What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for Malaysia

Malaysia 🇲🇾

Requirement: Sworn/Licensed

Requirements summary

Apostille required	No — Malaysia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. Foreign public documents generally require consular/legalisation followed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation.
Translation type required	Official translation (attested or court-recognised)
Who can translate	Translator recognised by Malaysian courts or professional translator whose work is attested
Official translator registry	No central public government registry; courts have internal panels
Accepted languages	English or Bahasa Malaysia (Malay)
Legalisation authority	Ministry of Foreign Affairs – attestation services
Official source	Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Attestation of Documents , Malaysian Judiciary , Immigration Department of Malaysia

Important: Malaysia does not operate a single national registry of sworn translators. Translation requirements depend on the receiving authority and whether a certification or attestation step is mandated.

Who can translate

Malaysia does not licence translators at the federal level. However, for official purposes:

Courts often maintain lists of approved translators/interpreters whose translations are accepted for judicial proceedings — details are available from the Malaysian Judiciary.
For administrative, visa, or civil matters, a translation prepared by a professional translator should be accompanied by an attestation (e.g., before a Commissioner for Oaths).

What makes a translation official

An official translation in Malaysia should include:

A signed statement confirming the translation is a true and accurate rendering
The translator’s full name and contact details
Commissioner for Oaths attestation (if required by the receiving authority)

Courts and government agencies may require the translator to be on a recognised court panel or to have the translation formally attested. Always check the specific authority’s requirements.

Documents from abroad

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, public documents issued abroad **must first be legalised/attested** before they can be used in Malaysia. Documents in a language other than English or Malay must be translated into English or Malay and the translation must be certified before attestation.

Official guidance on translation and attestation is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Attestation of Documents

Notes

Malaysia’s approach differs from formal civil-law sworn translator systems found in some countries. It relies on court panels, Commission for Oaths certifications, and institutional discretion (e.g., immigration, universities, courts).

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in Malaysia