Dubai is a global business hub where translation services are in high demand for legal, business, medical, and personal needs. Whether you need document translation for official purposes or multilingual support for your business, understanding translation costs is crucial. This article explores how much a translator costs in Dubai, what factors affect pricing, and how to get high-quality translations at the best value.
What Determines the Cost of a Translator in Dubai?
Translation services in Dubai vary in price based on several key factors. These include:
1. Language Pair
- Common language pairs like English to Arabic are generally more affordable.
- Rare languages such as Japanese, Finnish, or Korean tend to cost more due to the limited number of certified translators.
2. Type of Translation
- General Translation (basic content, non-technical) is cheaper.
- Specialized Translation (legal, medical, technical, or financial) costs more due to the expertise required.
3. Urgency of the Request
- Standard turnaround (2–3 days) is included in most service pricing.
- Urgent or same-day translations can cost 15–50% more due to the expedited service.
4. Document Complexity and Formatting
- Simple documents (e.g., birth certificates, passports) cost less.
- Complex formatting (contracts, engineering blueprints) increases costs.
5. Certification and Legalization Requirements
- Certified Translations (approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice) cost more.
- Notarized and attested translations add additional fees.
Translation Pricing in Dubai: Cost Breakdown
1. Per Word Pricing
- General translation: AED 0.20–0.50 per word
- Legal/technical translation: AED 0.50–1.00 per word
- Rare language pairs: AED 1.00+ per word
2. Per Page Pricing
- Standard documents (1-page certificates): AED 40–150 per page
- Legal documents (contracts, court orders): AED 120–300 per page
- Medical/technical reports: AED 150–400 per page
3. Per Hour Pricing (For Interpretation Services)
- Standard interpreter: AED 150–400 per hour
- Legal or medical interpreter: AED 500+ per hour
4. Certified Legal Translation Costs
In Dubai, certified legal translation is often required for official documents like contracts, business licenses, and court documents. These services are government-approved and have higher pricing due to compliance requirements.
For example, at Polyglot Legal Translation, certified translations for birth certificates, marriage certificates, and legal contracts are handled by UAE Ministry of Justice-approved translators.
Choosing the Right Translator in Dubai
To ensure accuracy and compliance, consider the following when choosing a translator:
- Check Certification – Ensure the translator is UAE Ministry of Justice-certified for legal translations.
- Verify Experience – Choose translators experienced in your industry (legal, medical, financial).
- Compare Prices – Request quotes from multiple translation providers to find the best deal.
- Check Turnaround Time – Ensure delivery time matches your requirements.
- Read Reviews – Look for customer feedback on Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or local directories.
Hidden Costs in Translation Services in Dubai
When hiring a translator in Dubai, it’s essential to be aware of potential hidden costs that may affect your budget. While most providers offer transparent pricing, additional fees can arise depending on the complexity, urgency, or specific requirements of the translation. Here are some common hidden costs to watch out for:
1. Urgent Translation Fees
If you need a document translated within 24 hours or on the same day, many agencies charge a rush fee ranging from 15% to 50% more than standard rates.
2. Additional Revisions
Most translation agencies include one or two rounds of revisions in their pricing. However, if you require extra modifications, terminology changes, or reformatting, you may need to pay an additional fee.
3. Notarization & Attestation Fees
For official legal documents, translation alone may not be enough. Notarization, embassy attestation, and UAE Ministry of Justice approval often involve extra charges, which can add AED 100–500 depending on the document type.
4. Complex Formatting & Layout Adjustments
Legal contracts, medical reports, and engineering blueprints often require special formatting, tables, or images. Some translation agencies charge extra for these services, especially if PDF extraction or redesigning the layout is required.
5. Specialized Industry Expertise
If your document requires a translator with expertise in law, medicine, engineering, or finance, expect to pay higher rates due to the specialized knowledge needed.
To avoid these extra costs, it’s always a good idea to request a detailed quote upfront and ask if there are any additional fees beyond the base price.
How to Save Money on Translation Services in Dubai
If you require translation services frequently or need a large volume of work done, here are some strategies to reduce costs without compromising on quality:
1. Compare Multiple Translation Agencies
Different agencies have different pricing models. Comparing rates from at least three providers ensures you get the best deal. However, avoid the cheapest option if it compromises accuracy and certification.
2. Opt for Bulk Translation Discounts
Many translation agencies in Dubai offer bulk discounts for larger projects. If you have multiple documents to translate, negotiate for a package deal instead of paying per word or page.
3. Plan Ahead & Avoid Rush Fees
If possible, avoid last-minute translation requests. Standard turnaround times are more affordable than same-day or urgent services.
4. Use a Trusted Legal Translation Service
For official documents, it’s crucial to work with a certified translator to avoid costly errors or rejections from authorities. Polyglot Legal Translation provides Legal Translation Dubai services that meet UAE Ministry of Justice standards, ensuring 100% accuracy and approval.
Where to Find the Best Translation Services in Dubai?
Dubai has numerous translation service providers, but choosing a certified and experienced agency is essential. Here are some trusted places to get translations in Dubai:
1. Ministry of Justice-Approved Legal Translation Offices
For legal and official document translations, always choose a UAE Ministry of Justice-certified service provider like Polyglot Legal Translation.
2. Embassy-Approved Translation Providers
Some documents require embassy legalization before being accepted internationally. If you need embassy-approved translations, check with your country’s embassy or consulate in Dubai.
3. Online Legal Translation Services
Many professional translation agencies in Dubai offer online services where you can upload your document and receive a certified translation via email. This is convenient for people outside Dubai or those who prefer remote services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Translator Costs in Dubai
Many people looking for translation services in Dubai have similar concerns about pricing, quality, and certification requirements. Below are some of the most common questions:
1. How Much Does Legal Translation Cost in Dubai?
The cost of Legal Translation Dubai services depends on the document type and language pair. On average:
- General legal documents: AED 120–300 per page
- Contracts & court documents: AED 150–400 per page
- Certified translations: AED 200+ per page
For high-quality, government-approved translations, Polyglot Legal Translation offers affordable and accurate services.
2. Is There a Difference Between Standard and Certified Translation?
Yes! Standard translations are for general use (e.g., business reports), while certified translations are legally valid for government or official purposes. Certified translations must be completed by UAE Ministry of Justice-approved translators.
3. How Long Does It Take to Get a Document Translated?
- Standard documents: 24–48 hours
- Legal contracts & medical reports: 2–5 business days
- Urgent translations: Same-day service available for an extra fee
4. What Are the Most Expensive Languages to Translate in Dubai?
Languages that are less commonly spoken in Dubai tend to have higher translation costs. Some of the most expensive language pairs include:
- Japanese, Korean, and Chinese
- Nordic languages (Swedish, Danish, Finnish)
- Rare African languages
If you need an affordable and accurate translation, consider working with a multilingual expert like Polyglot Legal Translation, which provides translations for all languages.
Industry-Specific Translation Costs in Dubai
Different industries have unique translation needs, and pricing can vary accordingly. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Legal Translation Services
Legal translations require absolute accuracy and certification. Pricing is generally higher due to compliance with UAE legal standards.
✔ Example Pricing:
- Birth/Marriage certificates – AED 120–200 per page
- Contracts & agreements – AED 200–400 per page
- Court documents – AED 300–500 per page
For official Legal Translation Dubai, Polyglot Legal Translation is a government-approved provider offering accurate and timely services.
2. Medical Translation Services
Medical reports, prescriptions, and clinical trials must be translated with precision to avoid errors that could impact patient safety.
✔ Example Pricing:
- General medical reports – AED 150–300 per page
- Specialized research papers – AED 400+ per page
3. Technical & Engineering Translation
Highly complex technical documents require specialized translators who understand engineering terms.
✔ Example Pricing:
- User manuals & guides – AED 200–350 per page
- Engineering specifications – AED 300–500 per page
4. Business & Financial Translation
For multinational businesses operating in Dubai, financial documents must be translated with utmost accuracy to comply with regulations.
✔ Example Pricing:
- Financial statements & reports – AED 200–400 per page
- Company registration documents – AED 150–300 per page
Why Certified Translations Are Necessary in Dubai
Dubai has strict regulations for official document translations, and certified translations are required for:
✔ Residency visa applications
✔ Company formation and business licenses
✔ Court proceedings & legal disputes
✔ Marriage & birth certificate submissions
✔ Work permits & employment contracts
If you need certified translations, Polyglot Legal Translation ensures 100% government approval for legal, business, and personal documents.
Final Tips on Choosing a Translator in Dubai
When selecting a translator in Dubai, it’s essential to ensure that you’re making an informed decision, especially if your documents require official or legal translation services. Here are some key final tips to help you choose the best provider:
1. Always Check for Certification
For legal or official purposes, ensure that the translator is certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice. This guarantees that the translation is legally valid and will be accepted by government authorities.
2. Look for Industry-Specific Expertise
When it comes to specialized translations (e.g., legal, medical, or technical documents), choose a translator or agency with expertise in the field. An expert translator will have the knowledge of the industry-specific terminology necessary for accurate translation.
3. Ensure Clear Communication
Choose a translator or agency that is responsive and clear about pricing, delivery times, and any additional costs. Avoid providers who are vague or do not offer a written quote.
4. Ask for References or Reviews
Before hiring a translation provider, check their reviews and testimonials online. Feedback from past clients will give you a better idea of the provider’s reliability and the quality of their work.
5. Be Transparent About Your Needs
Let the translator know if you have any specific requirements, such as urgency, formatting, or certification needs. Transparency will help ensure you get an accurate quote and avoid surprises later.
Conclusion: Get Professional and Certified Translation Services in Dubai
Translation costs in Dubai can vary based on language pairs, document complexity, and urgency. While general translations may be affordable, legal translation Dubai services, especially those requiring certification, come at a premium. By understanding the pricing factors and potential hidden costs, you can make informed decisions that balance quality with cost-effectiveness.
For high-quality, accurate translations, whether for legal, business, or personal documents, consider working with Polyglot Legal Translation. Our certified translators specialize in legal translation Dubai and provide quick, reliable, and government-approved services.
If you’re unsure about your translation needs or want to receive a free consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll guide you through the process and help you navigate the costs of translation in Dubai.
Contact Polyglot Legal Translation today for your legal translation needs in Dubai!