Authenticated Translation in the UAE: What the Term Means

If you’ve been asked for a “legal translation,” “certified translation,” or “official translation” in the UAE, you’re probably confused. Different people use different words, but here’s the simple truth:

In the UAE, there are only two types of official translation.

The Two Options

1. MOJ Legal Translation: Stamped by an authorised translator registered with the Ministry of Justice. This is what courts, government ministries, and immigration offices typically require.

2. Certified Translation: Stamped by a translation agency. Commonly requested by HR departments, banks, private companies, and many universities; each receiving organisation decides acceptance.

That’s it. Everything else, sworn, authenticated, official, legal, refers to one of these two.

Which One Do You Need?

The answer depends entirely on where you’re submitting your document.

Choose Certified Translation if:

• Your employer or HR department asked for it
• A bank needs translated documents
• A private company requested “certified” without mentioning MOJ
• You want the lower-cost option and the recipient isn’t strict

Choose MOJ Legal Translation if:

• The request specifically says “MOJ” or “Ministry of Justice”
• You’re submitting to Dubai Courts or government ministries
• Immigration or visa applications require it
• A notary public is involved

Pro Tip: Not sure? Ask the recipient: do they need an MOJ translator stamp, or is a company stamp sufficient? That answer saves time and avoids rejection.

Our concierge model means we tell you which type you actually need. If certified translation is sufficient, we say so. We pre-validate your documents before payment so you never pay for the wrong service. Learn about our concierge approach.

The Price Difference

Certified translation from a translation agency typically costs 40-50% less than MOJ legal translation. If MOJ isn’t required, you save money without sacrificing quality, both deliver accurate, professional Arabic translation services.

Common Documents That Need Translation

• Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates
• Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts
• Powers of attorney
• Contracts and corporate documents
• Police clearance certificates
• Employment and salary certificates

Translation vs Attestation

These are two different things:

• Translation converts your document into Arabic or English.
• Attestation verifies your original document is authentic. Usually through MOFA, embassy, or consulate stamps.

Sometimes you need both. Sometimes just one. It depends on where you’re submitting and what they require.

Find a Translator Near You

Looking for a translator near you? Our Arabic translation services cover all UAE emirates with pickup and delivery:

• Dubai. Walk-in office at Palm Jumeirah Mall
• Sharjah. Legal translation Sharjah
• Abu Dhabi. MOJ-licensed
• All Emirates. Delivery available

You don’t need to visit an office. Send your documents via WhatsApp and our concierge team handles everything remotely: from document review to delivery.