Contents of this guide
Quick Answer
Under UKVI rules, an Arabic translation must show the translator's credentials and contact details, a confirmation that it is accurate, and the date it was done. You do NOT need notarisation.
Key Facts
- UKVI does NOT ask for notarisation
- Arabic translator must be independent
- Show who translated it and their credentials
- A signed statement of accuracy is a must
- Send the Arabic originals with the translations
- Certified Arabic translations don't expire
- We translate Arabic to/from 260+ languages
Official UKVI Requirements for Arabic Documents
UK Visas and Immigration guidance says each Arabic translation must contain:
Try it
Check your translation
An example page from a certified translation, with the four parts UKVI guidance asks for marked. Choose a number to see each part, then tick what your own translation has.
Example only, not a real document
Certified translation
Translated from Arabic into English
Translator's statement
I confirm that this is a true and accurate translation of the original Arabic document.
Date of translation14 October 2026
Full nameKarim Haddad
Contact020 7946 0000translator@example.com
Choose a number on the page to see which part it marks.
0/5
Your translation
Tick each point that is true for your translation.
Your ticks stay on this device only.
The guidance says plainly that an Arabic translation needs no notary and no solicitor's certification.
What UKVI Accepts vs Rejects
Ensure your Arabic translation meets Home Office standards
Accepted
UKVI-Compliant Arabic Translation
A professional Arabic translation that meets every Home Office requirement. Every certified translation we deliver is done this way.
- Credentials of a native Arabic translator
- Signed accuracy declaration
- How to reach the translator
- The date it was translated
- Clean, professional layout
- Layout matches the Arabic original
PriceFixed fee/document
Best for: Every kind of UKVI application, from visitor, work and spouse visas to settlement (ILR), citizenship and asylum claims, for people from Arabic-speaking countries.
May Be Rejected
Common Mistakes
An Arabic translation without proper certification, or below professional standard, may be refused, which means delays and extra cost.
- Translator's credentials missing
- No statement of accuracy
- Contact details left out
- Done yourself or by an amateur
- Translated by a friend or relative
- Nothing but machine output
PriceVaries
Arabic translations like these are NOT fit for UKVI applications and are likely to be refused.
Which Documents for My Visa?
Try it
Pick your application
Choose the kind of application to see which Arabic documents it involves and what they need.
Visitor Visas from Arabic Countries
Arabic bank statements, letters from employers, property papers and sponsor documents.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
Work Visas (Skilled Worker)
Arabic qualifications, work history, professional certificates and references.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
Spouse/Partner Visas
Arabic marriage and birth certificates, divorce decrees, proof of your relationship and financial papers.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
Settlement (ILR)
All Arabic supporting documents not in English for indefinite leave to remain applications.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
British Citizenship
Arabic birth certificates, naturalisation documents, and any Arabic language evidence.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
Asylum Claims
Arabic ID documents, proof of persecution and papers from your home country.
Certified Arabic Translation Required
Every one of these translations needs the same four parts.
Check your translationCommon Arabic Documents Requiring Translation
These are the Arabic documents we translate most often for UKVI applications:
- Proof of identity: Arabic passports, birth certificates and national ID cards
- Proof of relationship: Arabic marriage certificates and divorce decrees
- Money matters: Arabic payslips, bank statements and tax returns
- Work: Arabic contracts, letters from employers and references
- Education: Arabic diplomas, degrees and transcripts
- Legal papers: Arabic police certificates and court orders
How to Get UKVI-Compliant Arabic Translations
Step-by-step guide to meeting UK Visas and Immigration translation requirements for Arabic documents.
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Identify Arabic documents needing translation
Any Arabic documents not in English must be translated: birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters, qualifications, etc.
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Use a professional Arabic translation service
UKVI advises against DIY or family translations. Use an independent professional Arabic translator or translation company.
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Ensure certification is included
Your Arabic translation must include: translator's name, credentials, signature, contact details, accuracy statement, and translation date.
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Submit with original Arabic documents
Always submit the original Arabic document alongside the translation. Never submit translation alone.
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Get UKVI-compliant Arabic translations
Upload your Arabic documents for a certified translation that meets all Home Office requirements.
Points to Remember
Notarisation NOT Required
Many people think otherwise, but UKVI does not ask for notarised Arabic translations. A certified translation is enough.
Original Arabic + Translation
Send the translation AND the original Arabic document. Never send the translation on its own.
Translator Independence
Your Arabic translator should be no relation of yours and have no personal stake in your application.
Format Matters
The layout of the Arabic translation should follow the original document as closely as it can.
No Expiry Date
Certified Arabic translations don't expire. However, some source documents may need to be recent.
260+ Languages
We translate Arabic to and from 260+ languages including English, French, German, Spanish and more.
How to Avoid Rejection of Arabic Documents
How to make sure your Arabic translation is accepted:
- Go to a professional Arabic translator: not a friend, a relative or a free online tool
- Make sure it is certified: the signed statement of accuracy cannot be left out
- Look for the translator's details: name, credentials and how to contact them
- Send the Arabic originals as well: the source documents must always go in too
- Check nothing is missing: every part of the Arabic document is translated, stamps and seals included
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions people ask about this subject
Can I translate Arabic documents myself for UKVI?
UKVI firmly warns against translating your own Arabic documents. It is not banned outright, but a translation by the applicant or a relative may be treated with suspicion and could be refused. An independent professional Arabic translator is always the safer choice.
Do Arabic UKVI translations need to be notarised?
No. UKVI says plainly that Arabic documents need no notarisation. For every UK visa and immigration application, an Arabic translation correctly certified by a professional translator is enough.
How long are Arabic UKVI translations valid?
A certified Arabic translation has no expiry date of its own. The Arabic documents behind it, though, may have to be recent: bank statements usually within 28 days, for example, and letters from employers within 3 months.
What if my Arabic document is partially in English?
Only the parts in Arabic need translating. The translator should mark which sections they translated and state that the rest was already in English.
Do I need to send original Arabic documents?
Yes. UKVI needs the original Arabic documents together with the translations. Important originals such as birth certificates are sent back once your application has been processed.
Which Arabic-speaking countries do you cover?
Documents from every Arabic-speaking country are welcome, including Sudan, Iraq, Bahrain, Morocco, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Yemen, Qatar, Egypt, Algeria, Oman, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya and the UAE.
Have more questions? Talk to our team
