How to Translate the Name Change Certificate from Russian to English in the UK

When moving to the United Kingdom, many Russian citizens or Russian-speaking individuals find that their documents no longer match perfectly. Perhaps a maiden name is different on a birth certificate, or a surname was changed after marriage or by legal decision. In these situations, the Name Change Certificate (Свидетельство о перемене имени) becomes one of the most important documents for proving identity — and for it to be legally valid in the UK, it must be accurately translated into English by a certified translator.
At Universal Language Solutions LP, we specialise in certified Russian-to-English translations of official documents, including Name Change Certificates, ensuring they are fully compliant with UK Home Office, UKVI, and solicitor requirements.
This article explains when you need this service, shows real-life case studies, outlines the process, and explains why a certified translation is so crucial for legal, immigration, and administrative purposes in the UK. How to get the certified translation of Name Change Certificate from Russian to English in the UK.

A Name Change Certificate is an official record issued by a Russian ZAGS office (Civil Registry Office) confirming that a person has legally changed their name, surname, or patronymic. Russian translation services in the UK.
Typical reasons for name changes include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Adoption or guardianship
• Desire to adopt a different name or correct an error
• Reverting to a maiden name
• Religious or cultural reasons

In Russia, such certificates are usually titled:
“Свидетельство о перемене имени” or “Свидетельство о перемене фамилии, имени, отчества”.
In the UK, authorities such as the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), or solicitors require an official certified English translation of this document whenever it’s used in:

• Visa or citizenship applications
• Marriage registration in the UK
• Passport renewal or name correction
• University or employment verification
• Legal cases or inheritance claims

Without a certified translation, your application may be delayed or even rejected.

Irina, a Russian citizen living in London, wanted to register her marriage in the UK. Her passport showed her maiden name, while her birth certificate and Russian marriage certificate reflected her new surname. The registrar required a certified English translation of her Name Change Certificate to confirm the link between her old and new names. Russian translation of documents in the UK.
She contacted Universal Language Solutions LP through ULS. Our certified translators produced the English translation within 24 hours. The certificate included:

• The English transliteration of her old and new names,
• All official details such as date, place of issue, and ZAGS authority,
• A certification statement, signature, and company stamp.

The registrar accepted the translation immediately, and Irina successfully registered her marriage in the UK.

Sergey, who had lived in Manchester for several years, applied for British citizenship. His Russian passport showed a different surname from his birth certificate, as he had legally changed his name in Moscow before moving to the UK. The Home Office requested a certified English translation of his Name Change Certificate to verify his identity. Russian certified translation of certificates in the UK.
Our team translated and certified his document within 48 hours. The translation was accepted without question, and Sergey’s citizenship was approved shortly after.
He later told us:
“I didn’t realise how important a properly certified translation was until my application nearly got delayed. Universal Language Solutions handled everything perfectly.”

When submitting a name change to UK authorities, it’s often necessary to provide not only the certificate itself but also other supporting documents that demonstrate identity consistency. Russian to English translation services in the UK.
Here are the most common types of documents our clients submit for certified translation:
Each of these documents may require certified translation to form a consistent identity record for UK use.

At Universal Language Solutions LP, we’ve made the process simple, secure, and fast.
Step 1: Upload Your Document
Visit our website and upload a scanned copy or a clear photo of your Russian Name Change Certificate.
Step 2: Receive a Quote
Within one hour, we’ll send you a fixed quote — with prices starting from £25 per page or £0.06 per source word, depending on the layout and formatting.
Step 3: Professional Translation
A certified Russian–English translator experienced in legal and civil registry terminology will translate your document, including all seals, signatures, and handwritten text.
Step 4: Certification
We attach a Certificate of Accuracy declaring that the translation is a true and complete representation of the original document. The certificate includes:

• Translator’s or company’s name and signature
• Date and contact details
• Company registration number (Universal Language Solutions LP, Reg. No. LP3343)
• Official stamp or seal

Step 5: Delivery
You’ll receive the certified translation as a signed and stamped PDF via email, and a printed hard copy can be sent by post.
Turnaround time: 24–48 hours, with same-day service available for urgent cases.

Original (Russian):
Свидетельство о перемене имени № 1256, выдано отделом ЗАГС Центрального района г. Санкт-Петербурга 15 мая 2015 года. Гражданка Иванова Анна Петровна изменила фамилию на Смирнова.
Certified English Translation:
Certificate of Name Change No. 1256 issued by the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS) of the Central District, Saint Petersburg, on 15 May 2015. Citizen Anna Petrovna Ivanova has changed her surname to Smirnova.
Certification Statement:
“I hereby certify that this translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.”
Universal Language Solutions LP
Date: 25 October 2025
Signature: ___________________________

Certified translations are accepted by and often required for:

• UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)
• Home Office citizenship and settlement applications
• British passport office (HM Passport Office)
• UK registry offices for marriage and birth registration
• Universities, schools, and employers
• Solicitors, notaries, and courts

Whenever your identity must be confirmed and your documents contain different names, an English translation of your Name Change Certificate bridges the gap and ensures smooth legal verification.

1. Full Legal Acceptance
Our translations are compliant with all UK Home Office and UKVI regulations and accepted by British embassies, notaries, and courts.
2. Accurate Transliteration
We follow UK government standards for transliterating Russian names to English, ensuring consistency with your passport and visa records.
3. Fast Turnaround
Get your certified translation within 24–48 hours — or the same day for urgent submissions.
4. Affordable and Transparent Pricing
We offer professional certified translations from £25 per page, without hidden fees.
5. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Your personal information is securely handled and stored in compliance with GDPR and EU privacy standards.

Case Example 1: Visa Approval
An applicant submitted a spouse visa to the UK but was initially refused because the names on her passport and birth certificate didn’t match. After obtaining a certified translation of her Russian Name Change Certificate from our company, she re-submitted her documents, and the visa was approved within weeks.
Case Example 2: Employment Verification
A Russian doctor applying for work with the NHS needed to prove that her medical diploma (under her maiden name) belonged to the same person as her passport. The certified translation of her name change document confirmed this, and she secured her job offer.
Case Example 3: Property Ownership
A client selling property in the UK had deeds issued under a previous name. A certified English translation of his Russian name change certificate ensured the property sale contract was accepted without delay.
In each case, the certified translation protected the client’s legal rights and saved time and money.