A Chinese birth notarial certificate is issued by a notary office in China, while a NAATI birth certificate translation is prepared by a NAATI-certified translator from the original Chinese birth medical certificate. Both are generally accepted for Australian visa and migration applications, but the Australian Passport Office requires a NAATI translation and does not accept Chinese birth notarial certificates. Our NAATI birth certificate translation costs A$50 and is completed within 24 business hours after payment, with online ordering available Australia-wide.
What is a Chinese birth notarial certificate, and what is a NAATI birth certificate translation?
A Chinese birth notarial certificate is a bilingual notarial document issued by a notary office in China. A NAATI birth certificate translation is an English translation of a Chinese birth medical certificate prepared by a translator certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), with the translator’s declaration and certification details.
Chinese birth notarial certificate
- Issued by: a notary office in China
- Format: bilingual Chinese and English document with a notarial statement and seal
- Based on: a birth medical certificate, household registration or archival records
- Process: usually requires an application in China by the person concerned or an authorised representative and can take several days to several weeks
NAATI birth certificate translation
- Issued by: a NAATI-certified translator for the relevant language direction, whose CPN can be checked
- Format: English translation with a translator’s declaration and NAATI digital stamp
- Based on: a clear photo or scan of the original Chinese birth medical certificate
- Process: completed entirely online, normally within 24 business hours after payment
How are a Chinese birth notarial certificate and a NAATI translation different?
The main differences are who issues the document, how it is arranged and what it proves. A notarial certificate records a notarial act relating to the underlying information, while a NAATI translation shows that a certified translator is responsible for the English translation.
| Comparison | Chinese birth notarial certificate | NAATI birth certificate translation |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Notary office in China | NAATI-certified translator |
| Document type | Notarial document with a notarial statement | Certified translation with the translator’s declaration and CPN |
| Where it is arranged | Usually through a notary office in China | Online from anywhere in Australia; the original does not need to be posted |
| Turnaround | Several days to several weeks, depending on the notary office | Within 24 business hours after payment for a standard order |
| Typical cost | Notarial and agent fees vary by location | Fixed A$50; see the full price list |
| How to verify it | Contact the issuing notary office | Search the CPN in the NAATI Online Directory |
Which document do I need?
For documents submitted to Australian authorities, a NAATI translation is generally the practical choice. Australian documents taken to China may instead need notarisation and an Apostille. The two processes serve different purposes, so always follow the receiving authority’s document checklist.
| Use | Usual choice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Australian visa, migration or citizenship application | NAATI translation for an application made in Australia | Follow the current document checklist issued by the Department of Home Affairs |
| Australian passport application | NAATI translation | The Australian Passport Office does not accept Chinese birth notarial certificates in place of a required translation; a non-English document must be accompanied by a translation from a NAATI-certified translator |
| School enrolment, Medicare and similar services | NAATI translation | It is accepted by many organisations, but confirm the current requirement before submission |
| Australian documents for use in China, such as household registration or school enrolment | Notarisation and an Apostille | After China joined the Apostille Convention in November 2023, the usual Australian process is notarisation by an Australian Notary Public followed by a DFAT Apostille; see our Apostille guide and follow the receiving authority’s instructions |
| You are in China and do not have the original birth medical certificate | Obtain a notarial certificate or replace the original document first | A NAATI translation requires a clear photo or scan of the document to be translated |
If you are unsure, spend a minute checking the receiving authority’s official list before ordering. This can prevent delays and requests for further documents. For a broader explanation, see the differences between NAATI translation, notarisation and an Apostille.
How do I arrange a NAATI birth certificate translation?
The process is entirely online. Upload a clear photo or scan of the Chinese birth medical certificate, enter the English spelling of the name and pay online. A NAATI-certified translator then translates and checks the document before delivering the certified PDF.
What to provide
- A complete, clear photo or scan of the birth medical certificate; the original does not need to be posted
- The holder’s English name, preferably matching the passport
- The intended use, such as a visa, passport or school enrolment
Steps
- 1. Open the Chinese birth certificate translation order page
- 2. Upload the document, enter the required details and pay
- 3. A NAATI-certified translator translates and checks the document
- 4. Receive the certified PDF with a NAATI digital stamp
Delivery
- PDF: includes the NAATI digital stamp and translator’s declaration and can be uploaded to online systems such as ImmiAccount
- Printed copy: postage can be selected when ordering
How much does a NAATI birth certificate translation cost, and how long does it take?
A NAATI-certified English translation of one Chinese birth medical certificate costs a fixed A$50 and is completed within 24 business hours after payment.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | A$50 per certificate, including translation by a NAATI-certified translator, the translator’s declaration, a NAATI digital stamp and PDF delivery |
| Turnaround | Within 24 business hours after clear documents, complete information and payment are received |
| Delivery | PDF is standard; a printed copy can be selected when ordering |
See the document translation price list for other fixed-price documents. For an overview of certification, stamps and the translation process, read What Is a NAATI Translation?
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: a Chinese birth notarial certificate or a NAATI translation?
For use in Australia, a NAATI translation is usually the better choice. The Australian Passport Office does not accept a Chinese birth notarial certificate in place of a required translation, and a non-English document must be accompanied by a translation from a NAATI-certified translator. For visa and migration applications, either document may generally be accepted, subject to the Department of Home Affairs document checklist. Australian documents used in China will generally require an Apostille rather than a Chinese birth notarial certificate.
I cannot find the original birth medical certificate and only have a notarial certificate. Can it be translated?
Yes. A NAATI-certified translator can translate a notarial certificate or another supporting document. If the Australian authority specifically asks for a translation of the birth medical certificate, you will need to replace or retrieve that original document first. You can send us a photo of the document you have so we can check it before you order.
Does a NAATI translation expire?
NAATI does not set an expiry date for a translation, but some receiving organisations require recently issued documents, commonly within the previous 3–12 months. See our guide to NAATI translation validity.
Can I upload the PDF directly to ImmiAccount?
Yes. A certified PDF bearing a NAATI digital stamp can be uploaded directly to online systems such as ImmiAccount, and the stamp’s QR code can be scanned to verify it. If a particular organisation asks for a printed original, select postal delivery when ordering.
How can I verify that the translator is genuinely NAATI-certified?
Open the NAATI Online Directory and search the CPN shown on the translation. The result should display the translator, certified language direction and current status. See our step-by-step verification guide.
Related services and guides
- Complete guide to using a Chinese birth certificate in Australia →
- Chinese birth certificate NAATI translation: price and online ordering →
- Document translation price list: fixed prices and turnaround times →
- NAATI translation, notarisation and Apostille: what is the difference? →
- What is a NAATI translation? Certification, stamps and process →
- Contact us about an unusual document →
Last updated: 30 August 2026 | Content reviewed by the Best Fanyi NAATI-certified translator team