Dubai is a global business hub where over 200 nationalities live and work together. If you’re setting up a company, buying property, getting married, or handling any legal matter in the UAE, you’ve probably heard the term “legal translation” thrown around.
Legal translation in Dubai refers to the certified translation of official documents from one language to Arabic (or vice versa) by a translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. It’s mandatory for all legal, governmental, and official transactions to ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and comply with UAE federal law, which recognizes Arabic as the official language.
What Is Legal Translation in Dubai?
Legal translation is the process of converting official documents from one language into another—usually Arabic—by a certified translator recognized by UAE authorities.
Here’s what makes it “legal”:
- Done by certified translators: Only translators approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice can provide legal translations
- Stamped and attested: The translated document carries an official stamp proving its authenticity
- Legally binding: Courts, government offices, and official institutions accept these translations as valid
Think of it like getting your documents notarized, but with an extra layer of linguistic accuracy and government approval.
Why Arabic?
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 mandates that all official documents submitted to government entities must be in Arabic. If your original document is in English, French, Urdu, Hindi, or any other language, it needs a certified Arabic translation before any government office will accept it.
Why Is Legal Translation Mandatory in Dubai?
You might wonder: “Can’t I just use Google Translate or hire any translator?”
Short answer: No.
Here’s why Dubai (and the UAE as a whole) requires legal translation:
1. It’s the Law
UAE federal law requires all official documents to be in Arabic. No exceptions. Government departments like the Ministry of Justice, Dubai Courts, immigration offices, and police stations will reject documents that aren’t properly translated and attested.
2. Prevents Fraud and Errors
Legal documents involve rights, obligations, and serious consequences. A single mistranslation in a contract could cost you thousands of dirhams or create legal disputes. Certified translators are held accountable for accuracy.
3. Ensures Consistency Across Government Agencies
When everyone uses certified translations, government offices can process documents efficiently without questioning their validity. It standardizes the system.
4. Protects Your Legal Rights
Imagine submitting a marriage certificate with errors, or a power of attorney that doesn’t reflect your actual intentions. Legal translation protects you by ensuring your documents say exactly what they’re supposed to say.
When Do You Need Legal Translation in Dubai?
Legal translation isn’t required for everyday activities like shopping or renting an apartment (unless specified in your tenancy contract). But you’ll definitely need it for:
Personal Matters
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Educational certificates (degrees, transcripts)
- Medical reports for visa applications
- Power of attorney documents
Business and Commercial Use
- Company formation documents (MOA, AOA)
- Commercial contracts
- Partnership agreements
- Financial statements for licensing
- Board resolutions
- Bank documents for corporate accounts
Legal Proceedings
- Court filings and evidence
- Witness statements
- Legal notices
- Arbitration documents
- Property sale agreements
Immigration and Visa Applications
- Passport copies (sometimes)
- Sponsorship documents
- Employment contracts
- Salary certificates
Pro tip: Always check with the specific government department first. Some offices have different requirements depending on your nationality or the nature of your application.
How Does Legal Translation Work in Dubai?
Getting your documents legally translated is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a Certified Translator
Only translators approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice can provide legal translations. You can find them through:
- Ministry of Justice website
- Legal translation offices in Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai, Business Bay)
- Some typing centers offer this service
Step 2: Submit Your Original Documents
You’ll need to provide:
- The original document or a certified copy
- A clear photocopy
- Your Emirates ID (for residents)
Important: Most translators won’t accept scanned copies for legal translation. Bring the original.
Step 3: Translation and Certification
The translator converts your document into Arabic (or the target language) and stamps it with their official Ministry of Justice seal. This usually includes:
- Translator’s name and license number
- Date of translation
- Official stamp
- Signature
Step 4: Attestation (If Required)
Some documents need an extra step called attestation, depending on where they’re from and where they’ll be used:
- MOFA attestation: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Embassy attestation: For foreign documents
- Notary public: For certain legal contracts
Your translation office can usually guide you through this process.
Timeline and Cost
| Document Type | Typical Timeline | Average Cost (AED) |
| Simple certificate (1 page) | Same day to 24 hours | 100–150 |
| Academic transcript (multiple pages) | 1–2 days | 150–300 |
| Commercial contract (10+ pages) | 2–5 days | 500–1,500+ |
| Urgent/express service | Same day | +50–100% surcharge |
Prices vary based on language pair, document complexity, and word count.
What Makes a Legal Translation “Certified”?
Not all translations are created equal. Here’s what separates a certified legal translation from a regular one:
Certified Legal Translation Includes:
- ✅ Translator’s Ministry of Justice stamp
- ✅ License number visible
- ✅ Signature of the certified translator
- ✅ Date of translation
- ✅ Statement of accuracy
Regular Translation (Not Accepted) Includes:
- ❌ No official stamp
- ❌ Done by non-certified individuals
- ❌ Machine translation (Google Translate, etc.)
- ❌ Unofficial translation agencies
Government offices in Dubai are strict about this. They’ll reject your application if the translation isn’t properly certified.
How to Choose a Reliable Legal Translation Service in Dubai
With dozens of translation offices across Dubai, how do you pick the right one?
Look for These Red Flags:
- No physical office address
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Can’t show Ministry of Justice certification
- Promise same-day service for complex documents
- Poor reviews online
Green Flags (What to Look For):
- Ministry of Justice certified translators on staff
- Transparent pricing structure
- Physical office you can visit
- Positive reviews and testimonials
- Clear communication about timelines
- Offer attestation services (saves you time)
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
- “Are your translators certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice?”
- “What’s included in your translation service?”
- “Do I need attestation for my document?”
- “What’s your turnaround time?”
- “Can you handle urgent requests?”
Real-world tip: Ask colleagues or your company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is gold in Dubai.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
From my experience helping people with legal documents in Dubai, here are the mistakes I see most often:
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute Don’t assume you can get legal translation done overnight. Plan ahead, especially during busy periods (visa renewal seasons, year-end business filings).
2. Using Uncertified Translators Your friend who’s “really good at Arabic” cannot provide legal translation. Government offices will reject it.
3. Translating Only Part of the Document Some people try to save money by translating just one page of a multi-page document. This doesn’t work. Authorities need the complete document translated.
4. Not Checking the Translation Even certified translators make mistakes. If you understand both languages, review the translation before submitting it. Errors can cause delays.
5. Skipping Required Attestation Just because your document is translated doesn’t mean it’s ready. Check if you need MOFA or embassy attestation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to translate my English documents if I’m submitting them in Dubai?
Yes, even though English is widely spoken in Dubai, Arabic is the official language for all government and legal transactions. Any document submitted to courts, police, immigration, or government departments must be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation.
How much does legal translation cost in Dubai?
Legal translation in Dubai typically costs between AED 100–150 per page for simple documents like birth certificates. Complex documents like contracts can cost AED 500–1,500 or more, depending on the length and technicality. Express services cost 50–100% more.
Can I use Google Translate for legal documents?
No. Machine translations are not accepted by UAE authorities. You must use a translator certified by the Ministry of Justice. Legal translation requires precision and accountability that automated tools cannot provide.
How long does legal translation take in Dubai?
Simple documents (1–2 pages) usually take 24–48 hours. Complex documents with technical or legal terminology can take 3–5 days. Express services are available for urgent needs at additional cost.
Where can I find certified legal translators in Dubai?
Certified legal translators are located in areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, and Business Bay. You can also find them through the UAE Ministry of Justice website or by asking your company’s PRO for recommendations.
Is notarization the same as legal translation?
No. Notarization verifies the authenticity of a signature or document, while legal translation converts the document from one language to another with official certification. Some documents require both.
Do I need to translate documents that are already in English?
Yes, if you’re submitting them to UAE government authorities. English is a foreign language in the UAE legal system. However, some private entities and international companies may accept English documents without translation.
Summary: Legal Translation in Dubai Made Simple
Legal translation in Dubai is non-negotiable for anyone dealing with government offices, courts, or official transactions. It ensures your documents are accurate, authentic, and compliant with UAE law.
Key takeaways:
- Arabic is the official language; translations must be certified by Ministry of Justice translators
- Required for personal, business, and legal documents
- Costs vary by document type and complexity
- Plan ahead—don’t wait until the last minute
- Choose certified translators with proper credentials
Whether you’re starting a business, getting married, or handling visa applications, certified legal translation is your gateway to getting things done smoothly in Dubai.