What Affects Legal Translation Cost? Six Price Factors Explained
Why legal translation quotes differ: certification level, document type, language pair, page count, timing and extra services, and what to send for a quote.
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Legal translation quotes can look very different for what seems like the same document. The difference usually comes from six factors, set out below. For current fixed prices on common documents, see our translation prices page.
Two Types of Translation, Two Price Levels
MOJ legal translation is signed and stamped by an individual translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice for the language pair. Courts, ministries and government agencies usually ask for it. See what an MOJ legal translation is for the detail.
Certified translation carries the translator’s statement of accuracy but no MOJ stamp. Some banks, employers and private companies accept it for internal use.
The most common pricing mistake: asking for an MOJ legal translation “to be safe” when the recipient only needs a certified translation, or the reverse. Ask the receiving organisation which one it needs before you order.
The Six Factors That Affect the Price
1. Certification Level Required
The biggest single factor. Where will the document be submitted? Courts and government bodies usually need an MOJ legal translation; private organisations may accept a certified translation. A lawyer or PRO can advise if you are unsure.
2. Document Type and Complexity
A birth certificate has a standard format and predictable content. A sale and purchase agreement has negotiated terms and technical language. More complex documents take more time and expertise, which affects the price.
3. Language Pair
Arabic to English and English to Arabic are the most common pairs. Less common languages may cost more because fewer translators work in them.
4. Page Count and Volume
More pages mean more work. Large projects, such as a long litigation bundle, may be quoted at a different per-page rate from a single document, so ask about volume pricing.
5. Timing
Standard timing, confirmed after the document is reviewed, carries standard pricing. A request that needs prioritising may be quoted differently. Planning ahead keeps this cost down.
6. Additional Services
MOFA attestation and embassy legalisation are separate services with separate fees. Some providers bundle them and others quote them separately, so check what a quote includes.
How to Avoid Paying for the Wrong Thing
- Confirm the certification level with the court, bank, employer or agency before you order.
- Send complete, legible documents. Missing pages or unclear scans lead to follow-up questions and can change the quote.
- Plan ahead when you know a filing date is coming.
- Check what the quote includes: translation, certification and stamps, delivery format (digital or hard copy) and any additional fees.
What to Send for an Accurate Quote
- Document type: contract, certificate, court document and so on.
- Page count, or the document itself.
- Intended use: where you will submit it. This sets the certification level.
- Deadline: when you need the finished translation.
- Language direction: Arabic to English, English to Arabic, or both.
With these details a provider can confirm the price for your exact file rather than a range. Our translation prices page lists fixed prices for common documents; other documents are quoted after review.