Legal Translation Pricing in Dubai: The Real Picture
If you've searched for legal translation costs in Dubai, you've probably found a confusing range of prices. Some typing centers advertise AED 35 per page. Professional services quote AED 150 or more. Both prices are real—but they're for very different services with very different outcomes.
The price you pay depends on several factors. What certification level do you actually need? How complex is your document? How quickly do you need it? And critically—will the translation be accepted where you need to submit it? A cheap translation that gets rejected by Dubai Courts costs you far more than getting it right the first time.
Understanding the Two Types of Legal Translation
Before discussing prices, you need to understand what you're buying. Dubai has two main categories of legal translation, and many clients don't know the difference until they've already paid for the wrong one.
MOJ-Certified Translation is performed by translators registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice. These translations carry an official stamp and signature that UAE courts, ministries, and government agencies require. You need MOJ certification for court submissions, government applications, and official legal proceedings.
Certified Translation is performed by qualified translators who certify their work's accuracy but aren't MOJ-registered. These translations are accepted by banks, employers, private companies, and many international bodies. They cost less than MOJ translations because they serve different purposes.
The Most Common Mistake
Requesting MOJ-certified translation when you only need certified translation. If you're submitting documents to your employer, bank, or a private company, certified translation is usually sufficient—and costs significantly less.
Current Pricing in Dubai (2026)
Here's what legal translation actually costs in Dubai as of January 2026. These are real market rates, not promotional prices or bait-and-switch quotes.
MOJ-Certified Translation
Starting from AED 150 per page for standard documents. This covers birth certificates, marriage certificates, and straightforward contracts. Final pricing depends on document complexity—a simple power of attorney costs less than a detailed commercial contract with technical terminology.
Complex legal documents—litigation files, arbitration awards, detailed corporate agreements—are priced based on content. A 50-page court bundle with technical terminology costs more per page than a single-page birth certificate. This is standard across professional translation services.
Certified Translation
Starting from AED 150 per page for documents that don't require MOJ certification. HR documents, bank submissions, and private company requirements typically fall into this category. The process is similar but without MOJ registration requirements.
Urgent and Same-Day Service
Need translation within 24 hours? Expect a 30-50% premium over standard rates. Same-day delivery for court deadlines commands the highest premiums. This reflects the priority handling required—your document jumps the queue and receives immediate attention.
Our VIP Concierge service delivers digital drafts within 60 minutes for genuine emergencies. This premium service exists because court filing deadlines don't negotiate—missing them costs far more than urgent translation fees.
What Affects Your Final Price?
When you request a quote, these factors determine your final cost. Understanding them helps you provide accurate information upfront and avoid quote adjustments later.
1. Certification Level Required
The single biggest factor. Ask yourself: where will this document be submitted? Government agencies and courts require MOJ certification. Private companies usually accept certified translation. A lawyer or PRO can advise if you're unsure.
2. Document Type and Complexity
A birth certificate is straightforward—standard format, predictable content. A sale and purchase agreement is complex—negotiated terms, technical language, legal nuances. Complex documents require more time and expertise, affecting price.
3. Language Pair
Arabic to English and English to Arabic are standard in Dubai. Less common languages may cost more due to limited translator availability. Most legal translation in Dubai involves Arabic-English pairs.
4. Page Count and Volume
More pages mean more work. However, volume discounts often apply to larger projects—a 100-page litigation bundle may have a lower per-page rate than a single document. Ask about volume pricing for significant projects.
5. Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround (48-72 hours) carries standard pricing. Same-day and urgent service costs more. If you can plan ahead, standard turnaround offers the best value.
6. Additional Services
Need attestation after translation? MOFA attestation and embassy legalization are separate services with separate fees. Some providers bundle these services; others quote separately. Clarify upfront what's included.
How to Avoid Overpaying
Here's practical advice to ensure you pay fairly for what you actually need.
Get the Right Certification Level
Before requesting translation, confirm what certification you need. Contact the receiving organization—court, bank, employer, agency—and ask specifically what they require. Many clients request MOJ certification "to be safe" when it's not required, paying more than necessary.
Provide Complete Documents
Incomplete or unclear documents require follow-up, which delays translation and may affect pricing. Send complete, legible documents with any context that helps the translator understand technical terms.
Plan Ahead When Possible
Urgent fees are avoidable with planning. If you know you'll need translation for a court filing, don't wait until the day before the deadline. Standard turnaround saves money and gives you time to review the translation.
Ask About Package Deals
Need translation plus attestation? Ask about bundled services. If you have multiple documents, ask about volume pricing. Providers often offer better rates for comprehensive projects.
Verify What's Included
A quote should specify: what's included (translation, certification, stamps), delivery format (digital, hard copy), and any additional fees. Clarify before accepting to avoid surprises.
Comparing Providers: What to Consider
Dubai has hundreds of translation providers—from typing centers to professional services. Price alone doesn't tell the full story.
Court Acceptance
The cheapest translation that gets rejected costs more than a professional translation accepted first time. For court documents, ask if the provider's translations are regularly accepted by Dubai Courts. Request references if needed.
Turnaround Reliability
Missing a court deadline because translation was late is catastrophic. Established providers have systems to meet deadlines consistently. Ask about their track record and what happens if they miss a deadline.
Communication and Support
Can you reach them quickly when you have questions? Do they explain what you actually need versus just accepting whatever you request? Our WhatsApp-first approach means you get responses within minutes, not days.
Specialization
Legal translation requires specific expertise. A translator who handles everything from menus to medical reports may not have the legal terminology knowledge that court documents require. Ask about their legal translation experience.
Real Cost Examples
To make pricing concrete, here are typical scenarios and what they cost.
Personal Documents for Employment
Scenario: You need your degree certificate and marriage certificate translated for a new employer. The employer (a private company) accepts certified translation.
Cost estimate: AED 150-300 for both documents with certified translation. No MOJ certification needed. Standard 48-hour turnaround.
Court Submission Package
Scenario: You need a 20-page contract and supporting documents translated for Dubai Courts. MOJ certification required. Filing deadline in one week.
Cost estimate: Starting from AED 3,000+ depending on document complexity. MOJ certification required. Standard turnaround sufficient with one week notice.
Urgent Power of Attorney
Scenario: You need a power of attorney translated for urgent banking matter. MOJ certification required. Same-day delivery needed.
Cost estimate: Starting from AED 225+ with urgent premium. MOJ certification. Same-day delivery adds 50% to standard rate.
Getting an Accurate Quote
To receive a precise quote rather than a range, provide the following information.
Document type—contract, certificate, court document, etc. This determines complexity.
Page count—or send the document itself for accurate assessment.
Intended use—where will you submit it? This determines certification level.
Deadline—when do you need the completed translation?
Language direction—Arabic to English, English to Arabic, or both.
Send your document via WhatsApp with these details, and you'll receive a specific quote—not a vague range—within minutes.
Get Your Translation Quote
Send your document via WhatsApp. We'll confirm exactly what you need (MOJ vs certified) and provide a specific price within minutes. No obligation, no sales pressure—just honest advice on the most cost-effective approach for your situation.
WhatsApp Us NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much does legal translation cost in Dubai?
Legal translation in Dubai starts from AED 150 per page for MOJ-certified translations. Certified translation for private use also starts from AED 150 per page. Final pricing depends on document complexity, language pair, and turnaround time. Complex legal documents with specialized terminology cost more than standard certificates.
What's the difference between MOJ and certified translation pricing?
MOJ-certified translation (required for courts and government) typically costs more than certified translation (sufficient for private companies). The MOJ certification process involves registered translators with official stamps recognized by UAE authorities. Many clients overpay by requesting MOJ certification when certified translation would suffice.
Why do translation prices vary so much in Dubai?
Prices vary based on certification level required, document complexity, language pair, turnaround time, and provider quality. Typing centers offer low prices but may lack legal expertise and court acceptance. Professional services cost more but ensure your translation is accepted where you need to submit it.
Is urgent translation more expensive?
Yes, same-day and urgent translation typically carries a 30-50% premium over standard rates. For court filing deadlines, this premium is often worthwhile to avoid missed deadlines and their consequences. Planning ahead when possible helps avoid urgent fees.
Do I need MOJ translation or certified translation?
MOJ-certified translation is required for Dubai Courts, government ministries, and official submissions. Certified translation is sufficient for banks, employers, and private companies. Getting proper advice upfront can save you significant costs—contact us to confirm what you actually need.
What affects legal translation pricing?
Key factors include document type and complexity, source/target language pair, certification level required, number of pages, turnaround time, and specialized terminology. Complex legal documents with technical language cost more than standard certificates.