When it comes to legal translation in Dubai, accuracy isn’t just an option, it’s a legal necessity. Whether you’re translating a contract, a court document, a power of attorney, or immigration paperwork, certified translation is required by UAE government departments, courts, and legal bodies. But who exactly is authorized to provide these services? Are there government-approved legal translators or agencies in Dubai?

This article covers everything you need to know, step by step, about certified legal translation services in Dubai.

What is Certified Legal Translation?

Certified legal translation is the official translation of legal documents by a licensed translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. These translations must carry the official stamp and signature of the licensed legal translator to be accepted by courts, embassies, government authorities, and other legal entities in the UAE.

Some common documents that often require certified translation include:

Court Rulings and Judgments
Marriage/Divorce Certificates
Birth and Death Certificates
Powers of Attorney
Business Contracts
Memoranda of Association
Immigration Documents
Academic Certificates

Who Regulates Legal Translation in Dubai?

Legal translation in Dubai is regulated by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

To provide certified legal translations, a translator or agency must:

Must have passed the official MOJ translator exams
Obtain a professional license
Be registered and approved by the UAE government
Use the official stamp and certification format

So, if you need a document to be legally accepted by government bodies, courts, embassies, or banks, it must be translated by a MOJ-certified translator.

Who Can Provide Certified Legal Translation Services in Dubai, UAE?

In Dubai, not every translator can provide legally binding translations. Only licensed translation companies and government-approved translators are authorized to issue certified translations accepted by:

Dubai Courts
Ministry of Justice
Notary Public Offices
Immigration Departments (GDRFA, ICA)
Free Zone Authorities (DIFC, DMCC, etc.)

A. Government-Authorized Translation Agencies

There are several licensed translation offices in Dubai that the UAE Ministry of Justice has approved. These agencies employ certified legal translators and provide translations that carry legal weight.

Some well-known agencies include:

These agencies employ MOJ-certified translators and provide stamped, signed, and attested translations.

B. Legal Translators Approved by the MOJ

Some individual translators are personally licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. You can verify their license via the official UAE Ministry of Justice website: https://www.moj.gov.ae.

Click here to find certified translators.

Types of Legal Documents Requiring Certified Translation

Standard documents that need certified translation in Dubai include:

Personal Documents

Passports, Visas, and Emirates ID
Birth, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates
Academic Degrees and Transcripts

Legal & Court Documents

Court Judgments and Legal Agreements
Power of Attorney (POA) Documents
Affidavits and Sworn Statements

Business & Commercial Documents

Company Incorporation Certificates
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Trade Licenses and Contracts

Real Estate Documents

Title Deeds and Tenancy Contracts
Mortgage Agreements

How to Verify a Certified Translation Service in Dubai

To ensure your translation is legally valid, check:

MOJ Accreditation – The translator/agency must be registered with the Ministry of Justice (UAE). Stamp & Signature – Certified translations must include:
Translator’s license number
Company stamp
Court Registration – Some documents need Dubai Courts’ attestation after translation.

Where to Check Accreditation?

Visit the Ministry of Justice UAE website.

Languages Commonly Offered for Accredited Legal Translation in Dubai

Dubai’s multicultural landscape means a wide range of languages are in demand. Certified legal translations are typically offered in the following ways:

Arabic ↔ English (most common)
French
Russian
German
Hindi
Urdu
Spanish
Chinese
Italian
Turkish

Keep in mind that Arabic is the official legal language in UAE courts. Any document submitted to UAE authorities must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.

Why Does Certification Matter?

Using a non-certified translator means courts or government authorities in Dubai could reject your document.

Choosing a certified legal translator ensures:

Legal validity
Accuracy of sensitive content
Acceptance by embassies, courts, and immigration offices
Peace of mind in high-stakes situations

Cost & Processing Time for Legal Translation in Dubai

Typically ranges from AED 100 to AED 500 per document, depending on:

Language pair (Arabic-English is most common)
Document complexity
Urgency

Processing Time:

Standard: 1-3 business days
Urgent service: Same day (extra fees apply)

Note: Prices are higher for rare languages or notarized translation requirements.

Final Tips on Choosing the Right Provider

Always opt for a MOJ-approved translator or agency
Ask about turnaround time and language expertise
Request a sample or review previous translations
Clarify if notarization or attestation is needed for your case

Read More: How to Choose the Best Legal Translation Company in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Conclusion

For certified legal translation services in Dubai, always use a Ministry of Justice-approved agency or translator. This ensures UAE authorities, courts, and businesses accept your documents.

Need a certified translator? Contact an accredited legal translation company in Dubai today for fast, accurate, and legally binding translations!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some questions:

Q1. Can I use an online translation tool for legal documents?

No, only MOJ-certified translators are accepted for official purposes. Online tools (Google Translate, etc.) are not legally valid.

Q2. Do I need attestation after translation?

Yes, some documents (like foreign certificates) require Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation after translation.

Q3. Where can I find the cheapest certified translation in Dubai?

Certified translation costs in Dubai are generally regulated, especially for common language pairs like Arabic-English. Several MOJ-approved agencies, such as Prime Legal Translation and Q Links, are known to offer competitive pricing and reliable service. It’s best to compare quotes and turnaround times before choosing a provider.