Applying for a partner visa in Australia is an emotional and document-heavy process. Between proving your relationship, gathering personal records, and meeting strict Home Affairs requirements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the most common points of confusion is which documents actually need translation.

If any of your documents are not in English, the Department of Home Affairs requires them to be translated by a NAATI-certified translator. Understanding this early can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays.

Personal identity documents

Most partner visa applications include identity documents from both partners. If these are issued in a language other than English, they must be translated. This usually includes birth certificates, passports, national identity cards, and family records such as family books or civil registry extracts.

For many applicants, especially those from Arabic-speaking countries, these documents contain stamps, notes, or handwritten details. All visible text must be translated, not just the main headings.

Relationship documents

Proving that your relationship is genuine and ongoing is a central part of a partner visa application. Any supporting documents in another language need certified translation. This can include marriage certificates, divorce certificates from previous relationships, engagement records, or religious marriage documents.

In some cases, applicants also submit written statements explaining their relationship history. If these statements are written in a language other than English, they must also be translated.

Evidence of shared life together

Partner visa applications often rely on everyday documents that show you live together or share responsibilities. This might include lease agreements, utility bills, joint bank statements, insurance policies, or official correspondence addressed to both partners.

If any of these documents are not in English, they must be translated in full. Even short notes or annotations on documents should not be ignored, as immigration case officers review documents carefully.

Communication and personal evidence

Some applicants choose to submit messages, emails, or chat logs to demonstrate the development of their relationship. While not all messages need to be translated, any non-English communication you choose to include as evidence must be translated accurately and professionally.

It’s important to be selective and strategic with this type of evidence. Quality matters more than quantity, and clear translations help case officers understand the context without confusion.

Legal and supporting documents

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to submit additional documents such as police certificates, court records, name change documents, or statutory declarations. If these are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator.

Statutory declarations written by family or friends in another language also require certified translation before submission.

What happens if documents are not translated?

Submitting untranslated or incorrectly translated documents can delay your partner visa application. In some cases, Home Affairs may request further information, which adds stress and extends processing times. In more serious situations, unclear or inconsistent translations can raise questions about the accuracy of your application.

Getting translations done correctly from the start helps your application move smoothly and shows that you have met Australian migration requirements.

Final thoughts

Every partner visa application is different, but one rule remains the same: any document not in English must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator. Knowing which documents need translation early allows you to prepare your application with confidence and avoid last-minute issues.

If you’re applying for a partner visa and your documents are in Arabic or another language, professional NAATI-certified translation ensures your evidence is clear, accurate, and compliant with Australian immigration standards.

You can learn more about my NAATI-certified partner visa translation services at andytranslations.com.