If you are submitting non-Arabic documents issued abroad to UAE authorities such as the courts in Dubai, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), notaries, or immigration authorities, you will need a certified legal translation into Arabic.
If you wish to use a document issued in the UAE abroad, most foreign authorities will also require a certified translation into the target language.
Certified legal translations in the UAE must be prepared by a translator accredited and authorized by the UAE Ministry of Justice. The document is translated into Arabic (or from Arabic into another language if intended for use abroad) and stamped with the translator’s official seal and signature to confirm the accuracy of the translation.
In Dubai, certain authorities may impose additional requirements:
- The courts in Dubai require that legal translations for use in court proceedings be prepared by translators approved by the MOJ.
- The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) stipulates that all legal translators operating in the UAE must be licensed in accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 7 of 2014.
- Notaries may require legal translations when they authenticate non-Arabic documents or witness declarations.
- Immigration authorities require that all documents be written in Arabic and that translations be done by a certified translator.
We work exclusively with translators licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice and authorized to produce certified legal translations in Dubai, UAE. If you need your birth certificate translated for immigration to the UAE or a business license for use abroad, we ensure your documents meet the exact legal requirements for recognition.
Documents issued abroad for use in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Documents issued outside the UAE must undergo the following procedures to be accepted and used in the UAE:
- Apostille/Legalization: The document requires an apostille (for countries that are party to the Hague Convention) or authentication by the issuing authority or body. To obtain an apostille, you may first need to have the document notarized.
- Authentication by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates: Submit the document with the apostille to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the respective country to obtain embassy authentication.
- Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The document authenticated by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates can then be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates for authentication.
- Certified translation: For certified documents that are not written in Arabic, you need a certified translation into Arabic by a translator approved by the Ministry of Justice.
- MOJ Certification: To validate the certified translation, the translator’s signature must be certified by the Ministry of Justice.
We work with notaries in several countries and can help you organize all of the above steps for documents issued in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia.
Documents issued in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for use abroad.
Documents issued in the United Arab Emirates, such as birth or marriage certificates, powers of attorney, or other legal contracts, can be authenticated/certified in the United Arab Emirates before being used abroad.
- MOFA authentication: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for authenticating all documents issued in the UAE, including personal, business, and legal documents. You may need to visit a notary public and the Ministry of Justice before the document can be authenticated.
- Certified translation: Once the document has been certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can have it translated into the language of the destination country by a locally recognized translator.
Translayte can help you create certified and sworn translations that are recognized in 26 countries (including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia ), as well as certify translations that are recognized in all countries that are party to the Hague Convention.
Who needs legal translation services in Dubai?
You may need legal translation services in Dubai if you;
- If you are moving to the UAE, For visa applications or the translation of birth, marriage, or study certificates.
- You are starting a business: Whether in a free zone or on the mainland, you will need translated trade licenses, articles of association, and other legal documents.
- You are involved in a legal dispute: Court documents and legal correspondence need to be accurately translated for courts or law firms in Dubai.
- Cooperation with authorities or embassies: Legal translations are often required when documents are submitted to ministries, notaries, or foreign embassies of the UAE.
- Handling sensitive documents: In sectors such as real estate, finance, or healthcare, where contracts, guidelines or patient records need to be legally translated.
- Website localization requirement: Especially for legal or corporate websites that must comply with UAE regulations.
- Need for financial translations: For audits, annual reports, mergers, or investment documents.
Our legal translation process in Dubai
We’ve streamlined our legal translation process to make it fast, secure, and compliant with UAE regulations. Here’s how it works:
- Submit your documents: Upload scanned copies or clear photos of your documents. We accept a wide range of formats and document types.
- Get a quote and confirm your order: Select the source and target languages, e.g., English to Arabic or vice versa. We will review your document and selection and send you a free quote with a timeline. Once confirmed, we’ll get started immediately.
- Translation by an MOJ-certified legal translator: Your documents will be translated by a legal translator approved by the Ministry of Justice of the United Arab Emirates (MOJ), ensuring accuracy and compliance with local requirements.
- Review and quality assurance: Every translation is carefully reviewed and proofread to ensure that it meets official standards and is ready for submission.
- Get your translation: Receive your final translation in digital format (PDF with stamp) or have a physical copy delivered to your location.
