How to Translate Your Foreign Documents for Marriage in Indonesia

Planning to tie the knot in Indonesia as a foreigner? Congratulations!

Before the big day, you’ll need to make sure your foreign documents are legally valid in Indonesia.
One of the most important steps is translation into Bahasa Indonesia by a sworn translator.

This guide explains why sworn translations are required, which documents need them, and how to prepare so your marriage registration goes smoothly.

Why Sworn Translation Is Essential

Government offices in Indonesia only accept documents in Bahasa Indonesia. If your documents are in another language, they must be translated by a sworn translator appointed by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham).

Sworn translations carry a legal stamp and signature, making them officially recognized. Regular or uncertified translations won’t be accepted by the marriage office, so choosing the right translator is crucial.

Documents That Usually Need Translation

If you’re a foreigner marrying in Indonesia, the most common documents requiring sworn translation are:

  • Passport (data page)
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or similar document from your embassy
  • Divorce decree (if previously married)
  • Death certificate of a former spouse (if applicable)
  • Baptism certificate or certificate of conversion to Islam (if required by your chosen marriage office)

Depending on your nationality, local officials or your embassy may also request additional documents.

The Correct Process: Step by Step

1. Authenticate Your Documents in Your Home Country

Before translation, your documents must first be legalized or apostilled in the country where they were issued. This step confirms that the originals are genuine and valid for international use.

Result: You now have documents officially recognized outside your home country.

2. Translate with a Sworn Translator in Indonesia

Next, bring the legalized or apostilled documents to a sworn translator in Indonesia. The translator will provide a certified translation with their legal stamp and signature, making it legally binding here.

We offer sworn translation in multiple languages to meet marriage requirements in Indonesia. Click here for more information.

Result: You receive a sworn translation that Indonesian authorities can accept.

3. Submit to the Local Marriage Office

With sworn translations in hand, you can submit your documents to the Civil Registry Office (Catatan Sipil) or the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) where your marriage will be registered. 

No extra notarization or legalization is normally required inside Indonesia—the sworn translation itself is enough.

Result: Your marriage registration can proceed without unnecessary delays.

Timeline and Tips

  • Legalization or apostille in your home country can take several days to a few weeks, so start early.
  • Sworn translation in Indonesia usually takes 1–7 working days, depending on the length of the documents and whether you purchase express service. At Bali Apostille, we also offer express sworn translation, completed in just 1–2 business days.
  • To avoid last-minute stress, prepare everything at least 2–3 weeks before your wedding.

Make the Process Easier with a Bundle Package

Many foreigners need help with both sides of the process:

  1. Sworn translation of foreign documents to register your marriage in Indonesia.
  2. Apostille for your Indonesian marriage certificate so it will be legally valid in your home country.

At Bali Apostille, we offer a convenient bundle package to handle both steps—translation for your marriage registration here in Indonesia and apostille for your Indonesian marriage certificate after your wedding. This way, your documents are valid both in Indonesia and abroad, without the stress of managing everything on your own.

Bali Apostille would be happy to offer you a 10% discount on your final total for this bundle package.

Final Thoughts

Getting married in Indonesia as a foreigner involves extra steps, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. 

You only need to:

  • Legalize or apostille your documents in your home country
  • Translate them with a sworn translator in Indonesia
  • Submit everything to the marriage office

Skip the Hassle – Let Bali Apostille Service Handle Everything for You

Why Choose Bali Apostille Service?

Bali Apostille Service is trusted by hundreds of clients across Indonesia to make document legalization simple and hassle-free. 

See what our customers have to say below!

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01:27 27 Aug 25
Ray Lane
06:12 25 Aug 25
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