Certified Translation Requirements for Partner Visa Subclass 820 and 309
If you're applying for an Australian partner visa — either the onshore subclass 820 or offshore subclass 309 — you'll almost certainly need certified translation for partner visa 820 309 documents. The Department of Home Affairs requires that any document not written in English be accompanied by a translation from a NAATI-certified translator.
Partner visa applications are among the most document-intensive visa types in the Australian immigration system. This guide covers exactly which documents need certified translation, what the Department of Home Affairs requires, and how to get your translations done quickly and affordably.
What Documents Need Certified Translation for a Partner Visa?
The following documents commonly require certified translation when they are in a language other than English:
Identity and Civil Status Documents
- Birth certificates — for both the applicant and sponsor
- Marriage certificate — the primary evidence of a legally recognised relationship
- Divorce certificate or decree absolute — if either party has been previously married
- Death certificate — if a previous spouse is deceased
- Adoption certificates — if relevant to the applicant's identity
Police Clearances
- Police clearance certificates from any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- These must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator in the relevant language pair
Financial and Property Evidence
- Bank statements (joint or individual accounts showing shared finances)
- Property title deeds or lease agreements held jointly
- Utility bills and other financial correspondence
Relationship Evidence
- Correspondence between the couple in a foreign language (letters, messages, emails)
- Statutory declarations from friends or family members written in a language other than English
- Social media or communication records (where translated)
What Are the Department of Home Affairs Translation Requirements?
The Department of Home Affairs has clear guidelines on certified translations. Every translated document must include:
- The full translated text in English
- The translator's full name and contact details
- The translator's NAATI credential number
- A statement confirming the accuracy of the translation
- The date the translation was completed
Translations that do not meet these requirements are likely to be rejected, which can cause significant delays in your visa processing — or result in a request for further information (RFI) that sets your timeline back by months.
"A single missing document or an uncertified translation can delay a partner visa by six months or more. Getting it right the first time matters."
Onshore vs Offshore Partner Visa — Translation Differences
The subclass 820 is for applicants already in Australia on another visa. The subclass 309 is for those applying from outside Australia. While both require the same quality of certified translation, offshore applicants may have additional police clearances from multiple countries and may need translations done in locations without easy access to NAATI translators.
Online certified translation services like LodgeHQ Translations are particularly useful for offshore applicants, as they can upload documents remotely and receive their certified translations digitally — ready to include in an ImmiAccount upload.
How Long Do Certified Translations Take for a Partner Visa?
Standard certified translation for partner visa 820 309 documents typically takes 24–48 hours per document. However, if you have a large number of documents — which is common in partner visa applications — you should plan ahead.
- Simple documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates): 24–48 hours
- Complex documents (legal correspondence, court orders): 48–72 hours
- Large volumes (5+ documents): 3–5 business days for the full set
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost for a Partner Visa?
Certified translation costs in Australia typically range from $60 to $180 per document, depending on the language pair, document length, and complexity. For a full partner visa application with 10–20 documents requiring translation, total costs can add up quickly.
LodgeHQ Translations uses a competitive quoting model where NAATI-certified translators submit bids, helping you get a fair price without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Tips for Getting Your Partner Visa Translations Right
- Start early — don't wait until the last minute to collect and translate documents
- Use a NAATI-certified translator — non-certified translations are not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs
- Keep originals — submit both the original document and the certified translation
- Check the language pair — not all translators work in every language; make sure yours is certified for the specific language pair
- Verify completeness — every page of a multi-page document must be translated
Does Your Migration Agent Recommend a Translator?
If you're working with a registered migration agent, they can often help coordinate translations. Many agents use LodgeHQ Translations because it connects clients directly with NAATI-certified translators in a streamlined, trackable way — reducing back-and-forth and keeping the application moving.
Ready to get started? Get your certified translation today — upload your document, compare quotes from NAATI-certified translators, and receive your translation within 48 hours.