When Do You Need an Approved Translation?
Scope: This guide explains how foreign-language papers are handled before Saudi courts, how to request an oral interpreter through Najiz, and selected requirements connected with enforcement and ratification. The core rule is that Arabic is the official language of the courts, and a written foreign-language paper submitted to court must have an approved translation from a licensed office. For people who do not speak Arabic, the court hears statements through an interpreter; this is a hearing service, not a substitute for translating documents. Important limits: There is no single published rule for every upload on Najiz or every foreign document. In the enforcement-request service, a translation is requested for an instrument that is not in Arabic, but the published step does not expressly state that every translation must be certified. When ratification of a translation of a document issued abroad is requested, the original must complete the required attestation chain and the translation must be correct and faithful to it. Requirements can vary by document type, country of issue, procedure, and receiving authority, so check the instructions for the specific route before submitting.
- Written foreign-language papers and exhibits submitted to court: provide an approved translation from a licensed office.
- Instruments and judgments issued by foreign courts: when their Arabic translations are submitted for ratification, the translations must be made by an approved and trusted entity.
- Non-Arabic enforcement instruments in the Submit an Enforcement Request service: attach a translation; the published step does not specify a certification requirement.
- Foreign educational certificates and documents in a language other than Arabic or English: a certified translation is required within the non-university certificate-equivalency procedure.
- Translated documents issued by government bodies or foreign missions in Saudi Arabia: these may be ratifiable documents, but that does not mean ratification is automatically required for every court filing.
Identify the receiving route first: a court case, a Najiz statement of claim, an enforcement request, MOFA ratification, or an education-equivalency procedure. The route can change the requirements.
Check the document language and the instructions for the specific court or service before assuming that the same rule applies to every document.
Keep the original and determine whether a document issued abroad needs an attestation chain, which can depend on the country of issue, authority, and procedure.
For written foreign-language court papers, obtain an approved translation from a licensed office. If ratification of a foreign-document translation is requested, ensure the translation is correct and faithful to the original.
If an Arabic translation of an instrument issued by a foreign court is to be submitted for ratification, have it made by an approved and trusted entity before submission.
For an oral-interpreter request, sign in to Najiz, select Statement of Claim, complete the data, choose the language, and submit. For enforcement, upload the instrument and its translation if it is not in Arabic.
Keep the original, translation, translation certificate or supporting proof, and any required attestations together. Retain the submission number and respond to any clarification request from the court or service.
| Document type | Common use | Note |
|---|---|---|
Is Arabic mandatory in Saudi courts?
Yes. Arabic is the official language of Saudi courts.
Does a written foreign-language document need a certified translation?
Yes, when it is submitted to court as a written foreign-language paper; provide an approved translation by a licensed office.
Is oral interpretation the same as document translation?
No. Oral interpretation concerns statements by people who do not speak Arabic in hearings, while approved translation concerns written foreign-language papers.
How do I request an oral interpreter through Najiz?
Sign in to Najiz, choose Statement of Claim, complete the data, select the language, complete the remaining fields, and submit the request.
Does the Najiz interpreter service mean every document will be translated?
No. The announced service is an oral interpreter for pleading and communication during hearings; it does not mean that every document will be translated.
What does Najiz request in enforcement when the instrument is not Arabic?
Upload a copy of the instrument and a translation if the instrument is not in Arabic.
Does the enforcement page say every translation must be certified?
No. The published step does not expressly say so. Check the requirements of the court or specific procedure and do not assume an unstated rule.
Must every translation be ratified before filing in court?
Not necessarily. There is no general published rule requiring ratification of every translation before every court filing; ratification applies to specified documents and situations.
What is required when ratification of a translation of a document issued abroad is requested?
The original document must complete the required attestation chain, and the translation must be correct and faithful to the original.
Is there a specific rule for instruments issued by foreign courts?
Yes. When an Arabic translation is submitted for ratification, it must be made by an approved and trusted entity before submission.
Do requirements vary by the document’s country of origin?
Yes. The attestation chain can vary by the country of issue, issuing authorities, the foreign ministry, and the Saudi mission, as applicable.
Does a foreign educational certificate need a certified translation?
In the non-university certificate-equivalency procedure, yes, if the certificate or document is in a language other than Arabic or English. This is specific to that procedure, not a general rule for every case.
Does ratification of a document guarantee that the court will accept it?
No. Ratification is part of a document-authentication route and does not by itself guarantee acceptance of a particular document in every court procedure.
Is there one checklist for every document that needs translation on Najiz?
Do not assume that there is one checklist. The need for translation or certification can vary by service, document, and receiving authority; check the instructions for the route you will use.
What should I do if I cannot find a clear translation requirement?
Do not assume the rule. Identify the procedure and document, ask the receiving authority or court for direction, and keep the original, translation, and attestation chain if required.
This guide is for general information and is not legal or consular advice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving authority.