Saudi Arabian Documents Translation for UK Visa 2026
All Saudi civil documents are in Arabic. So every Arabic document you send to UKVI needs a certified translation. This is true for Saudi nationals and for expats who have lived in Saudi Arabia. This guide covers the main documents, who issues them, and what to watch for, including the Watheeq digital document platform.
The Ministry of Interior runs civil registration in Saudi Arabia, through the Civil Status Administration. Every document is in Arabic, from birth certificates to family registration books. Saudi Arabia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so you can get an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Watheeq: Saudi Arabia's Digital Document Platform
Saudi Arabia has launched the Watheeq platform (وثيق). It issues and checks official documents online. Many Saudi applicants now hold a digital or printed Watheeq document instead of an old paper certificate. UKVI accepts these digital documents. Our translators know the Watheeq layout well, and we certify translations of both paper and digital Saudi documents.
Key Saudi Documents for UK Visa Translation
شهادة الميلاد / سجل الأسرة (Birth Certificate / Family Register)
The Ministry of Health issues Saudi birth certificates at the hospital (شهادة الميلاد من وزارة الصحة). The Civil Status system then registers them. The family register (سجل الأسرة) lists all the children, and people often send it with the individual birth certificate. Both need a certified Arabic-to-English translation for UKVI.
بطاقة الهوية الوطنية (National ID Card)
The Ministry of Interior issues this card (Bithaqat al-Huwiyya al-Wataniyya) to Saudi nationals. It shows the holder's name, ID number, date of birth, and place of origin, all in Arabic. You need a certified translation to use it as proof of identity for a UK visa.
إقامة (Iqama — Residency Permit for Expats)
The Iqama is the residency permit for non-Saudis who live and work in Saudi Arabia. If you lived there as an expat, UKVI may ask for it as proof of your residence. It needs a certified Arabic-to-English translation.
دفتر العائلة (Family Book)
The Saudi family book (Daftar al-'A'ila) lists every family member, how they are related, and the main civil events. It proves family links for spouse and family visa applications. UKVI needs a certified translation of every page that matters.
Women's Names on Saudi Documents
Saudi women's names follow the traditional Arabic pattern: given name, father's name, grandfather's name, then family name. Women keep their own name when they marry. The translation must copy this name order exactly, and it must match the passport.
Marriage Certificate (عقد الزواج)
Saudi civil marriages are registered with the Ministry of Justice. It issues a marriage deed (عقد الزواج). This is a formal legal contract signed by both parties and by witnesses. The civil registry then records the marriage. UKVI may ask for the deed and the civil record, and both need a certified translation.
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
I have a Watheeq-verified digital Saudi birth certificate. Does UKVI accept this for a visa application?
Yes. UKVI accepts Saudi documents issued through the Watheeq platform. Print the document clearly and send it with a certified Arabic-to-English translation. Our translators know the Watheeq format and its layout well.
My Saudi documents use the Islamic Hijri calendar. Will UKVI accept these dates?
Saudi documents often show both Hijri and Gregorian dates, and some show Hijri only. Your certified translator converts every Hijri date to its Gregorian date and shows both clearly. UKVI works in Gregorian dates, and this is normal practice for Arabic documents.
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Translate Your Saudi Arabian Documents
Certified Arabic-to-English translation from £17.99/page. Birth certificates, Iqama, family books, and marriage deeds. 24-hour delivery available.
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