Private Interpreting Services

Private interpreting

Private interpreters for individuals, families and personal matters

Some of the most important conversations in life happen in a language you do not speak well: buying a home, signing a will, getting married, a hospital appointment for a parent. We are delighted to provide an extensive range of private interpreting services anywhere in the UK and across the world, and we can provide a private interpreter you can trust for your appointment, meeting or event.

Tell us what you need and we will let you know how we can help. With a private interpreter from us, you will find an honest friend who will accompany you through your proceedings and share their insight and experience of your personal matters. Our private interpreters will always give you the best advice, but at the end of the day the choices and decisions are always yours.

When people book a private interpreter

• Private medical and dental appointments
• Hospital visits with a relative
• Solicitors' and notaries' appointments
• Buying, selling or renting property
• Weddings and civil ceremonies
• Business meetings and negotiations
• Family events and visits from abroad
• Travel and appointments overseas

Weddings and civil ceremonies

If one of you does not speak English well, the register office will want an interpreter both when you give notice and at the ceremony itself. Many register offices will not accept a relative or friend as the interpreter, and the interpreter will need to bring photo identification. Check the register office's rules when you book the ceremony, and book the interpreter at the same time, so that nothing holds up the date.

Wills, powers of attorney and property

When you sign a will, a lasting power of attorney or a property contract, the solicitor or notary has to be sure you understood what you signed. An independent interpreter protects you if the document is ever challenged, far better than a family member can, and especially where a relative stands to benefit from it. The interpreter may be asked to sign a short statement confirming that they interpreted the document to you.

Medical appointments

For NHS appointments, the surgery or hospital should arrange an interpreter at no cost to you, so ask them first. For private hospitals and clinics, dentists, cosmetic treatment and medical appointments abroad, you can book a private interpreter with us; our medical interpreting page explains how it works.

Qualified and confidential

All our interpreters are qualified professionals, registered with certified bodies. The setting may be more informal and relaxed than a courtroom or a clinic, but the standards are just as high, and what you discuss stays confidential.

How to book

Tell us the language and dialect you speak, the date, time and place, what the appointment is for and roughly how long it will last. If there are papers you will be discussing, such as a contract or a letter, say so, because the interpreter can prepare. We confirm the interpreter and the price with you before the day. If a phone call or a video call is all you need, telephone or video interpreting can be quicker and costs less.

Languages

We provide private interpreters in more than 350 languages, including Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Portuguese, Turkish, Farsi, Cantonese and Ukrainian. The full list is on our languages page.

Questions about private interpreting

Can the interpreter travel abroad with me?

Yes. We provide private interpreters anywhere in the UK and across the world, and we can connect you with a local interpreter in the country you are visiting.

Can I book an interpreter for a family member?

Yes. Many bookings are made by a son or daughter for a parent's appointment. Give us the details of the person who needs the interpreter as well as your own.

How far ahead should I book?

As soon as you know the date. For weddings and property completions, book when the date is fixed; for a short-notice appointment, call us and we will do what we can.