Farsi (Persian) Certified Translation Services: Iranian Document Translation Guide
Iran has one of the largest diaspora populations in the United States, with an estimated 1-2 million Iranian Americans. Farsi (Persian) document translation is essential for immigration cases, academic credential evaluations, legal proceedings, and business transactions. This guide covers the unique challenges of translating Farsi documents and what you need to know about certified translation of Iranian documents.
Understanding Farsi for Translation Purposes
Script and Direction
Farsi uses a modified Arabic script (Perso-Arabic script), written right to left. While the script is based on Arabic, Farsi adds four additional letters for sounds that do not exist in Arabic: پ (p), چ (ch), ژ (zh), and گ (g).
Farsi vs Arabic: Critical Distinctions
Although Farsi and Arabic share a script and many loanwords, they are entirely different languages from different language families:
A translator competent in Arabic is NOT competent in Farsi, and vice versa. Documents must be assigned to a translator who is specifically qualified in Farsi.
Dari and Tajik
Farsi has two closely related variants:
Dari — Spoken in Afghanistan. Uses the same script but with some vocabulary differences.
Tajiki — Spoken in Tajikistan. Written in Cyrillic script.
For translation purposes, Farsi (Iranian Persian) and Dari (Afghan Persian) documents require translators familiar with the specific variant.
Formal vs Informal Register
Farsi has a wide gap between formal written language and colloquial speech. Official documents use a highly formal register with Arabic loanwords for legal and administrative terms. The translator must understand this formal register.
Commonly Translated Iranian Documents
Shenasname (شناسنامه) — Birth Certificate / Identity Booklet
The shenasname is Iran's most important civil document. Unlike Western birth certificates, the shenasname is a booklet that records:
Full name (in Farsi), Father's name, Date of birth (in the Solar Hijri calendar), Place of birth, Photo, Marriage records, Divorce records, Children's information, and Death registration (if deceased)
Translation challenge: The shenasname accumulates information over a lifetime, similar to the Japanese koseki tohon. All pages must be translated.
Kart-e Melli (کارت ملی) — National ID Card
Iran's modern biometric national ID card. Contains basic personal information in Farsi and sometimes English.
Iranian Passport
Iranian passports contain bilingual text (Farsi and English), but endorsement pages, visa stamps, and annotations may need translation.
Sanad-e Ezdevaj (سند ازدواج) — Marriage Certificate
Iranian marriage certificates are issued by notary offices (daftar-e asnad-e rasmi). They contain:
Names and personal details of both spouses, Mehrieh (مهریه — dower/dowry) amount and terms, Marriage conditions (shurut-e zemn-e aqd), Witnesses' names, and Notary's attestation
The mehrieh clause is particularly important and must be translated accurately, as it has legal implications for property and divorce rights.
Talaqname (طلاقنامه) — Divorce Certificate
Iranian divorce documents come from Family Courts. They record:
Court identification, Parties' information, Grounds for divorce, Mehrieh settlement, Custody provisions, and Financial terms
Madrak-e Tahsili (مدرک تحصیلی) — Academic Credentials
Diploma-ye Debirestan — High school diploma
Karshenasi (کارشناسی) — Bachelor's degree
Karshenasi-ye Arshad (کارشناسی ارشد) — Master's degree
Doktora (دکترا) — Doctorate
Riz-e Nomarat (ریز نمرات) — Academic transcript
Govahi-ye Adame Soe Pishineh (گواهی عدم سوء پیشینه) — Police Clearance
Certificate of no criminal record, issued by Iranian police (NAJA). Required for immigration purposes.
Military Service Documents
Kart-e Payan-e Khedmat (کارت پایان خدمت) — Military service completion card
Kart-e Moafiyat (کارت معافیت) — Military exemption card
Iran has mandatory military service for men. These documents are often needed for immigration.
Property and Financial Documents
Sanad-e Malekiyat — Property deed
Javaz-e Kasb — Business license
Ezhaarname-ye Maliyati — Tax return
Calendar Conversion: The Solar Hijri System
How It Works
Iran uses the Solar Hijri calendar (also called the Iranian calendar or Shamsi calendar). The current year 1403 SH corresponds to 2024-2025 CE. Months are:
Translation Practice
For dates, the translator should:
This is critical for USCIS, as officers may not be familiar with the Solar Hijri calendar.
Translation Challenges for Farsi Documents
Name Transliteration
Farsi transliteration into Latin characters is inconsistent. The same name may be spelled differently in different contexts:
محمد: Muhammad, Mohammad, Mohammed, Mohamed, Mohamad, حسین: Hossein, Hosein, Hussein, Hussain, and زهرا: Zahra, Zehra
The translation must match the person's passport spelling. If passport and document spellings differ, the translator should follow the passport.
Calligraphy and Handwriting
Iranian documents, particularly older ones, may feature decorative calligraphy (nastaliq style) or challenging handwriting. Marriage certificates and religious documents often use elaborate calligraphic styles.
Religious Terminology
Iranian documents frequently contain Quranic verses, religious invocations, and Islamic legal terminology:
Stamps and Seals
Iranian documents feature multiple stamps and seals:
Government ministry stamps, Notary stamps, Court stamps, and Personal or company stamps
All stamp text must be translated or described.
Translation for Iranian Immigration Cases
Common Scenarios
Family-Based Immigration (I-130):
Shenasname translation, Marriage certificate translation, and Divorce certificate (if applicable)
Employment-Based Immigration:
Academic credential translation, Professional license translation, and Employment history documentation
Diversity Visa:
Asylum Cases:
Sanctions Considerations
U.S. sanctions against Iran create complications for financial document translation. Iranian bank statements, tax returns, and financial records may be relevant for:
EB-5 source of funds documentation, Tax compliance reporting, and Asset declarations
The translator should translate the documents accurately; the legal and compliance implications are for the attorney to address.
Link Translations Farsi Services
Link Translations provides expert certified translation for all Farsi and Dari documents.
Native Farsi translators experienced with Iranian government documents, Accurate Solar Hijri to Gregorian calendar conversion, Consistent name transliteration matching passport spelling, Shenasname, marriage certificate, and academic credential translation, Certificate of Accuracy included, and Standard delivery: 2-3 business days
Get a free quote for your Farsi document translation.