Arabic UKVI Translation Requirements
When applying for a UK visa, settlement, or citizenship with Arabic documents, any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. Getting this wrong can delay or even cause rejection of your application.
Quick Answer
UKVI requires Arabic translations to include: the translator's credentials, confirmation of accuracy, the translator's contact details, and the date of translation. Notarisation is NOT required.
TL;DR
UKVI requires certified Arabic translation with translator credentials, accuracy statement, contact details, and date. Notarisation is NOT required. Submit both original Arabic documents and translations. DIY translations risk rejection.
Key Facts
What UKVI Accepts vs Rejects
Ensure your Arabic translation meets Home Office standards
Accepted
UKVI-Compliant Arabic Translation
A professional Arabic translation that meets all Home Office requirements. This is what we provide with every certified translation.
Starting from
Fixed fee/document
- Native Arabic translator's credentials
- Signed statement of accuracy
- Translator's contact details
- Date of translation
- Professional formatting
- Original Arabic document layout preserved
Best for:
All UKVI applications including visitor visas, work visas, spouse visas, settlement (ILR), citizenship, and asylum claims from Arabic-speaking countries.
May Be Rejected
Common Mistakes
Arabic translations that lack proper certification or professional standards risk rejection, causing delays and additional costs.
Starting from
Varies
- No translator credentials
- Missing accuracy statement
- No contact details
- Amateur or DIY translation
- Friend or family translation
- Machine translation only
Best for:
These Arabic translations are NOT suitable for UKVI applications and will likely be rejected.
When to Use Each Option
Visitor Visas from Arabic Countries
Arabic bank statements, employment letters, property documents, and sponsor documents.
Work Visas (Skilled Worker)
Arabic qualifications, employment history, professional certificates, and reference letters.
Spouse/Partner Visas
Arabic marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates, relationship evidence, and financial documents.
Settlement (ILR)
All Arabic supporting documents not in English for indefinite leave to remain applications.
British Citizenship
Arabic birth certificates, naturalisation documents, and any Arabic language evidence.
Asylum Claims
Arabic identity documents, evidence of persecution, country of origin documents.
Key Things to Know
Notarisation NOT Required
Despite common belief, UKVI does not require notarised Arabic translations. Certified translation is sufficient.
Original Arabic + Translation
Submit both the original Arabic document AND the translation. Do not submit translation alone.
Translator Independence
The Arabic translator should not be related to you or have any personal interest in your application.
Format Matters
The Arabic translation should mirror the original document's layout as closely as possible.
No Expiry Date
Certified Arabic translations don't expire. However, some source documents may need to be recent.
100+ Languages
We translate Arabic to and from 100+ languages including English, French, German, Spanish and more.
Official UKVI Requirements for Arabic Documents
According to UK Visas and Immigration guidance, Arabic translations must include:
- Confirmation from the translator that it's an accurate translation of the original Arabic document
- The date of the translation
- The translator's full name and signature
- The translator's contact details
The guidance explicitly states that Arabic translations do not need to be notarised or certified by a solicitor.
Common Arabic Documents Requiring Translation
The most frequently translated Arabic documents for UKVI applications include:
- Identity documents: Arabic birth certificates, passports, national ID cards
- Relationship evidence: Arabic marriage certificates, divorce decrees
- Financial documents: Arabic bank statements, tax returns, payslips
- Employment documents: Arabic employment letters, contracts, reference letters
- Educational documents: Arabic degrees, diplomas, transcripts
- Legal documents: Arabic court orders, police certificates
How to Avoid Rejection of Arabic Documents
To ensure your Arabic translation is accepted:
- Use a professional Arabic translation service - Not a friend, family member, or free online tool
- Check certification is included - The signed statement of accuracy is essential
- Verify translator details are present - Name, credentials, and contact information
- Submit Arabic originals too - Always include the source documents
- Ensure completeness - Every part of the Arabic document must be translated, including stamps and seals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this topic
UKVI strongly advises against self-translation of Arabic documents. While not explicitly prohibited, translations by the applicant or their family members may be viewed with suspicion and could be rejected. Using an independent professional Arabic translator is always recommended.
No. UKVI explicitly states that notarisation is not required for Arabic documents. A properly certified Arabic translation from a professional translator is sufficient for all UK visa and immigration applications.
Certified Arabic translations themselves do not expire. However, the underlying Arabic documents may need to be recent (e.g., bank statements typically within 28 days, employment letters within 3 months).
Only the Arabic portions need translation. The translator should note which sections were translated and confirm the remaining text was already in English.
Yes, UKVI requires original Arabic documents along with the translations. For valuable documents like birth certificates, they will be returned after processing.
We translate documents from all Arabic-speaking countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Sudan.
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team
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