Translating and legalizing documents in Dubai is essential for expatriates, businesses, and residents dealing with governmental procedures, immigration, business setup, and legal matters. Ensuring that your documents are correctly translated and legally recognized can save time and prevent unnecessary complications.
What is Legal Translation in UAE?
Legal translation in the UAE refers to the certified translation of official documents required for legal, governmental, or business purposes. Unlike regular translations, legal translation must be performed by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-approved translator to be legally valid. This ensures that the translated document retains its legal standing and is recognized by authorities, courts, and government entities.
Common Documents That Require Legal Translation in Dubai
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, passports, and wills.
- Business & Corporate Documents: Trade licenses, contracts, agreements, powers of attorney, and financial statements.
- Immigration & Residency Documents: Visa applications, residency permits, and work contracts.
For accurate and certified legal translation in Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation offers professional services that comply with UAE regulations.
How to Get an Official Translation of a Document in Dubai?
If you need an official translation for any document, follow these steps:
- Find a MOJ-Certified Legal Translator – Only translators approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice can provide legally valid translations.
- Submit Your Document – Provide a clear copy of the document to the translation service. If it requires notarization, ensure it is certified before translation.
- Translation Process – The translator will translate the document while preserving its legal terminology and context.
- Certification and Attestation – The translated document is stamped and certified for official use. If required, it can be further attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) and the relevant embassy.
How to Legalize a Document in Dubai?
Document legalization ensures that a document is officially recognized in the UAE or internationally. The process involves multiple steps:
- Notarization – If required, get the document notarized by a UAE Notary Public.
- Attestation from MOFAIC – The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) verifies and attests to the document.
- Embassy Legalization – If the document needs to be used outside the UAE, it must be legalized by the embassy of the respective country.
- Translation (if required) – Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
For a hassle-free legal translation Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation provides certified translations with attestation services to ensure your documents are legally valid.
How Much Does Legal Translation Cost in Dubai?
The cost of legal translation in Dubai varies depending on factors such as:
- Document Type – Simple certificates cost less, while complex legal contracts or technical documents may be more expensive.
- Word Count – Translation is typically priced per word or page.
- Language Pair – Common languages (e.g., English to Arabic) cost less than rare language combinations.
- Urgency – Same-day or urgent translation services may have higher fees.
The general price for certified legal translation in Dubai starts at AED 50–AED 200 per page, depending on the document type and complexity.
Why is Legal Translation Important in Dubai?
Dubai is home to a diverse population of expatriates and businesses, making legal translation a critical service for ensuring clear communication and compliance with UAE laws. Here are some key reasons why legal translation is essential:
- Government Compliance – Many UAE government entities require official documents to be translated into Arabic before processing applications.
- Legal Recognition – Courts, embassies, and notary services accept only MOJ-certified legal translations.
- Business Contracts & Agreements – Multinational companies operating in Dubai must translate contracts to ensure all parties understand their obligations.
- Immigration & Residency Applications – Visa, work permits, and residency applications require translated and attested personal documents.
If you require professional legal translation in Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation ensures accuracy, compliance, and certification for all official documents.
Where to Get Legal Translation in Dubai?
To ensure legal validity, it is crucial to choose a translation service that is:
- Certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) – Only MOJ-approved translators can provide legally recognized translations.
- Experienced in Legal Terminology – Accuracy is critical in legal translation, as even minor errors can cause legal complications.
- Recognized by UAE Government Authorities – Ensure that the translation service is accepted by Dubai Courts, MOFAIC, and embassies.
Polyglot Legal Translation offers certified legal translation in Dubai for all document types, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
Steps to Get a Document Translated & Legalized in Dubai
If you need both translation and legalization, follow these steps:
- Check Legalization Requirements – Confirm whether your document needs attestation from MOFAIC, a notary, or an embassy.
- Translate the Document – If the document is in a foreign language, it must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
- Notarization (if required) – Some documents, such as contracts, may require notarization before translation.
- MOFAIC Attestation – Submit the translated document for official attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Embassy Legalization (if applicable) – If the document is to be used abroad, visit the respective embassy for legalization.
By using a professional translation service like Polyglot Legal Translation, you can ensure that your document meets all legal requirements in Dubai.
Common Challenges in Legal Translation & How to Avoid Them
- Inaccurate Terminology – Legal terms must be precisely translated to maintain their original meaning.
- Solution: Work with experienced legal translators familiar with UAE laws.
- Uncertified Translations – Uncertified translations are not accepted by courts and government entities.
- Solution: Ensure that your translator is MOJ-approved.
- Missing Attestation – Some documents require attestation in addition to translation.
- Solution: Check with the relevant authority before submission.
- Delays in Processing – Legalization can take time, especially if multiple approvals are required.
- Solution: Plan in advance and use a service offering expedited processing.
Key Authorities Involved in Document Translation and Legalization in Dubai
Understanding which authorities handle document legalization in Dubai can help streamline the process. The key entities involved include:
- UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) – Approves and certifies legal translators who provide legal translation in Dubai.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) – Responsible for attesting documents to be used within or outside the UAE.
- Dubai Courts Notary Public – Notarizes official documents such as power of attorney, contracts, and affidavits.
- Embassies and Consulates – If a document is to be used in a foreign country, it may require attestation from the relevant embassy in Dubai.
- Dubai Municipality & Other Government Entities – Some specialized documents require additional approvals from government departments.
To ensure your document meets all legal requirements, work with a trusted legal translation provider like Polyglot Legal Translation.
How Long Does the Translation and Legalization Process Take?
The time required for legal translation and document legalization in Dubai depends on the document type, required attestations, and urgency.
- Legal Translation Only: 1–2 business days (for standard documents).
- Translation + MOJ Certification: 2–3 business days.
- Translation + MOFAIC Attestation: 3–5 business days.
- Translation + Full Legalization (MOJ + MOFAIC + Embassy): 5–10 business days, depending on the embassy’s processing time.
- Urgent Services: Same-day or 24-hour legal translation services are available for an extra fee.
For fast and certified legal translation in Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation offers expedited services to meet urgent requirements.
Cost Breakdown of Legal Translation & Legalization in Dubai
Legal translation prices in Dubai vary based on several factors. Below is a general pricing guide:
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Certified Legal Translation (per page) | AED 50 – AED 200 |
| MOFAIC Attestation (per document) | AED 150 – AED 200 |
| Notarization (per document) | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Embassy Legalization (per document) | AED 150 – AED 500 (varies by embassy) |
| Urgent Legal Translation Service | Additional AED 100 – AED 300 |
Prices can vary based on language pairs, document complexity, and turnaround time. For an accurate quote, contact Polyglot Legal Translation.
Who Needs Legal Translation and Document Legalization in Dubai?
Legal translation and document legalization are required for:
- Individuals:
- Expatriates applying for UAE residency, work visas, and citizenship.
- Students submitting translated academic certificates for university admissions.
- Couples registering marriage certificates in Dubai.
- Families applying for birth certificate attestation for newborns.
- Businesses & Corporations:
- Companies registering trade licenses or setting up in free zones.
- Organizations dealing with employment contracts and MOUs.
- Firms involved in international trade agreements.
To ensure smooth processing, Polyglot Legal Translation offers end-to-end solutions, from translation to attestation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Translation & Legalization in Dubai
1. Can I Translate My Documents Myself for Legal Purposes?
No. Only translations done by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-certified legal translator are legally recognized in the UAE. If you submit a self-translated document, it will not be accepted by government authorities or courts.
2. Do I Need to Translate My Document if It Is Already in English?
Yes, in most cases. Since Arabic is the official language of the UAE, many government authorities require documents to be translated into Arabic before they are processed.
3. How Can I Check if a Translation Service Is Certified?
To ensure a translation company is MOJ-certified, verify their credentials on the UAE Ministry of Justice website or ask if their translation is officially recognized by UAE government entities. Polyglot Legal Translation is an officially certified legal translation provider in Dubai.
4. What Is the Difference Between Legalization and Attestation?
- Attestation refers to verifying the authenticity of a document by a government entity like MOFAIC.
- Legalization is the complete process of authenticating a document for use in a foreign country, often involving multiple approvals from MOFAIC and embassies.
5. Do All Documents Need MOFAIC Attestation?
Not necessarily. Some documents may only require notarization or legal translation. However, if the document is to be used internationally, MOFAIC attestation is usually required.
How to Choose the Best Legal Translation Service in Dubai
When selecting a legal translation company in Dubai, consider the following factors:
✅ MOJ Certification – Ensure they are legally authorized to provide translations.
✅ Experience in Legal Terminology – A deep understanding of UAE laws is crucial.
✅ Acceptance by Authorities – Their translations should be recognized by Dubai Courts, MOFAIC, and embassies.
✅ Turnaround Time – Can they provide same-day or urgent translations if required?
✅ Customer Reviews & Reputation – Check online reviews and testimonials.
For trusted, certified legal translation in Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation offers professional services for individuals and businesses.
Final Thoughts: Why Legal Translation & Legalization Matter in Dubai
Legal translation and document legalization in Dubai are crucial for ensuring compliance with UAE regulations. Whether you’re an expatriate, a business owner, or a legal professional, having accurate, certified translations can save time and prevent complications.
Summary of Key Takeaways:
✔ Legal translation must be done by MOJ-certified translators to be recognized in Dubai.
✔ Document legalization involves notarization, MOFAIC attestation, and embassy legalization if required.
✔ Costs vary based on the document type, language pair, and urgency, starting from AED 50 per page for translation.
✔ Processing time ranges from 1–10 business days, depending on the required attestations.
✔ Choosing a reputable service ensures smooth processing and acceptance by UAE authorities.
For fast, accurate, and MOJ-approved legal translation in Dubai, contact Polyglot Legal Translation today!