Translating and legalising Iranian academic documents for applications: step by step

Almost every European university and embassy asks for official translations of your academic documents, and many also require legalisation. This step usually takes several weeks, and doing things in the wrong order can waste a lot of time and money. This guide explains the general route for translating and legalising documents in Iran, step by step.

First: Iran is not part of the Apostille Convention

In many countries documents become valid abroad with a single "apostille" stamp. Iran, however, is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so Iranian documents usually go through consular legalisation: certification by domestic authorities and then, if required, by the destination country's embassy.

General steps, in order

1. Academic verification: documents must first be verified by the issuing authority; the Ministry of Education for school certificates and the relevant ministry (Science or Health) for university degrees, depending on the university.
2. Official translation: by an official translation office and a sworn translator of the Judiciary.
3. Judiciary certification: the official translation is certified by the Judiciary's translators office.
4. Foreign Ministry certification: then stamped by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Destination embassy legalisation (if required): some countries or universities also require their embassy in Tehran to legalise the documents.

Details and order may differ by document type and destination requirements. Official translation offices usually handle the Judiciary and Foreign Ministry steps too; ask in advance.

Which documents should you translate?

• Diploma and transcripts of the last three years (and pre-university if applicable)
• Bachelor's degree and transcripts for master's applications
• Birth certificate, if requested
• Employment certificates for some programmes
• Bank statements and sponsor documents, if the embassy requires translation

Which language?

Usually English or the destination country's language. Some countries such as Germany may accept German or English translations, but some authorities prefer the local language. Before translating, ask the university and embassy which language and which type of certification they need.

Time and cost

The whole process can take several weeks depending on academic verification and queues. Translation fees are based on the official tariff and the number of pages and certifications. That is why it is best to start 9–12 months before the semester.

Important tips

• Ask for your English name spelling exactly as in your passport in every translation.
• Get several copies of each certified translation; the university and embassy may each want one.
• Never give your original documents to an agent to keep.
• If you need another document later, the same route is required, so translate everything you need at once.

Frequently asked questions