Documents not in English? What Home Affairs asks for
A certificate in another language needs an English translation before Home Affairs will rely on it. Here's what the translation must include, and who can do it.
Birth certificates, police certificates and marriage records issued overseas are often not in English. For a visa or citizenship application, the Department of Home Affairs asks for both the original document and an English translation.
Who can translate it
- Translated in Australia: use a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
- Translated outside Australia: the translator doesn't have to be NAATI accredited, but you still need to give their details (see below).
What to include with every translation
Home Affairs asks for the translator's:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
All of these details must be given in English.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Uploading only the translation. Provide the original document as well.
- Missing translator details. A translation without the translator's name, contact details and qualifications may not be accepted.
- Poor scans. Scan the original in colour. Make sure it's legible and save multi-page documents as one file.
- Translating too early. If the document still needs an apostille or legalisation, check whether the translation should cover those certificates too. That way you only pay for it once.
If you don't provide a translation, your application may be delayed. If you don't provide satisfactory evidence, it may be refused.
Other authorities may ask for more
These are the Home Affairs requirements for visa and citizenship applications. Other organisations, such as courts, registries, universities and overseas authorities, may have their own rules. For example, some require a translation to be notarised or legalised. Always check what the receiving organisation asks for.
How we can help
We coordinate certified translations through our translator network, timed correctly with any apostille or legalisation. Get a quote or ask us about a document from overseas.
Official sources
Checked against these sources on 23 October 2026. They describe official requirements; our own service arrangements are described separately on our service pages.
Related
General information only — not legal advice. Requirements change and the receiving authority's instructions always take priority. Apostille Express is an independent service and is not affiliated with DFAT, any embassy or any overseas authority.