Certified Translation Requirements for Expats in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

If you're an expatriate living in or moving to Saudi Arabia, navigating the paperwork can be overwhelming—especially when it comes to official translations. Whether you're applying for a work permit, sponsoring a family member, or getting your qualifications recognized, certain documents must be translated by a certified translator to be accepted by Saudi authorities.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common documents that require certified translation for Expats in Saudi Arabia and why it matters.

📌 Why Certified Translation for Expats in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi ministries and government agencies require that any foreign-language documents submitted for official purposes be translated into Arabic. But not just any translation will do—the translation must be done by a certified translator licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. This ensures accuracy, legal validity, and acceptance by Saudi courts and institutions.

📄 Documents Commonly Required for Certified Translation

1. 🎓 Academic Documents

If you're applying for a job or planning to continue your studies, your academic records will likely need certified translation. This includes:

• Degree certificates

• Transcripts

• Diplomas

These translations may also require attestation from your home country and Saudi embassies.

2. 👪 Personal Civil Documents

Civil status documents are essential for many residency and visa applications. You’ll need certified translations for:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Divorce certificates

• Death certificates

These are especially important when sponsoring family members or updating your iqama (residency permit).

3. 👮‍♂️ Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Required for certain jobs and immigration processes, the PCC must be translated accurately into Arabic to be accepted by Saudi authorities.

4. 🛂 Passport Pages

While the entire passport may not need translation, selected pages (especially those showing names, visas, or important endorsements) are sometimes requested for clarity—especially if your documents use different name formats.

5. 🏥 Medical Reports

If you're applying under a medical visa or need clearance for long-term residency, any foreign medical reports must be translated by a certified translator.

6. 💼 Employment or Experience Letters

Many employers or government departments request a translated version of your previous job experience letters, especially when verifying your professional background.

7. 🧾 Legal Documents (Power of Attorney, Affidavits)

Legal declarations, power of attorney, or notarized statements must be translated into Arabic before being submitted to a Saudi court or notary office.

✅ Final Tips:

• Only use translators licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

• Double-check whether your documents also need attestation from your country’s embassy or Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

• Bring original copies of documents for accurate translation and verification.

Need help with certified translations in Saudi Arabia? Feel free to reach out—we can guide you or connect you with licensed translators to ensure your documents are accepted without hassle.

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