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 handled | Into English, and English into the source language |
|---|---|
| Most requested documents | Birth certificate, family book, marriage contract, academic certificates |
| Delivery format | PDF carrying the translator's stamp, signature and statement |
| Must always match | Name 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.
Continue reading
Content last reviewed: August 2026. Requirements set by receiving bodies can change; always confirm them on the authority’s own website before submitting.
Official sources you can verify
The information on this page is based on the official sources below. Reviewed August 2026. Requirements change — always confirm with the receiving authority before lodging.
- NAATI — Find a Translator (naati.com.au)Official register for verifying the certification status of a translator or interpreter.
- Department of Consular Affairs, MFA ThailandRules and procedures for legalisation of documents in Thailand.
- Department of Provincial Administration (Ministry of Interior)Civil and family registration records and certified copies.