English Translation of Malaysian Documents for the Philippines
Short answer: English is an official language of the Philippines, so Malaysian documents in English need no translation. Documents in Malay need an official English translation. Philippine courts will not admit a document in another language "unless accompanied with a translation into English or Filipino", immigration asks for an "English translation if written in other foreign language", and the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur asks for official English translations of Malay certificates.
What we do: certified Malay-to-English translations that Wisma Putra attests, ready for the Philippine Embassy. Send your document on WhatsApp.
Last reviewed: October 2026. For authentication, see authenticating Malaysian documents for the Philippines.
When you need a translation
Malay marriage certificates for a Report of Birth: "If Marriage Certificate is in Bahasa Malaysia, it must be accompanied by an official English translation."
Muslim marriage contracts, foreign divorce decrees and death certificates of former spouses for a Report of Marriage: with an official English translation if not in English.
Death certificates in Malay: "must be supported by notarized English translation duly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putrajaya."
Police reports for a lost passport, and business documents for an affidavit of invitation: with an English translation.
Court cases in the Philippines: a translation into English or Filipino, prepared before trial.
Immigration visas: an English translation for documents in another language.
Who may translate
The Philippine Embassy does not translate documents and does not name its own translators. For a translation that Wisma Putra will attest along with the document, use a translator Wisma Putra accepts: a Malaysian court translator, ITBM, the Malaysian Translators Association or DBP, or a translator appointed by a foreign embassy. See who can certify a translation in Malaysia.
Translate first, then authenticate
Have the Malay document translated in Malaysia, then take the translation through the notary (where needed), Wisma Putra and the Philippine Embassy together with the original. The embassy's rule for death certificates spells this out, and it is the safe order for every document.
Common questions
My birth certificate has Malay and English headings. Does it need translating?
Often yes, because the entries are in Malay. See our birth certificate guide.
Do I need a Filipino (Tagalog) translation?
Rarely. Philippine authorities accept English, and courts accept English or Filipino.
Can the embassy translate for me?
No. The Philippine Embassy does not offer translation; it authenticates the translation once Wisma Putra has attested it.
Related guides
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