foreign-language accounts, or submitting supporting documentation for ongoing compliance, we ensure your translations are accurate, certified, and accepted first time.
Contact LITS today for certified business and corporate translation.