Free Translating Service

The Free Translating Service (FTS) is an Australian Government program administered by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National), which sits within the Department of Home Affairs. It provides eligible individuals with free translation of personal documents into English to support their settlement in Australia.

The service is available to permanent residents and Australian citizens who have held a permanent visa for less than two years, as well as certain temporary and provisional visa holders. Eligible applicants can have personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic qualifications, employment references, and identity documents translated into English at no cost.

The FTS exists to remove language barriers that prevent newly arrived migrants from accessing employment, education, and community services. Without translated documents, individuals may struggle to have their qualifications recognised, enrol in education, open bank accounts, or complete essential administrative processes.

It is important to distinguish the Free Translating Service from professional certified translation services. While the FTS provides a valuable entry point for personal document translation, it has specific eligibility criteria, document limitations, and processing timeframes. Organisations and individuals who need ongoing, time-sensitive, or specialised document translation typically require a professional translation provider.

Full details, eligibility criteria, and applications are available on the TIS National website.

For newly arrived migrants, the Free Translating Service is often one of the first government services they access. It plays a critical role in helping people participate in Australian society by ensuring their personal documents are available in English.

For organisations working with CALD communities, understanding the FTS is important because clients and community members may reference it when discussing their translation needs. Knowing the boundaries of the FTS, including what it covers and what it does not, helps organisations guide people toward the right service for their situation.