Iranian Marriage Certificate Translation for UK Visa
Iranian marriage documents are written in Farsi (Persian) script. They also use the Solar Hijri calendar, not the Gregorian calendar used in the UK. So you need a specialist certified translator. That person must know Persian script, how to convert the dates, and how documents are proved when UK–Iran consular links are so limited.
Iranian nationals are one of the largest non-EU groups applying for UK spouse visas and family reunion. Iran keeps thorough civil records. But four things make translation harder: the Solar Hijri calendar, Farsi script, the Shenasnameh identity booklet, and the lack of UK–Iran diplomatic relations.
Iran's Civil Registration Organisation
The Civil Registration Organisation (سازمان ثبت احوال کشور) runs all civil registration in Iran. You must register your marriage. The Snad Ezdovaj (سند ازدواج — marriage deed) is the official marriage certificate. The Shenasnameh (شناسنامه — civil identity booklet) also records a change of marital status in each person's own identity document.
Key Iranian Marriage Documents
سند ازدواج (Snad Ezdovaj — Marriage Deed)
The main marriage document. A licensed marriage registrar (Mahzar Rasmi) issues it. It shows both spouses' details, the marriage date, Mahr (dowry), witnesses, and the registrar's seal. This is the main document UKVI accepts.
شناسنامه (Shenasnameh)
The Iranian civil identity booklet. Every Iranian citizen gets one at birth. Marriage is recorded in it with a stamp and the spouse's details. People often send it with the Snad Ezdovaj as extra evidence.
خلاصه رونوشت سند ازدواج (Marriage Certificate Extract)
A short summary of the marriage registration. It is shorter than the full Snad Ezdovaj, but it still confirms that the marriage is legally registered. Some applicants send this shorter version instead.
Islamic Marriage Contract (Aqd-nameh)
A cleric performs the religious marriage agreement (Aqd). In Iran, the Aqd is usually the legal registration too, as long as a licensed registrar runs it. If it happens apart from civil registration, it may not be enough on its own.
The Solar Hijri Calendar
Iran officially uses the Solar Hijri calendar (also called the Shamsi or Jalali calendar). It counts from the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. But it uses the solar year, not the lunar year of the Islamic Hijri calendar. In 2026, Iran is in about the year 1405 SH.
Solar Hijri to Gregorian Conversion
- The Solar Hijri year runs about 621 years behind the Gregorian year. 1 Farvardin 1403 SH = 20 March 2024 CE.
- Month names in Iran are Persian: Farvardin, Ordibehesht, Khordad, Tir, Mordad, Shahrivar, Mehr, Aban, Azar, Dey, Bahman, Esfand.
- Your certified translator will convert every date to Gregorian and show both dates in the translation.
- Iranian documents may also use the Islamic lunar Hijri calendar for religious events. That is a different system, so it needs its own conversion.
Obtaining Iranian Documents From Abroad
UK–Iran Consular Situation
The UK and Iran do not have diplomatic relations. There is no Iranian Embassy in the UK, and no UK Embassy in Iran. Iranians in the UK must use consular services in another country — the Iranian Embassy in Dublin, Paris, or another European city. To get documents from Iran, most people ask family there to collect them. You can also sign a power of attorney so an agent in Iran can get them for you.
Iranian Name Conventions
Iranian naming has changed a lot over time. Before the 20th century, Iranians used only given names, or names based on their job or region. Family surnames became compulsory in Iran in 1924 under Reza Shah Pahlavi. Every modern Iranian has a given name (نام) and a family name (نام خانوادگی). Farsi script reads right to left. Even so, names come in the same order as English: given name first, then family name.
Costs and Turnaround
| Service | Turnaround | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Translation | 24 hours | From £17.99/page |
| Rush Translation | 8 hours | From £29.99/page |
Frequently Asked Questions
My marriage certificate date is in the Solar Hijri calendar. What Gregorian date does it correspond to?
Your translator does this conversion for you as part of the certified translation. If you want to know the date first, use an online Solar Hijri to Gregorian converter. Just remember that the Solar Hijri new year starts around 20–21 March.
Does the Shenasnameh need translation in addition to the Snad Ezdovaj?
Yes, if you send the Shenasnameh with your visa application. Most people do, as identity evidence. The Shenasnameh is in Farsi. It holds personal details, your birth date, marriage records, and your national ID number. UKVI caseworkers need all of that in English.
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Translate Your Iranian Marriage Certificate
UKVI-certified Farsi translation from £17.99/page. Solar Hijri calendar conversion included. 24-hour delivery available.
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