Does every embassy require a legalised translation?

No. Some posts accept a translation with the translator’s certification; others require the Department of Consular Affairs step first. Follow the notice of the post where you will file.

Should the translation be into English or the destination language?

It depends on the post’s notice. Many accept English; some require their own official language only.

Do documents already issued in English need translating again?

Usually not, if the post accepts English. If the post requires another language, the document still needs translating.

Does a translation expire?

The translation itself normally has no expiry, but some source documents carry a recency condition set by the post.

What if the embassy asks for the translation to be corrected?

Get the comment in writing or note it precisely, correct the translation accordingly and resubmit with the original.

How can I ask about a visa translation set?

Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with the destination country, visa category and the documents you hold.

Foreign embassy building in Bangkok used for document legalization

Translations for a visa application filed at an embassy or consulate — who sets the format of the translation

Quick answer

The embassy or consulate receiving the application decides the translation format, not the translator. Three patterns are common: a translation legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs, a translation from a translator the post accepts, and a translation carrying the translator’s certification statement. Always read the receiving post’s published requirements before the translation is produced.

Key facts and the responsible authority

Translations for a visa application filed at an embassy or consulate — who sets the format of the translation
Who sets the requirement	The embassy or consulate receiving the application, per its own published notice
Language of the translation	Usually the official language of the destination, or English where the post states English is accepted
Legalisation step	Where required, the translation is submitted to the Department of Consular Affairs before it reaches the embassy
Document age	Many posts require civil-registration documents issued within a stated recency window; confirm with the post

Document checklist and the certification involved

Passport bio-data page
Copy signed as a true copy by the holder
House registration, birth certificate or marriage certificate, depending on the visa type
Original or registrar-certified copy, then translated in the format the post requires
Employment letter or student status letter
Issued by an authorised signatory, with a translation where the post requires one
Financial documents as listed by the embassy
Issued by the bank; translation format follows the embassy notice

Step by step

Read the receiving post’s notice: Identify the visa category and read the document list and translation requirements on that post’s official website before doing anything else.
Obtain the correct source documents: Request freshly issued civil-registration extracts from the district office if the post imposes a recency condition.
Translate in the accepted format: Produce a translation that mirrors the source text, including seals, signatures and marginal notes.
Complete any certification step: Where legalisation applies, submit the translation with the original to the Department of Consular Affairs, then file at the embassy.

What to do

Keep a scan of the complete filed set so you can respond quickly if the post asks for more.
Spell names in the translation exactly as they appear in the passport.
If a name has changed, prepare the change-of-name evidence with its translation as well.

What to avoid

A name spelled differently from the passport is the most common reason a set is returned.
Do not start translating before reading the post’s notice; accepted formats differ between posts.
No provider can guarantee a visa outcome; the decision rests with the post.

Frequently asked questions

Does every embassy require a legalised translation?: No. Some posts accept a translation with the translator’s certification; others require the Department of Consular Affairs step first. Follow the notice of the post where you will file.
Should the translation be into English or the destination language?: It depends on the post’s notice. Many accept English; some require their own official language only.
Do documents already issued in English need translating again?: Usually not, if the post accepts English. If the post requires another language, the document still needs translating.
Does a translation expire?: The translation itself normally has no expiry, but some source documents carry a recency condition set by the post.
What if the embassy asks for the translation to be corrected?: Get the comment in writing or note it precisely, correct the translation accordingly and resubmit with the original.
How can I ask about a visa translation set?: Contact our staff by phone, LINE or e-mail with the destination country, visa category and the documents you hold.

Official sources

Checked on 2026-08-04; requirements change, so confirm with the authority before filing.

Ask our team

The required documents and timing depend on the receiving office in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist before you file.