Certified Translation of Official Documents in Egypt (2026)
Certified translation of official documents for embassies and government entities in Egypt
Official documents – civil status records, court judgments, police certificates, diplomas and government permits – need a certified translation whenever they are used by an authority in another language. In Egypt, ministries, courts, embassies and universities expect a complete translation stamped by a certified translation office. This guide lists the most common official documents, what certification involves and how to avoid rejection.
Common official documents we translate
- Civil status records: birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates, family registration records.
- Identity documents: national ID cards, passports and residence permits.
- Police and criminal-record certificates for visas, work permits and immigration.
- Court documents: judgments, custody orders, powers of attorney and notarised contracts – see legal translation services.
- Education documents: diplomas, transcripts and enrolment letters.
- Government permits: licences, property deeds and military-service certificates – see government document translation.
What a certified translation includes
A certified translation from COT includes:
- A complete translation of the document, including stamps, seals, signatures and handwritten notes.
- The translation office's official stamp and a statement that the translation is accurate and complete.
- A copy of the source document attached to the translation.
- Layout that mirrors the original, so officials can compare them easily.
Certification confirms the translation's accuracy. It does not confirm that the original document is genuine – that is the role of authentication and legalisation.
Certification, notarisation and legalisation
| Step | What it confirms | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | The translation is accurate and complete | Certified translation office |
| Authentication | The signature or seal on the Egyptian document is genuine | Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and other competent bodies) |
| Embassy legalisation | The document is recognised for use in that country | The destination country's embassy |
Because Egypt has not joined the Apostille Convention, documents going abroad usually need authentication and legalisation rather than an apostille. Your receiving authority will tell you which steps apply.
Mistakes that get official translations rejected
- Names transliterated differently from the passport.
- Missing stamps or marginal notes.
- Translating an old or expired document instead of a newly issued one.
- Using a translator who is a relative, or translating the document yourself.
See also translation mistakes that delay visa and university applications.
Frequently asked questions
Which Egyptian authorities accept your translations?
Our certified translations are used with ministries, courts, universities and embassies. Each authority sets its own rules, so check whether it needs any extra step such as authentication.
Can you translate a document from a scan?
Yes, as long as every part is legible. You may still need the original for authentication.
Do you translate official documents issued abroad?
Yes. We translate foreign documents into Arabic for use in Egypt, in more than 120 languages.
Do I need a newly issued certificate?
Often, yes. Many embassies and foreign authorities want civil records and police certificates issued within the last few months, and the Egyptian computerised versions are usually preferred. Check the date rule before translating, so you do not pay to translate a document that will be rejected.
How should names be spelt?
Send us a copy of the passport. We spell every name exactly as it appears there, so all your documents match.
Will the translation keep the original layout?
Yes. We mirror the structure of the original – headings, tables, stamps and signature blocks – so officials can check each part quickly.
Get your official documents translated
Send clear scans of your documents and tell us where they will be submitted:
- Phone / WhatsApp: +20 111 176 0177
- Email: Operation@cottranslation.com
- Branches in Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin – see addresses and opening hours on our contact page.
Note: the information in this article is accurate as of the last-updated date above. Embassies, universities and authorities can change their requirements at any time, so always confirm the current rules on the official website of the receiving authority before you submit your documents.