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Arabic Translation Guide

Arabic Certified vs Notarised Translation

When submitting translated Arabic documents to authorities, you'll often see requirements for "certified" or "notarised" translations. These terms are frequently confused, but they mean different things and serve different purposes.

Quick Answer

A certified Arabic translation comes with the translator's signed statement that it is accurate. A notarised one also carries the official seal and signature of a notary public. Most UK authorities, UKVI among them, ask only for certified translation.

Last updated: 7 January 2026

TL;DR

For most UK uses, UKVI and Home Office applications included, a certified Arabic translation is enough. Notarisation (£180+) is needed only for legal use abroad. Do not pay for it unless you have been told you need it.

Key Facts

  • Certified Arabic translation has a fixed fee per document
  • Notarisation adds £150-200+ to the cost
  • UKVI does NOT require notarised Arabic translations
  • Notarisation takes 2-3 extra business days
  • Both types are legally valid in the UK
  • Apostille may be needed for use in Arabic-speaking countries

Understanding the Difference

Choose the right level of authentication for your Arabic documents

  • Arabic Certified Translation

    Translator's Declaration

    The translator signs a statement confirming the Arabic translation is accurate and complete. Most official bodies in the UK ask for exactly this.

    Starting from

    Fixed fee/document

    • Signed accuracy statement
    • Native Arabic translator credentials
    • Company stamp/letterhead
    • Contact details provided
    • Accepted by UKVI/Home Office
    • Valid for UK courts and authorities

    Best for:

    UK visa applications, university admissions, DVLA, banks, employers, and most UK government departments.

  • Arabic Notarised Translation

    Notary Public Authentication

    A notary public verifies the Arabic translator's identity and witnesses their signature. Adds an extra layer of legal authentication for international use.

    Starting from

    £180+ (incl. notary fee)

    • Everything in certified, plus:
    • Notary public seal
    • Notary's signature
    • Legal authentication
    • Required for some Arabic-speaking countries
    • May need apostille for Gulf/MENA use

    Best for:

    International legal matters, Arabic-speaking country submissions, foreign court cases, and overseas property transactions.

When Each Option Makes Sense

  • UK Immigration (UKVI/Home Office)

    Arabic documents for visa applications, settlement, citizenship, asylum claims.

    Certified Arabic Translation is Sufficient

  • University Applications (UCAS)

    Arabic transcripts, diplomas and qualification certificates for getting into a UK university.

    Certified Arabic Translation is Sufficient

  • DVLA Licence Exchange

    Converting an Arabic driving licence to a UK licence.

    Certified Arabic Translation is Sufficient

  • UAE/Saudi/Gulf Embassies

    Documents for submission to Arabic-speaking country embassies.

    Check Embassy Requirements (Often Notarised + Apostille)

  • International Court Cases

    Arabic legal documents for use in foreign court proceedings.

    Usually Notarised + Apostille

  • UK Banks & Employers

    Arabic identity documents, employment records, and financial documents.

    Certified Arabic Translation is Sufficient

Points to Remember

  • UKVI Accepts Certified

    The UK Home Office explicitly states certified Arabic translation is acceptable. Notarisation is not required for UK visas.

  • Cost Difference

    Notarisation adds £150-200+ to the Arabic translation cost. Only pay for it if specifically required.

  • Time Difference

    Certified Arabic translation: same day possible. Notarised Arabic translation: typically 2-3 additional working days.

  • Gulf Country Use

    For use in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc., check if notarisation and apostille are required.

  • Both Are Official

    Both certified and notarised Arabic translations are legally valid. The difference is the level of authentication.

  • Apostille for Arabic Countries

    Most Arabic-speaking countries are Hague Convention members and may require an apostille.

What Makes an Arabic Translation "Certified"?

With a certified Arabic translation, the native Arabic translator or the translation company signs a declaration confirming the work is complete and accurate. The certificate usually shows:

  • Who the translator is and what qualifies them
  • When the translation was done
  • A declaration that it is accurate
  • The translator's signature
  • The company's details and how to contact it

This certificate has legal force: the Arabic translator answers in law for the accuracy of the work.

When is Arabic Notarisation Required?

Notarisation of Arabic translations is typically required when documents will be used internationally, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. Common scenarios include:

  • Property purchases in UAE, Saudi Arabia, or other Gulf countries
  • International business contracts with Arabic partners
  • Legal proceedings in Arabic-speaking countries
  • Immigration to certain countries
  • Academic credentials for use in the Middle East

Always check with the receiving authority before paying for notarisation - many organisations actually accept standard certified Arabic translation.

Apostille for Arabic-Speaking Countries

An apostille is a government-issued certificate that authenticates documents for international use. Most Arabic-speaking countries are members of the Hague Convention. The process is:

  1. Arabic translation completed
  2. Notary public authenticates
  3. Foreign Office applies apostille

We offer a complete apostille service for Arabic documents, handling the entire process from translation through to apostille application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions people ask about this subject

Does UKVI require notarised Arabic translations?

No. The UK Home Office (UKVI) says clearly that Arabic translations must be certified but need not be notarised. For every UK visa and immigration application, a certified Arabic translation carrying the translator's details and a signed statement of accuracy is enough.

What's the cost difference for Arabic translation?

Certified Arabic translation is available at a competitive fixed fee per document. Notarisation adds approximately £150-200+ to this cost (notary fees vary). Only pay for notarisation if specifically required by the receiving authority.

How long does Arabic notarisation take?

Arabic notarisation typically adds 2-3 working days to the process, as we need to schedule an appointment with a notary public. Certified Arabic translation alone can often be completed same-day.

Do UAE/Saudi authorities accept UK certified translations?

Most Gulf countries require notarisation and often an apostille. Check with the specific authority or embassy. We provide complete legalisation services for Arabic-speaking country requirements.

Do I need an apostille for Arabic-speaking countries?

Many Arabic-speaking countries (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco) are Hague Convention members and may require an apostille for official documents. Check with the receiving authority.

Is a sworn translation the same as certified Arabic translation?

In the UK, we use "certified translation" rather than "sworn translation". For UK purposes, a properly certified Arabic translation meets official requirements.

Have more questions? Talk to our team

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