MOJ Translation Explained

Every UAE court and government ministry requires “MOJ translation.” But what does that actually mean? This guide explains the legal framework, licensing system, and recent legislation that governs translation in the UAE.

What Is MOJ Translation?

MOJ translation is a document translation certified by an individual licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. The “MOJ” refers to the Ministry of Justice (وزارة العدل), which regulates the translation profession through a personal licensing system.

Key characteristics:

• Personal license: Issued to an individual translator, not a company
• Unique seal: Each translator has a registered seal with their name and license number
• Personal signature: The translator signs every document they certify
• Legal liability: The individual translator is personally liable for accuracy
• Federal recognition: Valid across all seven emirates and in DIFC and ADGM courts

This personal liability model is what gives MOJ translation its authority. Courts trust the seal because a named, licensed individual stakes their professional reputation on every translation.

The Legal Framework

Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2022

This is the primary legislation governing translation in the UAE. Published in December 2022, it replaced earlier regulations and established:

• Licensing requirements: Translators must hold an active MOJ license to produce court-admissible translations
• Professional standards: Minimum qualifications, continuing education, and ethical obligations
• Penalties: Fines and license revocation for errors, fraud, or practicing without a license
• Client protections: Right to verify translator credentials, right to corrections

This law formalized what was previously governed by scattered regulations. It also introduced stricter penalties for unlicensed translation activity.

Ministry of Justice Oversight

The MOJ maintains a registry of licensed translators and oversees license issuance and renewal, translator examination and qualification, complaint investigation and disciplinary action, and seal registration and tracking.

Interested in the profession? Learn about the examination process, qualifications, and career path in our guide on how to become a certified translator in the UAE.

When MOJ Translation Is Required

Not every translation needs MOJ certification. Here is a clear breakdown of when you need it and when certified translation is sufficient.

MOJ Required

• Abu Dhabi Courts (ADJD) — all case types
• Dubai Courts — all case types
• Federal Courts — all submissions
• DIFC Courts — enforcement in local courts
• ADGM Courts — enforcement in ADJD
• GDRFA — visa and residence documents
• MOFA — attestation submissions
• Notary Public — notarized documents

Certified Sufficient

• Banks — account opening, loans
• HR departments — employee onboarding
• Private companies — internal records
• Universities — admissions, transfers
• Insurance companies — claims
• Free zones (internal) — DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA
• Embassies — most visa applications
• Private hospitals — medical records

For a detailed comparison with pricing, see our translation type decision guide.

Verifying an MOJ Translator

Always verify your translator’s credentials.

• Phone Verification — Call the MOJ hotline at 800 333333. Provide the translator’s name or license number. They will confirm whether the license is active and valid.
• Online Verification — Use the MOJ website portal to search for registered translators by name or license number.
• Document Check — Every MOJ-certified translation should include: the translator’s full name, license number, personal seal, signature, and a certification statement. If any element is missing, question the document.

Our MOJ Credentials

Common MOJ Translation Documents

Personal Documents

• Birth certificates — family visa, school enrollment
• Marriage certificates — spouse visa, name change
• Divorce decrees — legal status updates
• Death certificates — inheritance, insurance
• Police clearance — employment, residency

Legal and Corporate

• Contracts — court submissions, disputes
• Court judgments — enforcement, appeals
• Arbitration awards — local court enforcement
• Powers of attorney — notary submissions
• Wills — probate proceedings

Academic

• Degree certificates — professional licensing
• Transcripts — MOHESR equivalency
• Professional certificates — regulated professions

Need MOJ translation? Send your documents via WhatsApp. We will confirm whether MOJ certification is required and provide a quote within minutes.