Notarised Translation in Uzbekistan: What Foreign Investors and Individuals Need to Know

What Is a Notarised Translation?

A notarised translation — known in Uzbek legal practice as *svidetelstvovanie vernosti perevoda* (certification of translation accuracy) — is a notarial act in which a notary certifies that a translated document corresponds to its original. It is important to understand from the outset: the notary is not a translator and bears no responsibility for the linguistic quality of the translation itself. What the notary does is verify the translator's identity and certify their signature, confirming that this specific individual performed the translation. This is why the service is commonly referred to as a "notarised translation."

In my day-to-day practice I frequently see clients confuse two distinct notarial services: certifying the accuracy of a copy of a document, and certifying the accuracy of a translation. These are fundamentally different procedures — always confirm in advance which one the receiving organisation actually requires.

Key points to remember:

• The notary certifies the translator's signature, not the translation itself as a standalone act
• The translator must be proficient in both languages and, as a rule, hold relevant professional qualifications
• A notarised translation is accepted by government authorities, courts, educational institutions, and employers
• Always verify current fees and exact requirements with the notary on the day of your visit, as rates are periodically revised

When Is a Notarised Translation Required?

The range of situations in which this document is essential is broad:

• Submitting Uzbek documents abroad: diplomas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record clearances, and other documents issued in Uzbekistan frequently require a certified translation into a foreign language.
• Using foreign documents in Uzbekistan: passports, powers of attorney, contracts, and court decisions in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation into Uzbek or Russian.
• Corporate and business needs: articles of incorporation, company registry extracts, and licences of foreign entities operating in or entering the Uzbek market.
• Education and employment: academic credentials when applying to overseas universities or seeking recognition of foreign qualifications in Uzbekistan.

What to Bring With You

I recommend preparing the following before your visit:

• The original document to be translated (and a copy if required)
• The completed translation, prepared by a qualified translator (if you are arriving with the translation already done)
• Your identity document (passport)
• The translator's credentials confirming their qualifications and identity — if the translator is attending in person
• Where applicable — an apostille or consular legalisation on the original document (confirm this requirement in advance)

If you do not have your own translator, ask at the notary's office: in many cases the notary can recommend an accredited specialist.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

• Prepare the original document. Make sure it is undamaged and all pages are legible.
• Commission a translation from a qualified translator. The translator signs the translation and, where required, attends the notarial appointment in person.
• Visit the notary. The notary verifies the translator's identity, reviews the translation against the original in general terms, and certifies the translator's signature.
• Receive the certified document. The notary's endorsement and seal are affixed to the translation.
• Check whether additional legalisation is needed. If the document is to be used abroad, an apostille may be required.

As a general rule, the entire procedure can be completed in a single visit when all documents are in order. For large volumes or less common language pairs, I recommend asking about turnaround times individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the notary perform the translation themselves?

No. The notary is not a translator. The notary's role is to certify the translator's signature and identity — not to produce the translation.

Does the original document need an apostille before it is translated?

This depends on the requirements of the receiving party. If the document was issued by a foreign state or will be used abroad, an apostille may be necessary. Clarify this point in advance with the notary or the organisation requesting the document.

Which languages can be covered?

In principle, any language pair, provided a qualified translator is available. In practice, the most common combinations involve Russian and Uzbek translated to or from English, Turkish, German, and Korean. For rare languages, identifying a suitable specialist in advance is strongly advised.

How much does the service cost?

The total cost consists of the translator's fee and the notarial tariff for certifying a signature. Please confirm the exact figures with the notary on the day of your visit, as rates are subject to periodic revision.

Does a notarised translation expire?

The notarial act itself has no expiry date. However, the receiving organisation may impose its own requirements regarding the recency of documents. Always check this with the recipient.

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*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual notarial or legal advice. Each situation has its own specific characteristics.*

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If you need a notarised translation in Tashkent, I welcome you to contact my notary office in the Yunusabad district. My colleagues and I are ready to advise you on all relevant questions, help you prepare your documents, and complete the procedure in full compliance with current requirements. Get in touch through whichever channel suits you best — we are here to ensure your documents are in perfect order.