Chilean Documents Translation for UK Visa 2026
Chile issues civil documents in Spanish through the Registro Civil e Identificación (RCI). It has one of the most digital civil registration systems in Latin America, with an online check platform. Chile is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. This guide covers the main documents, what translation you need, and what to do with older paper records.
The Registro Civil e Identificación (RCI) runs all civil registration in Chile and issues identity documents. Chilean civil documents follow one standard format, and anyone can check them online through the RCI portal. Every Chilean citizen and resident has a RUN (Rol Único Nacional) number. This is a unique number that appears on all civil documents and identity cards. Chile is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues the apostille.
Registro Civil Online Verification
The RCI runs an online system that lets anyone check whether a certificate is genuine, using the unique verification code on the document. UKVI may use this system to check what you send. So ask for a current certified extract (certificado con código de verificación) from the RCI online portal or an RCI office. Do not use an old paper copy that has no verification code.
Key Chilean Documents for UK Visa Translation
Certificado de Nacimiento (Birth Certificate)
The RCI issues birth certificates (certificados de nacimiento) in one standard format that carries the RUN number. They show the person's full name, date and place of birth, the parents' names and RUN numbers, and a verification code. You need a certified Spanish-to-English translation for UKVI.
Certificado de Matrimonio (Marriage Certificate)
The RCI carries out and registers civil marriages in Chile. It issues the certificado de matrimonio, which shows both spouses' names and RUN numbers, the date and place of the marriage, and the matrimonial regime. You need a certified Spanish-to-English translation for a UKVI spouse visa.
Cédula de Identidad (National ID Card — RUN)
The RCI issues the Chilean cédula de identidad. It carries the holder's RUN number, name, date of birth and photo. The RUN number is the main identifier on every Chilean civil document. A certified translation sets out all of this as identity evidence for UKVI.
Older Pre-Digital Records
Documents from before Chile went digital (roughly pre-2000) may exist only as handwritten or typed paper certificates. UKVI still accepts these. If your record is old, ask the RCI for a certified extract. It puts the original record into the modern format, with a verification code.
Costs and Turnaround
| Service | Turnaround | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Translation | 24 hours | From £17.99/page |
| Rush Translation | 8 hours | From £29.99/page |
Frequently Asked Questions
My Chilean birth certificate is a modern RCI extract with a verification code. Do I need the original physical certificate or is this sufficient?
A certified RCI extract with a verification code is enough for translation. In fact it is better than an old paper certificate, because the code lets UKVI (or anyone else) confirm online that it is genuine. Send the extract with its certified Spanish-to-English translation.
My name on my Chilean documents includes both a paternal and maternal surname. How does this appear in the translation?
Chilean names use two surnames: the first from the father and the second from the mother. The translation keeps both surnames exactly as they appear on the document. They must match your passport. If your passport shows only one surname, add a covering letter that explains the Chilean naming custom.
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Translate Your Chilean Documents
Certified Spanish-to-English translation from £17.99/page. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and cédula de identidad. 24-hour delivery available.
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