Legal translation is an essential service in Dubai, required for various purposes, including visa applications, court proceedings, business contracts, and governmental approvals. Whether you are an individual needing a certified translation of a birth certificate or a company requiring multilingual contracts, understanding the cost of legal translation Dubai is crucial for budgeting effectively.

This guide will explore all aspects of legal translation costs, covering pricing structures, influencing factors, common document types, and how to choose the best service provider.

What is Legal Translation?

Legal translation is the process of converting official and legal documents from one language to another while preserving their meaning, accuracy, and legal validity. Unlike regular translation, legal translation requires specialized knowledge of legal terminology, the legal systems of both the source and target languages, and compliance with official regulations.

In Dubai, legal translations are often required to be certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice to be considered legally valid. This certification ensures that the translation is accurate, recognized by authorities, and can be used for official purposes.

Why is Legal Translation Important in Dubai?

Dubai is a global business and expatriate hub where multiple languages are spoken. However, Arabic is the official language of legal and government documents. That means many legal documents must be translated into Arabic for submission to courts, government departments, and regulatory authorities.

Some examples of legal documents that require translation include:

Personal documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts
Business documents: Contracts, agreements, financial statements
Legal proceedings: Court documents, power of attorney, affidavits

Inaccurate translations can lead to legal complications, rejection of documents, or misinterpretation of contractual terms. That’s why it’s crucial to use professional, certified legal translation services to ensure compliance with UAE regulations.

Factors Influencing Legal Translation Costs in Dubai

The cost of legal translation in Dubai depends on several factors, including:

1. Language Pair

The price of translation varies based on the language combination. Some language pairs are more common and affordable, while rare languages or those requiring specialized expertise tend to cost more. For example:

English to Arabic: Most common and generally more affordable
French, Russian, or German to Arabic: Moderate pricing due to medium demand
Chinese, Japanese, or Nordic languages to Arabic: Higher pricing due to limited expertise

2. Document Complexity

Legal texts with specialized terminology, complex sentence structures, and intricate legal concepts require expert translators, increasing the cost. For example, a basic contract translation may cost less than a technical legal document with complex clauses.

3. Certification and Legalization Requirements

Certified translations cost more than non-certified translations because they involve verification, notarization, or approval from government authorities. In Dubai, legal translations often require UAE Ministry of Justice certification, which adds to the cost.

4. Urgency of Translation

Urgent or same-day translation services come at a premium due to the increased workload for translators and the need for expedited processing.

Legal Translation Pricing Structures in Dubai

Legal translation service providers in Dubai use different pricing models, depending on the document type, language pair, and complexity. Understanding these pricing structures helps individuals and businesses budget effectively. Below are the most common ways legal translation costs are calculated:

1. Per Word Pricing

Many translation agencies charge per word, especially for larger documents like contracts and business agreements. Prices can range from AED 0.20 to AED 0.50 per word, depending on the language pair and complexity.

For example:

English to Arabic: AED 0.20–0.30 per word
French to Arabic: AED 0.25–0.40 per word
Chinese to Arabic: AED 0.40–0.50 per word

This method is commonly used when translating high-volume documents where the total word count is known.

2. Per Page Pricing

For legal documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, court documents, and affidavits, many agencies charge a flat fee per page. The standard cost for legal translation per page in Dubai ranges from AED 50 to AED 150.

Simple documents (1-2 paragraphs): AED 50–80 per page
Standard documents (certificates, licenses): AED 80–120 per page
Complex legal documents (court rulings, contracts): AED 120–150 per page

3. Per Document Pricing

Some agencies provide package pricing based on the document type. For example, translating a passport or driving license may have a fixed price rather than a per-word or per-page rate.

Passport translation: AED 100
Driving license translation: AED 120
Birth certificate translation: AED 150
Marriage certificate translation: AED 150

This pricing model is useful when documents have fixed formats and word counts.

4. Hourly Rates for Legal Interpretation

Legal translation isn’t limited to documents. Some legal proceedings, business meetings, or court sessions require legal interpreters. The cost for interpretation services in Dubai can range from AED 300 to AED 800 per hour, depending on the language and complexity of the session.

5. Urgent and Express Translation Fees

Many individuals and businesses need legal translations on short notice. Express translation services often come with an additional fee:

Same-day translation: +25% of standard price
24-hour translation: +15% of standard price

For example, if a normal page costs AED 100, an urgent same-day request may cost AED 125.

How to Save on Legal Translation Costs

Legal translation in Dubai can be expensive, but there are ways to manage costs effectively:

Bundle multiple documents: Some agencies offer discounts for bulk translations.
Plan ahead: Avoid express fees by requesting translations in advance.
Choose a local provider: Working with a Dubai-based agency like Polyglot Legal Translation ensures competitive pricing and compliance with UAE regulations.

Hidden Costs in Legal Translation Services

While the base pricing of legal translation is straightforward, additional costs can arise depending on the requirements of your document. Understanding these hidden fees can help you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

1. Certification and Notarization Fees

In Dubai, many official documents require certified translations approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice or other government bodies. This certification process ensures that the translated document is legally recognized.

UAE Ministry of Justice certification: AED 100–300 per document
Notarization by a notary public: AED 150–500 per document
Embassy attestation (if required for foreign use): AED 200–800 per document

For example, if you need a birth certificate translated and notarized, you might pay AED 150 for the translation + AED 300 for certification = AED 450 total.

2. Legalization and Attestation Fees

Some translated documents require additional legalization steps, such as:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation: AED 150–300 per document
Embassy attestation (for use abroad): AED 200–800
Court-approved translation (for legal disputes): AED 500+

Legalization is often necessary for documents used outside the UAE, such as marriage certificates, educational transcripts, and power of attorney documents.

3. Formatting and Specialized Layout Costs

Legal documents often require specific formatting, such as official letterheads, tables, or structured layouts. Some translation agencies charge extra for document formatting, especially for complex legal contracts and court rulings.

Basic formatting (simple documents): Free or included in the price
Complex formatting (contracts, tenders): AED 50–200 extra
Handwritten document transcription: AED 100–300

4. Revision and Proofreading Fees

If you need additional proofreading or an extra layer of legal review, some agencies charge an extra fee. This is especially relevant for highly sensitive legal documents like court case files or arbitration agreements.

Basic proofreading: Free or included in high-end services
Expert legal proofreading: AED 100–500 per document
Revisions due to client changes: AED 50–200 per round of changes

5. Delivery Charges for Physical Copies

Some clients require physical copies of their translated and certified documents. While many agencies offer digital copies for free, physical document delivery can come with an extra charge:

Standard document pickup (within Dubai): AED 20–50
Express document delivery (same-day courier): AED 50–150
International courier (DHL, FedEx for certified translations): AED 200–500

How to Choose the Right Legal Translation Service in Dubai

Selecting the best legal translation provider ensures accuracy, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s what to look for:

1. Certification and Government Approval

Ensure the agency is approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice and authorized to provide certified translations.

2. Experience in Legal Translation

Look for agencies specializing in legal translation with expertise in handling contracts, court documents, and compliance-related texts.

3. Transparent Pricing

Avoid companies with hidden fees. A reputable provider will offer a clear pricing structure with a breakdown of costs.

4. Turnaround Time and Urgent Services

If you need same-day legal translation, ensure the agency offers fast service without compromising quality.

5. Customer Reviews and Reputation

Check Google reviews, testimonials, and client feedback to assess the reliability and quality of the translation agency.

For reliable and affordable legal translation services in Dubai, consider Polyglot Legal Translation, a government-approved provider offering certified translations at competitive rates.

FAQs and Best Practices for Cost-Effective Legal Translation

To help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about legal translation services in Dubai, here are answers to frequently asked questions and expert tips to save costs while ensuring high-quality translations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does legal translation cost in Dubai?

Legal translation costs vary based on the language pair, document complexity, and certification requirements. On average:

Per word: AED 0.20–0.50
Per page: AED 50–150
Per document: AED 100–500
Urgent translation surcharge: +15–25%

2. How long does legal translation take?

Standard processing: 24–48 hours
Urgent translation: Same-day or within 12 hours (extra fees apply)
Complex legal contracts: 3–5 business days

3. What types of documents require certified legal translation in Dubai?

Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
Academic transcripts and diplomas
Business contracts and agreements
Power of attorney and legal affidavits
Immigration and visa-related documents

4. Can I get my legal translation notarized in Dubai?

Yes, after translation, documents can be notarized by a Dubai notary public or attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for legal recognition. Additional fees apply for notarization and attestation.

5. Where can I find a reliable legal translation provider in Dubai?

For accurate, certified, and government-approved legal translation, visit Polyglot Legal Translation. Their team of MOJ-certified translators ensures compliance with UAE regulations.

Best Practices for Cost-Effective Legal Translation

1. Plan Ahead to Avoid Urgent Fees

Urgent translations come at a higher cost. If possible, submit your documents at least 2–3 days in advance to avoid express service surcharges.

2. Bundle Documents for Bulk Discounts

Many translation agencies offer discounts when you submit multiple documents together. For example, translating a passport + visa documents + business contract as a package can reduce costs.

3. Choose a Local Provider to Save on Delivery Fees

Working with a Dubai-based legal translation service eliminates unnecessary courier fees and ensures faster processing with MOJ-approved certification.

4. Request a Quote Before Proceeding

Always ask for a detailed price quote that includes certification, formatting, and delivery costs to avoid hidden charges.

5. Verify the Translation Before Submission

If your document contains errors, you may need to pay extra for revisions. Always double-check personal details (names, dates, etc.) before submission.

Conclusion

Legal translation is an essential service in Dubai for individuals and businesses handling official documents. Costs depend on language pairs, document complexity, certification requirements, and urgency. By planning ahead, choosing a trusted translation provider, and understanding pricing structures, you can ensure high-quality, legally compliant translations at the best price.

For certified legal translation in Dubai, visit Polyglot Legal Translation and get expert assistance from MOJ-approved translators.