If you need to notarize your documents or start your business in Saudi Arabia, you’ll definitely need notarized translation services in Saudi Arabia. This service makes handling all your official papers and contracts easy, without any hassle or delays.
What Are Notarized Translation Services and Why Do They Matter in Saudi Arabia?
If you work in international business or plan to apply for immigration or handle official documents in Saudi Arabia, you’ll notice that notarized translation services in Saudi Arabia are not like regular translations.
These are official translations, certified by government authorities such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or notary offices, ensuring every document is 100% legal and accepted by any official or governmental entity.
Difference Between Certified and Notarized Translation in Saudi Arabia
Many people get confused when submitting official documents in Saudi Arabia, and that’s normal because Certified Translation and Notarized Translation are not the same.
The main difference is that certified translations come with a declaration from the translator confirming accuracy, while notarized translations require a notary public’s signature to make the document fully legal and officially recognized.
What Is a Certified Translation?
Certified translations are done by a sworn translator or an accredited translation office, recognized by authorities like the Ministry of Justice.
The translator includes a certificate at the end of the document confirming that the translation is accurate and faithful to the original.
This type is usually sufficient for most purposes, such as universities, job applications, or less strict governmental offices.
It does not require a notary public signature, making it faster and easier to use.
Learn more about: Saudi Arabia Business Registration
What Is a Notarized Translation?
Notarized translation is a step above certified translation. After the certified translation is done, the translator goes to a notary public and swears that the translation is accurate. The notary then stamps and signs the document officially.
This type is required for sensitive documents or cases needing full governmental authentication because it guarantees official acceptance.
Notarized translations are usually more expensive and take a bit longer (often an extra day), but every notarized translation is inherently certified, though not all certified translations are notarized.
Why Do Some Authorities in Saudi Arabia Require Notarized Translation?
In Saudi Arabia, authorities like Absher, the Passports Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the General Authority for Professions require notarized translations because the official stamp prevents fraud and ensures that the document is legally binding.
Why Notarized Translation Is Essential
Before diving into the main reasons, it’s important to understand that notarized translations are more than just signed papers—they are a key tool that makes legal and business processes faster, smoother, and more reliable.
Here are the main reasons why notarized translations in Saudi Arabia are crucial for individuals and businesses:
1- Official Acceptance of Documents
Any foreign document, like a passport, birth certificate, business contract, or work permit, must be translated and notarized to be accepted by authorities such as Absher, the Saudi passports office, or the General Authority for Professions.
2- Save Time and Avoid Complications
With notarized translation services, you avoid wasting days on repeated reviews or rejected documents, allowing all your procedures to proceed efficiently.
3- Protect Your Legal Agreements and Transactions
Whether you’re dealing with a Saudi company or applying for a visa, notarized translations ensure your contracts and official documents are legally recognized, protecting you from rejection or disputes.
4- Facilitate International Business and Investments
With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, foreign companies require notarized translations for partnership contracts or investment agreements to guarantee document validity and smooth interaction with official authorities.
5- Essential for Immigration and Residency
If you want to bring your family or work in Saudi Arabia, every official document must be notarized. This ensures your residency applications or visas are approved without delays.
6- Reliable for Various Legal Procedures
Whether it’s divorce cases, inheritance matters, or starting a new business, notarized translations ensure safe, smooth, and legally compliant processes.
Examples of Cases That Require Notarization:
- Residency and Immigration: Passports or birth certificates must be notarized for residency or visa approval.
- Business and Licensing: Commercial contracts or company licenses often need notarized translation for international certification and official dealings.
- Legal Matters: Divorce, inheritance, or court documents cannot rely on regular certified translations, as notarization is legally binding.
Ordinary Translation (Non-Certified)
Suitable for personal use, reading, or non-official advertisements and documents, it is not accepted by governmental authorities due to the risk of errors or fraud.
Using certified or notarized translations saves time, prevents document rejection, and avoids fines.
Steps to Obtain Notarized Translation Services in Saudi Arabia
If you want to complete Notarized Translation services in Saudi Arabia smoothly and without hassle, it’s important to follow clear steps.
Notarized translation is not just a simple translation—it’s an official document certified by a notary public and the Ministry of Justice, and required for passports, Absher, or legal contracts.
Before we dive into the steps, let’s get the full picture: each step ensures your document is legally recognized and ready to use.
1- Prepare the Original Document
Before starting any process, you need to have the original document or a clear copy. Preparing the document correctly is crucial because any error in clarity or language can delay the process.
- Use the original document or a high-quality scan (PDF or paper).
- Make sure the document is clear, undamaged, and legible.
- Specify the target language: Arabic to English or vice versa.
2- Choose an Accredited Translation Office
Once your document is ready, you need to pick a reliable translation office. Choosing the right office saves time, ensures accuracy, and guarantees official recognition.
- Look for offices certified by the Ministry of Justice or the Literature and Publishing Authority.
- Examples: Fast Trans or well-known offices in Riyadh and Jeddah.
- Check online reviews to ensure quality and timely service.
3- Translate the Document and Sign the Accuracy Certificate
After choosing the office, the actual translation process begins. The translation itself matters, but the translator’s accuracy certificate gives it legal weight before notarization.
- The office translates the document with 100% accuracy.
- The sworn translator adds a certificate at the end stating: "The translation is fully accurate and faithful to the original."
4- Visit a Notary Public for Authentication
This step ensures the translation is legally recognized. Even after an accurate translation, an official stamp guarantees acceptance by any government authority.
- The translator takes the document to a notary public.
- The notary swears the accuracy of the translation and then officially stamps and signs the document.
5- Receive the Notarized Copy
After notarization, the document is ready for submission. Receiving the final notarized copy gives you peace of mind, knowing your document is fully official.
- The process typically takes 1–3 days, depending on the document’s complexity.
- You can track the notarization process via the “Tawtheeq” app by the Ministry of Justice.
- For foreign documents, additional authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be required before notarization.
Discover: Setting Up A Business In Saudi Arabia
Who Can Provide Notarized Translation Services in Saudi Arabia?
Not just anyone can provide this service—it must be officially accredited. To ensure government authorities accept your documents, every party involved must be officially recognized.
- Certified translation offices: such as Fast Trans or other reputable offices in Riyadh and Dammam, are officially registered with the Ministry of Justice and the Literature Authority, providing full translation and notarization solutions.
- Sworn and accredited translators: Individuals with certification from the Ministry of Justice, specialized in legal, medical, or commercial translations, holding a degree in translation or linguistics.
- Notary public (Notary): Responsible for notarizing the translator’s signature, located in courts or notary offices; they do not translate documents themselves.
Official Requirements from Authorities
Before starting the process, it’s important to know the official requirements. Understanding these requirements beforehand helps you avoid document rejection or delays.
- The translation office must be licensed by the Ministry of Commerce and registered in the official translation registry.
- The translator must have a bachelor’s degree in translation or languages and pass the official accreditation exam.
- Complete confidentiality and 100% accuracy, with an official stamp to ensure acceptance by passports or Absher without any rejection.
Tips for Choosing the Best Notarized Translation Office in Saudi Arabia
If you want to choose a reliable and officially recognized notarized translation office, you need to follow a few simple but important steps.
On our website Motaded, you’ll find a complete guide with the best certified offices, customer reviews, and service quality, so you can make your choice easily and confidently.
- Choose an officially accredited office recognized by government authorities and embassies, such as Al Salim Certified Translation or Fast Trans.
- Make sure that notarized documents are accepted by official authorities before starting.
- Read customer reviews on Google or social media to know the quality of service and speed of delivery.
- Ensure the confidentiality and security of your documents, especially if they contain sensitive information.
Visit Motaded now to see all the details about trusted translation offices in Saudi Arabia, read customer reviews, and compare services to pick the best option easily and confidently.
Conclusion
If you want your documents to be official and recognized in Saudi Arabia, Notarized translation services in Saudi Arabia are the best choice.
By following the previous steps and selecting a certified office, you can ensure your documents are accepted quickly and securely by any government authority or embassy.
In the end, Notarized Translation preserves the credibility of your documents and makes all official procedures much easier.
Learn more about: Commercial Registration in Saudi Arabia: Get Started
FAQs
Can I translate and notarize documents myself?
No, the translation must be done by a certified translator or office, and notarization is done by an official authority like a notary public.
Do all authorities in Saudi Arabia accept notarized translations?
Generally, yes, as long as the document meets all requirements, especially for government authorities and embassies.
Do notarized translations have an expiration date?
The translation itself usually does not expire, but the original document may have a validity period, such as an ID or passport.