How Much Does Legal Translation Cost in UAE? A Complete Guide

Legal translation is essential in the UAE, especially for businesses, legal professionals, and expatriates dealing with official documents. Whether you need to translate contracts, court documents, or business agreements, understanding the legal translation cost in UAE (specifically the legal translation cost in Dubai) is crucial.

This article will explain all aspects of legal translation pricing, factors affecting costs, and the best ways to get quality translations at reasonable rates.

What is Legal Translation?

Legal translation involves converting legal documents from one language to another while maintaining the target language’s accuracy, legal terminologies, and cultural nuances. In the UAE, legal translations must be performed by certified translators approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice to ensure authenticity and acceptance by government entities.

Common documents include:

  • Court Judgments
  • Contracts & Agreements
  • Marriage & Divorce Certificates
  • Power of Attorney Documents
  • Company Incorporation Papers
  • Immigration Documents

Since legal texts contain specialized terminology, only certified translators can handle them to avoid errors that could lead to legal complications.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Legal Translation

Several factors influence the cost of legal translation. Understanding these factors can help you budget effectively and choose the right service company.

1. Type of Document

The complexity and nature of the document play a major role in determining the cost. Common legal documents requiring translation include:

  • Contracts & Agreements
  • Court Orders & Judgments
  • Company Registration Documents
  • Memorandums of Association
  • Wills & Power of Attorney
  • Marriage, Birth, and Divorce Certificates

2. Language Pair

The price varies depending on the languages involved. English to Arabic is the most common language pair in the UAE, but translations involving less common languages (e.g., Chinese, Russian, or French) may cost more.

3. Urgency & Turnaround Time

If you need a translation urgently, expect to pay extra. Standard processing takes 1-3 business days, while express services can deliver translations within 24 hours for an additional fee.

4. Certification & Notarization

Certified translations by MOJ-approved translators are mandatory for official use. Additional notarization or attestation services may increase costs, especially for documents required for embassy or legal proceedings.

5. Number of Words or Pages

Legal translation agencies in Dubai and UAE charge based on the word count per page (usually 200-250 words per page). More extensive documents cost more.

6. Service Provider Reputation

  • Established agencies with ISO certification charge higher rates but guarantee accuracy.
  • Freelancers may offer lower prices but carry higher risks.

Read More: Legal Translation in UAE Cost

Average Cost of Legal Translation in UAE

The cost of legal translation in UAE varies based on the above factors. Below is an estimated price range:

Document TypeAverage Cost (AED)
Birth/Marriage Certificate (per page)100 – 200
Passport Translation100 – 200
Power of Attorney (per page)150 – 300
Contract Agreement (per page)200 – 400
Court Documents (per page)250 – 500
Company Legal Documents1,000 – 3,000

Legal Translation Cost in Dubai

Dubai is a hub for business and legal services, and translation costs can be slightly higher than in other Emirates due to demand. However, the difference is minimal, and most certified translation agencies in the UAE follow similar pricing structures.

Dubai’s rates are slightly higher due to demand:

  • Basic documents: 150 – 400 AED
  • Complex legal papers: 1,000 – 3,000 AED

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Government Attestation: 200 – 800 AED (depending on the authority).
  • Courier Fees: If physical delivery is required.
  • Revisions: Some agencies charge extra for edits.

Read More: How Much is Legal Translation in Dubai?

How to Reduce Legal Translation Costs?

  1. Compare multiple providers before finalizing.
  2. Avoid last-minute requests to save on rush fees.
  3. Bundle multiple documents for discounts.
  4. Opt for e-certification instead of hard copies if allowed.

How to Choose the Best Legal Translation Service in UAE?

To ensure accuracy and compliance, consider the following when selecting a legal and professional translation provider:

  1. MOJ Certification: Ensure the translator or agency is approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
  2. Experience & Specialization: Choose a provider with expertise in legal documents.
  3. Turnaround Time: Verify if they can meet your deadline.
  4. Customer Reviews & Reputation: Look for testimonials and feedback from past clients.
  5. Competitive Pricing: Compare rates, but avoid extremely low prices that may indicate poor quality.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of legal translation in UAE helps you plan your translation needs effectively. Costs depend on document type, language pair, urgency, and certification requirements. For legal translation cost in Dubai, expect slightly higher prices due to demand, but quality and reliability should always be a priority.

If you need certified legal translation services in UAE, ensure partnering with a trusted agency with MOJ approval for accuracy and compliance.

FAQ

Q1. Is legal translation mandatory in the UAE?

Yes, all foreign documents must be translated into Arabic for official use.

Q2. How long does legal translation take?

Typically, 2-3 days, but express options are available.

Q3. Can I use Google Translate to create legal documents?

No, only certified translations are legally accepted.

Q4. Where can I get a certified legal translation in Dubai?

Only approved agencies, including Q Links and Notary Public UAE, offer certified legal translation in Dubai.

Understanding legal translation costs in Dubai and the UAE allows you to make informed decisions while ensuring your documents meet legal standards.