Translation for Saudi Arabia: Certified Documents from Egypt
Certified translation of official documents for clients in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
COT – Consulting Office for Translation is based in Egypt and has no office in Saudi Arabia, but we regularly translate documents for people and companies moving between the two countries. We work remotely by WhatsApp, email and courier, and we prepare files for the Saudi Embassy and consulate in Egypt. This guide explains when a translation office in Egypt fits your needs and how legalisation works.
Who we help
- Egyptians working or moving to Saudi Arabia – degrees, transcripts, experience letters, professional licences and family documents.
- Saudi residents with Egyptian paperwork – documents needed back in Egypt for property, inheritance or family matters.
- Companies – contracts, commercial registers and technical documents for Saudi partners or projects (see company document translation).
- Documents in other languages – Saudi authorities often need English, French or other foreign-language documents translated into Arabic.
Apostille and legalisation: what changed
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention, with entry into force on 7 December 2022, according to the official HCCH Apostille status table. Saudi documents for use in other member countries can now be apostilled by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Egypt, however, is not a party. So in practice:
- Egyptian documents for Saudi Arabia are generally authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Saudi Embassy or consulate in Egypt.
- Saudi documents for Egypt are generally certified by the Saudi authorities and then by the Egyptian Embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia.
Requirements depend on the document and the purpose (work visa, family visit, professional classification), so confirm with the Saudi authority or your employer.
Do Arabic documents need translation for Saudi Arabia?
Egyptian documents issued in Arabic usually do not need translation for Saudi authorities. Translation is needed when your document is in English or another language – for example a foreign university degree, an English-language experience letter or a foreign medical report – or when a Saudi employer asks for English versions. We translate in both directions between Arabic and more than 120 languages.
Tips before you send your file
- Ask your employer or the Saudi authority for its written checklist.
- Send passport copies so names are spelt consistently.
- Get recent originals and authentication first if the authority requires translations of authenticated documents.
How our remote service works
- Send clear scans by WhatsApp or email, and tell us the purpose.
- We confirm the price and delivery date.
- Specialist translators translate and a reviewer checks names, dates and numbers.
- You receive soft copies by email; stamped hard copies are sent by courier or collected from one of our Cairo branches by your representative.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a branch in Riyadh or Jeddah?
No. Our three branches are in Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin. We serve clients in Saudi Arabia remotely.
Will Saudi authorities accept a translation made in Egypt?
Many do, especially for Egyptian documents legalised through the Saudi Embassy in Egypt, but some Saudi bodies require a locally licensed translator. Check before ordering.
Can you help with professional classification documents?
Yes, we translate degrees, transcripts and experience letters often requested for professional registration. Ask the classifying body which format it needs.
Do you serve other Gulf countries?
Yes – see our page on certified translation for Oman and our guide to translation for all embassies in Cairo.
Translate your documents for Saudi Arabia
Send your documents from Saudi Arabia or Egypt and we will reply with a quote. You can also read about our legal translation service.
- 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: COT has no office in Saudi Arabia. This article reflects the situation as of the last-updated date above; Saudi and Egyptian authorities can change their requirements at any time, so always confirm current rules with the receiving authority or embassy.