Australia Home Affairs translation requirements: when NAATI is required
What the official rule says
Translations done in Australia must be by a NAATI-certified translator. Translations done outside Australia do not need NAATI, but must include the translator's full name, address, telephone number and details of their qualifications and experience in the language.
Official source: Home Affairs: Check twice, submit once (translations)
Official text last verified 2026-10-01
A compliant translation must include
- Translated in Australia: the translator must be NAATI-certified
- Translated outside Australia: NAATI not required, but include the translator's full name
- The translator's address and telephone number
- Details of the translator's qualifications and experience in the language
Does a Smartlink Translation translation meet it?
Offshore translations meet it: add "Australia" in your order notes. We do not have NAATI translators — if the receiving body specifically requires NAATI, please choose a NAATI provider.
Every Smartlink Translation order includes the same five-part delivery kit: a submission-ready translation (.docx + .pdf, laid out like the original), a signed translator's certification under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), our PSB-registered bilingual translation seal (seal code 11011210314198), a project quality report scored on the MQM translation-quality framework (six dimensions per file), and free revisions for 24 months — with an itemized quote within 3 minutes of upload.
Common reasons a translation is questioned or returned
FAQ
Do Australian visa documents always need a NAATI translation?
No. Home Affairs requires NAATI only for translations made in Australia. Translations made outside Australia need the translator's full name, address, phone and qualifications instead. Some assessing bodies set their own rules.
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