Translating and Certifying a Foreign POA for Judicial Use
**For court use:** Arabic is the official language of Saudi courts. Accordingly, when a power of attorney written in a foreign language is submitted as part of a court file or judicial procedure, it must be accompanied by an Arabic translation certified by a licensed office. The implementing rules treat documents received from outside the Kingdom as requiring certification and Arabic translation. **Translation and certification are separate tracks:** A certified translation supplies the Arabic text for the judicial authority, but it does not replace completion of the certification chain for the original POA. In a notarization route, a document issued outside the Kingdom is considered after review for conformity with Islamic and statutory requirements and Ministry certification; this also extends to the original Arabic translation. **Before filing:** Keep the original POA and evidence of its certification chain, obtain a certified Arabic translation and, where certification of the translation is sought, ensure that it is accurate and matches the original. Then confirm the requirements of the receiving court or notarial channel. The available rules do not establish one validity period for every foreign POA or one route that applies to all countries and cases.
- The original power of attorney issued outside Saudi Arabia.
- Evidence of the required certification chain for the original POA, including relevant authorized stamps or signatures.
- A certified Arabic translation of the foreign POA; when certification of the translation is sought, it must be accurate and match the original.
First identify whether the POA will be filed with a court, used in a notarization route, or submitted through a ratification service, because the published requirements address different stages.
Retain the original POA and check that its issuing authority and signatures or stamps can complete the necessary certification process.
Complete the certifications required for the relevant route on the original, noting that the ratification service refers to a chain ending in an authorized Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp and signature.
If the POA is written in a foreign language and is intended for court filing, obtain an Arabic translation certified by a licensed office.
Check that the Arabic text is accurate and matches the original, particularly where certification of a foreign-document translation is requested.
In a notarization route, account for the review of conformity with Islamic and statutory requirements and the required Ministry certification; this applies to the original Arabic translation as well.
Submit the original POA, evidence of certifications, and the certified Arabic translation to the competent court or notarial channel. Do not assume that translation alone authenticates the original.
Confirm procedure-specific and country-specific requirements with the receiving authority, as the available rules do not publish a single route for every foreign-issued POA.
| Document type | Common use | Note |
|---|---|---|
Must a foreign power of attorney be submitted in Arabic to a Saudi court?
Yes. If the POA is written in a foreign language, an Arabic translation certified by a licensed office must be submitted when it is filed with the court.
Is an ordinary translation enough for court use?
No. For foreign-language papers submitted to a court, the requirement is an Arabic translation certified by a licensed office, not merely an ordinary translation.
Does translation replace certification of the original POA?
No. Arabic translation and certification are separate requirements; translation does not substitute for the required certification chain on the original POA.
What is the official language of Saudi courts?
Arabic is the official language of Saudi courts.
Must every document received from abroad be translated?
In the civil-procedure regulatory context, the rules state that documents received from outside the Kingdom must be certified and translated into Arabic. Application in a non-court procedure depends on the receiving authority’s requirements.
What certifications are stated for foreign documents?
The implementing rules name certification by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice. The ratification service also refers to a certification chain ending in an authorized Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp and signature.
Is there a rule specifically addressing powers of attorney?
The ratification service lists powers of attorney issued by Saudi embassies abroad for Saudis and states that they are certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then the Ministry of Justice. This route should not be generalized to every foreign POA without checking the procedure and receiving authority.
Do notarization rules apply to a POA translation?
In a notarization route, the rule for documents issued outside the Kingdom also extends to the original Arabic translation. Whether that route applies remains subject to the receiving authority.
What if the person concerned does not know Arabic?
The notary or licensed person must use a certified translator, and the translator signs the translation performed.
Must the translation match the original?
Yes. When certification of a foreign-document translation is requested, the translation must be accurate and match the original, and the original must have the required certification chain.
Is there one universal validity period for a foreign POA?
The available rules do not establish one universal validity period for every foreign POA. Do not assume a general period without confirmation from the receiving authority or the rule governing the particular POA.
Is a copy of the POA sufficient?
The available rules contain no general rule that accepts a copy of every foreign POA. Check the receiving authority’s requirements and the required certification chain.
Do the rules name a particular translator or office?
No. The rules refer to a licensed office, certified translator, or accredited and trusted entity, but the available materials do not provide one universal list for all procedures.
Does an apostille automatically replace the certifications?
The available rules do not establish that an apostille automatically replaces certifications for every foreign POA. Check with the receiving authority and the rules applicable to the relevant country.
What should I practically submit with the POA?
The supported route is to submit the original POA, evidence of the required certification chain, and a certified Arabic translation to the competent court or notarial channel. When certification of the translation is sought, it must be accurate and match the original. Details may vary by country and procedure, and there is no single checklist for every case.
This guide is for general information and is not legal or consular advice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving authority.