How to Verify a Certified Translator in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide for Expats

How can you be sure the translator you're using is actually certified and recognized by Saudi authorities?

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to verify a certified translator in Saudi Arabia, what credentials to look for, and how to avoid mistakes that could delay your application.

📌 Tip: If the translator refuses to provide their license info—consider it a red flag.

🔍 How to Check If a Translator is Certified in Saudi Arabia

✅ 1. Verify Their Ministry of Commerce License

Ask the translator or translation office for their:

• Office National Unified Number (NUN) which starting with 700..

• Translator’s name or license number

You can verify this through the Ministry of Commerce (MCI) website or call the MCI hotline at 1900 from inside Saudi Arabia.

✅ 2. Look for the Official Translator Stamp

A certified Arabic translation must include:

• ✅ A stamp or seal from the translation office

• ✅ The name and license number of the translator

• ✅ A declaration stating that the translation is accurate and complete

This is what gives the translation its legal validity.

✅ 3. Ask for a Sample or Previously Accepted Work

Reputable translation offices or freelancers should be able to:

• Show a sample of a previously accepted translated document (with personal details removed)

• Provide testimonials from clients, especially expats

  
  

✅ 4. Use a Recognized Legal Translation Office

To ensure reliability, work with a translation agency or office that:

• Clearly lists their license information online or in-store

• Specializes in legal, immigration, academic, or medical translations

• Offers transparent pricing and timelines

Some well-known translation offices even offer MOFA and embassy document handling as part of the service.

✅ 5. Check with the Authority Requesting the Translation

Each organization may have slightly different standards. Before hiring a translator, ask the receiving authority (e.g., embassy, university, MOFA):

• If they have a preferred or approved translator list

• Whether the translation must be notarized or attested after it's completed

  
  

❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using Google Translate or doing it yourself

• Hiring a translator who doesn’t show their license or stamp

• Submitting translations in a language other than Arabic (unless specifically requested)

• Not checking if attestation is required post-translation

  
  

✅ Final Thoughts

For expatriates in Saudi Arabia, using a licensed certified translator isn't optional—it's a legal requirement for many official processes. Always ask for proof of certification, look for an official stamp, and confirm requirements with the authority you're submitting to.

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