Legal Translation & Attestation Services Across the UAE

Looking for certified legal translation and document attestation services in the UAE? We provide fast, accurate, and government-approved legal translation across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Our team of MOJ-certified legal translators and attestation experts ensures your documents – including marriage certificates, birth certificates, degrees, powers of attorney, contracts, and more – are translated and legalized in full compliance with UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) regulations. Whether you’re an individual, expat, corporate client, law firm, or government entity, we handle everything from Arabic-English legal translation to MOFA and embassy attestations, covering both mainland and free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA). Get your documents certified and accepted without delays. start with a free consultation today.

Legal Translation in UAE

Legal translation in the UAE means converting official documents between languages (usually between English and Arabic) so that they remain legally valid. Since Arabic and English are the only languages accepted by UAE authorities, all documents for official use must be translated into one of these languages. For example, any non-Arabic document required by a UAE court, government agency or business authority must be rendered into Arabic by a licensed legal translator. This includes everything from commercial contracts and court filings to personal certificates.

Legal Translation & Attestation Services

We specialize in end-to-end translation and attestation of legal documents. Our services include:

  • Certified Legal Translation (English ↔ Arabic): Performed by MOJ-approved translators for courts, visas, and government filings.
  • Notarized Translation: Translation signed before a UAE Notary Public, adding an extra layer of authentication.
  • Court / Sworn Translation: Translations meeting UAE court requirements (e.g., evidence, affidavits), attested by MOJ.
  • Legalization & Attestation: Processing through the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and foreign embassies if needed.

Every service is handled by native legal linguists and certified specialists. We translate contracts, agreements, affidavits, powers of attorney, and more, securing the necessary MOJ stamps and MOFA attestations for you.

Our clients include law firms, corporate clients, government agencies, as well as expats, families, and students  who need certified translations of personal documents or business agreements. We ensure compliance with all UAE federal and emirate-level standards so your documents are accepted without delay.

Schedule a consultation or get started with a free estimate today.

Why Certified Legal Translation is Required in the UAE?

Government & Court Acceptance

UAE ministries, courts, and regulatory bodies require Arabic translations for all official documents. Only certified legal translations by Ministry of Justice–approved translators are accepted. This ensures your documents are approved on the first submission without delays or rejections.

Business & Contracts

Accurate translation of contracts, business licenses, company formation documents, and agreements is crucial when operating in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate. Certified translations prevent misunderstandings between parties and help avoid costly legal disputes.

Property Transactions

Real estate deals in the UAE require precise translations of ownership contracts, title deeds, payment receipts, and sale agreements. Certified Arabic translations safeguard your property rights and provide legal clarity throughout the process.

Immigration & Visa Applications

To process visa sponsorships and residency permits, UAE immigration and government bodies require legal translations of marriage certificates, birth certificates, degree certificates, and other personal documents. For example, sponsoring a spouse or child in Dubai requires Arabic translations of attested family documents.

Legal Proceedings

In UAE court cases or legal disputes, precision in language is essential. Certified legal translators ensure every clause, term, and piece of evidence is translated accurately, maintaining the integrity of your case and complying with court regulations.

Expatriate & Personal Document Needs

Expat residents in the UAE frequently need certified translations for school enrollments, employment contracts, licensing, and family-related matters. Our certified legal translation services help non-Arabic speakers navigate the UAE system smoothly and confidently.

Who Needs Legal Translation & Attestation?

Individuals & Families

If you are applying for residency, marriage, divorce, education equivalency, or any official UAE service, your personal certificates (birth, marriage, academic) usually require certified translation and attestation.

Businesses & Corporate Clients

Companies use legal translation for contracts, financial records, commercial agreements, patent/legal documentation, and more, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements. For example, a Dubai free-zone license application or DMCC approval will demand Arabic translations of business documents.

Law Firms & Lawyers

Legal practitioners routinely need to translate evidence, affidavits, judgments, or foreign legal opinions for UAE courts and government litigations. We work with many law firms to prepare court-ready translations.

Immigration & Government Agencies

Agencies handling visas, work permits, or international hiring require translated documents such as degrees or police clearances. Our services streamline the process by delivering attested, MOJ-certified translations that meet UAE immigration standards.

Educational Institutions

Universities and credential evaluators in the UAE accept only officially certified translations of degrees, diplomas, and transcripts. We ensure your academic records are accurately translated and attested for government review.

Types of Legal Translations in UAE

Certified (MOJ) Legal Translation

This is performed by translators licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ). It is mandatory for official purposes including court submissions, immigration applications, MOFA processes, and company registrations. For example, visa applicants must get their birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, and academic degrees translated and stamped by MOJ-approved translators.

Notarized Translation

A notarized translation is a certified legal translation that is further endorsed by a UAE Notary Public. This added verification is typically needed for embassy applications or certain high-level government procedures that require stronger legal backing.

Court/Sworn Translation

For use in Abu Dhabi and all UAE courts, any foreign-language document must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator. These sworn translations ensure that legal evidence such as contracts, judgments, or affidavits is fully admissible in court proceedings.

Embassy/Legalized Translation

When documents are intended for use outside the UAE, translations must be certified and then legalized through MOFA attestation. This embassy attestation in UAE is essential for international purposes such as studying abroad, overseas employment, or consular procedures.

Collage of UAE business and visa services, featuring passports, attestation stamps, and a professional team in uae office

Emirates-Specific Translation & Attestation Rules

Dubai (Mainland, GDRFA & Immigration)

Dubai authorities now accept English documents without requiring an Arabic translation. immigration and visa documents like diplomas, marriage certificates, and birth certificates only need Arabic translation if they are originally in another language. If your documents are already in English, no translation is typically needed.

However, for Dubai courts, arbitration centers, or free zone processes, Arabic may still be required. For example, police and immigration records often need to be translated, as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) requires Arabic versions for many foreign documents. Our team ensures your documents meet Dubai’s specific rules, whether you’re dealing with GDRFA, legal filings, or government procedures.

Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)

Abu Dhabi and the other emirates enforce the UAE’s official language laws more strictly. Arabic is required for all legal and government use. Any foreign-language document must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator before submission to UAE courts or authorities.

While there are limited exceptions (such as numerical invoices under specific guidelines), almost all personal, legal, and business documents  including birth and marriage certificates, university degrees, and contracts must be translated. Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain typically follow Abu Dhabi’s standard. We manage end-to-end translation and attestation for every emirate to ensure your documents are accepted without issues.

Dubai Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC)

The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) are governed by English common law, and their court proceedings are conducted entirely in English. Documents submitted to these jurisdictions typically do not require translation if already in English.

However, if documents from these zones are used with UAE federal bodies such as applying for a mainland business license or enforcing a DIFC judgment in Abu Dhabi courts Arabic translation and MOFA attestation may be required. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) operates under Dubai law. While internal documentation may remain in English, translated versions are often needed for official dealings with Dubai government entities. We guide businesses and individuals through the free zone requirements to ensure full compliance across jurisdictions.

How We Support You

  • ✅ Identify the specific authority and tailor translation needs per jurisdiction
  • ✅ Use MOJ-certified translators
  • ✅ Provide notarization and MOFA attestation as needed
  • ✅ Liaise with free zone & mainland authorities for full compliance

Fast and Reliable UAE Attestation & Translation Services

Legal vs. Notarized vs. Sworn Translation in the UAE

Certified (Legal) Translation

This is a translation by an authorized legal translator, typically registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The translator adds a signed certification (stamp) attesting to the accuracy. The terms “certified” and “legal” translation are often used interchangeably. This service is required by UAE authorities for official documents such as court submissions, government paperwork, and university records.

Notarized Translation

Notarized translation takes certified translation a step further. After the translation is completed, the translator’s signature on the document is authenticated by a UAE Notary Public (MOJ Notary). This notarization verifies the translator’s identity and adds extra legal weight. It is requested by certain entities, including some embassies and courts.

Sworn Translation

In some countries, a “sworn” translator is one who swears an affidavit. In the UAE, however, all official translators licensed by the MOJ are effectively “sworn.” Therefore, the term “sworn translation” is not commonly used locally. Essentially, a “sworn” translation in the UAE context means a certified translation by a licensed translator.

In summary, any official translation should be done by a MOJ-approved translator and stamped accordingly. Notarization and embassy legalization are additional steps for authentication and are not separate types of translation.

MOJ & MOFA Attestation Steps

Translating is only half the process – authenticating is next. The typical attestation/legalization workflow is:

  1. Initial Document Authentication (if from abroad): If your original document (e.g. foreign marriage certificate or diploma) needs attestation, start by having it attested by the issuing country’s authorities and (if applicable) the UAE Embassy/Consulate there.
  2. Translation by MOJ-Approved Translator: Have the document translated by our certified translator. We ensure the translator is MOJ-registered so the output is legally valid.
  3. Notarization (Ministry of Justice): Bring the translated document to the UAE Ministry of Justice or a licensed notary. The notary verifies the translator’s credentials and stamps/signs the translation, officially notarizing it.
  4. MOFA Attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Submit the original and notarized translation to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. MOFA verifies the notary stamp and affixes the UAE coat-of-arms stamp (usually digitally via UAE Pass). This confirms the document’s authenticity in the UAE.
  5. Final Embassy/Authority Legalization (if needed): If the document is for use outside the UAE, take the MOFA-attested translation to the destination country’s embassy (if required).

In summary, a translation typically requires MOJ attestation followed by MOFA attestation to be fully legalized for official UAE or international use. We manage each step, submitting documents through the UAE’s digital systems and attending MOFA offices on your behalf. Our clients find this full-service approach faster and guaranteed to meet each authority’s standards.

Document Types Requiring Legal Translation

Document TypeUse Case / Note
Birth CertificateRequired for family visa applications, birth registrations, school enrollment.
Marriage CertificateNeeded for spouse visas, family residence permits, joint bank accounts.
Divorce Decree / Death CertificateFor family law cases, remarriage, inheritance matters.
Academic Degree / TranscriptUsed for employment, professional licensing, university enrollment, and degree equivalency.
Police Clearance CertificateFor employment visa, background checks, KYC compliance.
Power of Attorney (POA)Granting authority for business or personal matters (must be in Arabic for UAE use).
Corporate Documents (Contracts, MOA, etc.)Business agreements, shareholder documents, M&A filings.
Banking & Financial Documents (Statements, Audits)For visa proof of funds, loan applications, regulatory compliance.
Court Documents (Judgments, Pleadings)Litigation evidence (must be translated for UAE courts).
Medical & Vaccination CertificatesOften required for employment or education visa applications.

Each document type follows the process described above: translation by a licensed professional, notarization, and final attestation. For example, a foreign university degree (with apostille and embassy stamp) is brought to our office, translated into Arabic, notarized, and then attested by MOJ for use with UAE authorities.

Key Points and Compliance

Only MOJ-Certified Translators: All legal translations must be completed by translators or translation companies licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ). By law, any authority or court will reject translations not prepared by a MOJ-listed translator. The translator’s official stamp, signature, and affidavit (usually included on the translation) certify its authenticity.

What Authorities Require: Translations are commonly submitted to Dubai Courts, Immigration (GDRFA), Dubai Police, Department of Economic Development (DED), Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Land Department, Municipality, and other agencies. They are also required by free-zone registries and courts (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC) when interacting with UAE authorities.

Document Attestation: Many foreign documents must be attested (legalized) before translation. For example, foreign marriage or degree certificates usually require embassy and MOFA attestation first, then translation. MOFA attestation explicitly accepts the original document in English or Arabic (or an official translation of it). If your document is not in English or Arabic, you must get it translated before attestation.

Emirate-Specific Rules: In Dubai, if a required certificate (like birth, marriage, or educational certificate) is already in English, an Arabic translation is not needed for immigration applications. In Abu Dhabi and other emirates, Arabic translation of any English document is mandatory, except for a limited waiver in Abu Dhabi courts for purely numerical bank statements. For Dubai civil marriage services, any foreign-language supporting documents must be translated.

Free Zones: DIFC or ADGM do not require Arabic translation since English documents are accepted. However, when dealing with mainland agencies outside these zones, Arabic translations are necessary.

How much does legal document translation cost in Dubai?

Translation fees vary by language pair, page count, and document complexity. As a guideline, legal document translations in Dubai typically cost between AED 100 and 300 per page. Specialist languages or urgent requests may incur higher fees. We always provide a firm, upfront quote to ensure full transparency.

Why Choose us

MOJ-Approved Translators: We partner exclusively with translators licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. This ensures all translations carry the official credentials needed for any legal purpose in the UAE.

100% Accuracy & Compliance: Our translators specialize in legal terminology and UAE regulations. We strictly adhere to Federal Decree-Laws and emirate rules, ensuring zero document rejections.

All-in-One Service: Looking for a seamless, end-to-end solution for document legalization? Our service covers every step from home country notarization to certified translation, MOFA attestation, and MOJ attestation. One call handles the entire process, ensuring your documents meet all UAE government requirements for visas, immigration, business setup, or legal proceedings.

Industry Experience: Our clients range from individual expats and Fortune 500 companies to Dubai free-zone businesses, law firms, and immigration consultants. Everyone benefits from our deep knowledge of UAE document regulations.

Quality Assurance: We follow strict workflows professional translation, review, and certification to guarantee 100% accuracy. As industry experts confirm, precise legal terminology is critical for acceptance.

Fast & Reliable: With multiple offices and courier networks across the Emirates, we expedite every step. Our turnaround times and quality standards are ISO-rated.

Trusted by Clients: Hundreds of satisfied clients, including law firms, schools, corporations, and embassies, rely on us. We combine linguistic skill with legal precision to protect your interests.

Every day, we help businesses and individuals translate and legalize documents across 100+ languages including English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, French, Chinese, and more. Choosing us ensures your papers meet UAE legal requirements the first time no delays, no red flags.

Service Areas – All Emirates Covered

We serve clients throughout the UAE Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and beyond. Our translators and attestation specialists work closely with government offices in each emirate. For example, we routinely handle cases in Abu Dhabi (using local MOFA in Abu Dhabi and MOJ centers) and in Dubai/Sharjah (via their MOFA branches). Wherever you are located, our process is consistent: local collection or courier pickup of documents, followed by professional translation and attestation.

Educational Documents
Personal Documents
Commercial Documents
  • Board Resolution Attestation
  • Commercial Invoices Attestation
  • Certificate of Origin Attestation
  • Memorandum of Article Attestation
  • Shareholders Resolution Attestation
  • Certificate of Incorporation Attestation
  • Memorandum of Association Attestation
  • Articles of Association Attestation