Need NAATI-Certified Translation for Australian Visa Applications?
03 Nov 2025
Applying for an Australian visa involves meticulous preparation, and one of the most critical steps is ensuring your documents are accurately translated. Immigration authorities in Australia, including the Department of Home Affairs, require NAATI-certified translations for any document not originally in English.
At Document Translation Services (DTS), we've been translating and certifying documents into English for over a decade, and we know exactly what the Department of Home Affairs expects. This guide explains which documents need translation, how to meet NAATI requirements, and best practices for working with professional document translation services in Australia.
Understanding NAATI-Certified Translations
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is Australia's official body for setting translation standards and certifying professional translators. A NAATI-certified translation ensures that your documents are:
- Accurate and complete
- Legally recognized by Australian immigration authorities
- Prepared by qualified professionals trained to maintain confidentiality and precision
NAATI is Australia's official body for upholding quality and competence in the translation industry. To earn this certification, translators must demonstrate not only professional expertise but also ethical competence. This includes a thorough understanding of the industry's Code of Ethics and how it applies in practice.
All translations submitted to the Department of Home Affairs must be done by a NAATI-certified translator. Submissions without NAATI certification may lead to delays or visa application refusals.
Department of Home Affairs Translation Requirements
According to the Department of Home Affairs website: "All non-English documents must be translated into English." The specific requirements for certified translation depend on whether the translator is based in Australia or overseas.
Translation Requirements in Australia
In Australia, translators must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Common types of immigration documents requiring translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, academic transcripts, employment records, and bank statements.
From birth and marriage certificates to academic transcripts, diplomas, bank statements and police checks, we've handled thousands of documents just like yours. You're in good hands.
Translation Requirements Outside Australia
Translators outside Australia are not required to be NAATI-accredited but must include the following details on each translation: full name, address, telephone number, and qualifications and experience in the language they are translating.
Sample Certification Text
Our NAATI-certified translations include the following statement:
"I, [name], NAATI Certified Translator from [language] to [language], certify this is a true and accurate translation, to the best of my knowledge, of the text provided on the attached document/s."
A NAATI-certified translation typically includes the translator's signature, stamp, contact details, and certification number. These translations are widely trusted and accepted by government agencies, educational institutions, and legal bodies across Australia.
Which Documents Typically Require NAATI-Certified Translation
Any document that is not in English must be translated. Common examples include:
1. Identification Documents
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- National identity cards
- Driver's licenses
2. Family and Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Death certificates
- Adoption papers
3. Educational Documents
- Diplomas and degrees
- Academic transcripts
- Professional qualification certificates
- Course completion statements
4. Employment and Financial Documents
- Employment verification letters
- Pay slips and tax records
- Bank statements
- Business registration or incorporation certificates
5. Legal and Police Records
- Police clearance certificates
- Court judgments
- Legal affidavits
Each of these documents must have a full NAATI-certified translation with the translator's signature, certification statement, and stamp, confirming that it is a true and accurate translation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Translating Documents for Australian Visa Applications
Step 1: Identify Required Documents
Check your visa subclass checklist provided by the Department of Home Affairs. Make a list of documents that are not in English. This could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, police checks, diplomas, and employment letters.
Step 2: Choose a NAATI-Certified Translator
To ensure acceptance:
- Select a translator accredited by NAATI
- Verify the translator's NAATI certification level higher-level certifications are preferred for legal, technical, or complex documents
- Use established document translation services in Australia for accuracy and reliability
At DTS, our NAATI-certified translation services are trusted and accepted by government departments, legal authorities, and organizations across Australia. Partner with our NAATI-certified translators and receive high-quality translations that are not only accurate but also treated with strict confidentiality from start to finish.
Step 3: Submit Documents for Translation
Provide clear, legible copies of the original documents. Avoid sending originals unless specifically requested. Simply upload your document via our website or email it to us there's no need to send the original by mail.
A professional translation service will:
- Translate the document in full
- Include all stamps, signatures, and annotations from the original
- Ensure correct formatting for submission
Step 4: Certification and Verification
Every NAATI-certified translation must include:
- Translator's name and NAATI certification number
- Translator's signature
- A statement declaring the translation is accurate and complete
- Date of translation
Some visa applications may also require notarization or additional verification, depending on the document type and visa subclass.
Step 5: Submit with Your Visa Application
Submit the translated documents along with the original copies or certified copies, as per your visa application instructions. Make sure to keep copies for your records.
Why NAATI Certification Is Essential
NAATI-certified translations are universally accepted by Australian immigration authorities and other official bodies. Benefits include:
Legal recognition
Only NAATI-certified translations are guaranteed to meet Department of Home Affairs standards.
Accuracy and reliability
Certified translators are trained to avoid errors that can lead to application delays or rejections.
Comprehensive coverage
All text, notes, and annotations are included in the translation.
Professional accountability
NAATI-certified translators are held to a code of ethics and quality standards.
Guaranteed acceptance
Our NAATI-certified translations are guaranteed to be accepted for official use in Australia.
Without NAATI certification, translations may be considered unofficial, which could delay your visa approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When submitting translated documents, avoid these pitfalls:
Using friends or family members for translations
Only NAATI-certified translators are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes.
Submitting machine translations or online tools
Automated translations are never accepted for official purposes.
Omitting certification statements or translator details
Every translation must include proper certification details.
Failing to translate all pages, stamps, or seals
All text, stamps, and annotations must be included in the translation.
Submitting translations without accompanying copies of original documents
The Department of Home Affairs requires both versions.
Professional document translation services in Australia can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure compliance with NAATI standards. Applying for an Australian visa or citizenship can be stressful but worrying about your translations? That's one thing you can leave to us.
Official Translation Services
An official translation is a professionally translated document that has been certified by a qualified translator. There are four main types, and the one required will depend on the country you're submitting to and the specific requirements of the recipient:
- Certified Translation: Includes a signed certificate verifying accuracy
- Notarized Translation: Certified translation plus notarization of the translator's signature
- Legalized Translation: Additional authentication for international use
- Sworn Translation: Completed by a translator authorized by a government
At DTS, we offer all four types depending on your specific requirements.
Tips for Working with Document Translation Services in Australia
Check Accreditation
Ensure the agency employs NAATI-certified translators.
Confirm Specialization
Some translators specialize in legal, immigration, or technical documents.
Request a Certification Statement
Always request a signed certification statement.
Verify Turnaround Time
Plan for translation time in your visa submission timeline. Most documents are translated within 1–3 business days, depending on length and complexity.
Keep Copies
Always retain copies of both original and translated documents.
Ensure Confidentiality
We follow strict data protection policies and treat your documents with confidentiality from start to finish.
Our Translation Services
With over 98,000 translated documents and clients in 74 countries, DTS has the experience and expertise to handle your Australian visa translation needs.
Multilingual Support
We offer translation services in over 110 languages, including Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Indonesian, and many more.
Guaranteed Acceptance
Our NAATI-certified translations are guaranteed to be accepted by:
- Australian Immigration (Department of Home Affairs)
- UK Visas and Immigration
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service
- HM Passport Office
- New Zealand Immigration
- European Union authorities
- Universities and educational institutions
- Courts and legal authorities
Sample Translations
To see the quality and precision you can expect from our document translation services, visit our website to view sample translations of various document types, including:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Police certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Legal documents
- Academic transcripts
- Bank statements
- Passports
We Make Translation Easy
No fuss, no stress, just a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish. Get in touch with our team. Let us take care of the translation so you can focus on everything else that matters in your application.
Conclusion
Getting your documents properly translated and certified is a crucial step in any Australian visa application. By working with a NAATI-certified translator or reputable document translation services in Australia, you ensure that your submission meets the Department of Home Affairs' requirements, avoids delays, and increases your chances of a smooth visa approval process.
At Document Translation Services, translation is not just our name it's our expertise. With a team of experienced, NAATI-certified translators and a strong commitment to industry best practices, we guarantee that every translation we deliver meets official requirements and is accepted no matter where your documents are submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I submit a translation done by a friend or relative?
No. Only NAATI-certified translators are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes.
2. Do all documents need translation?
Only documents not in English require translation. However, it is recommended to translate all supporting documents that contain critical information for your application.
3. Is notarization required for NAATI-certified translations?
Not usually. NAATI-certified translations are accepted as official translations. Notarization is only required in specific cases, such as legal affidavits or foreign documents requiring additional verification.
4. How long does a NAATI-certified translation take?
Most documents are translated within 1–3 business days, depending on length and complexity. Rush services may be available.
5. Where can I find a certified translation service in Australia?
Choose agencies experienced in immigration document translation. At DTS, we specialize in Australian visa applications and guarantee our NAATI-certified translations will be accepted.
6. Are police clearance certificates translated differently?
Yes. Translating police records may require additional details such as official stamps, headings, and legal terminology. Ensure your translator has experience in immigration-related documents.
7. Can NAATI-certified translations be used for other purposes?
Yes. They are generally accepted by universities, employers, and courts, in addition to immigration authorities.