Translation and interpreting languages

International languages

• French

  Benin's official language and the language of all its authorities, French is the source or target of almost every file we handle.

• English

  Essential for neighbouring Nigeria and Ghana, English-speaking universities, immigration to Canada, the US or the UK, and international contracts.

• Spanish

  For study and work in Spain and Latin America, and for dealings with Equatorial Guinea.

• Portuguese

  Benin has historic ties with Brazil; Portuguese is also needed for Portugal, Angola and Mozambique.

• German

  Study, apprenticeships and jobs in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland: German-speaking authorities often require a sworn translator.

• Italian

  For study, family reunification and diploma recognition files in Italy.

• Dutch

  For the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking Belgium, long-standing partners of Benin.

• Arabic

  Work and trade in the Gulf states, study in Morocco, Egypt or Saudi Arabia, religious and commercial documents.

• Chinese

  Scholarships, industrial partnerships and imports: China is one of Benin's major partners.

• Russian

  For diplomas earned in Russia and the former USSR, and for study applications there.

• Turkish

  Study, trade and medical travel to Turkey, an increasingly popular destination for Beninese.

African lingua francas

• Hausa

  The trade language with Niger and northern Nigeria, widely used in Malanville and northern markets.

• Swahili

  For dealings with East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the DR Congo.

Benin's national languages

• Fon

  Benin's most widely spoken language, from Littoral to Zou. Essential for hearings, surveys, healthcare and community outreach.

• Yoruba

  Spoken in Ouémé, Plateau and Collines and across south-west Nigeria: a natural bridge between the two countries.

• Gun

  The language of Porto-Novo and Ouémé, closely related to Fon.

• Bariba (Baatonum)

  The main language of Borgou and part of Alibori, from Parakou to Nikki and Kandi.

• Dendi

  A lingua franca of the north, from Malanville to Djougou, used in markets and trade.

• Fulfulde (Fula)

  Spoken by Fulani communities across northern Benin and much of West Africa.

• Adja

  The language of Couffo and part of Mono, also spoken in Togo.

• Mina

  Spoken in Mono, Cotonou and Togo, and common in coastal trade.

• Ditammari

  The language of Atacora, around Natitingou and Boukoumbé.

Your language isn't listed? Write to us: our international network covers many more languages.