Arabic → English translation for Australian authorities

Arabic documents come from many issuing countries with different formats, so the translation identifies the issuing state and ministry clearly. Name transliteration varies greatly between Arabic and English, so the passport spelling governs the entire document set.

Key facts

Directions handledInto English, and English into the source language
Most requested documentsBirth certificate, family book, marriage contract, academic certificates
Delivery formatPDF carrying the translator's stamp, signature and statement
Must always matchName spelling exactly as printed in the passport

Documents most often translated in this pair

  • Birth certificate issued by the civil registry
  • Family book or family registration record
  • Marriage contract and divorce deed
  • National identity card
  • Secondary school certificate and university degree
  • Police clearance or good conduct certificate

Names, script and dates

  • Names are transliterated to match the passport, and the Arabic original is reproduced for reference.
  • Hijri dates are converted to the Gregorian calendar with the original Hijri date retained.
  • The issuing country, governorate and ministry are named explicitly, because formats differ between states.
  • Stamps, embossed seals and handwritten endorsements are described where they appear.

Why translations in this pair get sent back

  • Different English spellings of the same name across certificates issued in different countries.
  • Marriage contracts submitted without the pages carrying the registration endorsement.
  • Scans that lose faint embossed seals; a flat scan with even lighting works better than a photo.
  • Assuming one country's document format applies to another country's authority.

Frequently asked questions

My documents come from more than one Arab country. Is that an issue?

No, but each document is treated on its own terms and the issuing authority is named in the translation, so the receiving body can see where each record originates.

How are Hijri dates handled?

The Hijri date is retained and the Gregorian equivalent is shown, so the receiving body can read the date without conversion.

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Content last reviewed: August 2026. Requirements set by receiving bodies can change; always confirm them on the authority’s own website before submitting.