Legal translation in Dubai follows specific rules that many residents don't discover until they face a court deadline or visa rejection. This guide explains exactly how the system works—what MOJ certification means, when you actually need it, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Key Point: Dubai Courts and government ministries only accept translations from MOJ-registered translators. Using an unregistered translator—regardless of their qualifications—means your documents will be rejected.
What Is Legal Translation in Dubai?
Legal translation converts documents from one language to another for official use. In Dubai, this means more than just accurate translation. The UAE legal system requires specific certification to ensure translations are reliable and the translator is accountable.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) maintains a registry of approved translators. Only these registered professionals can produce translations that Dubai Courts, GDRFA, and government ministries will accept. The translator's license number, stamp, and signature authenticate each document.
MOJ Certification Explained
When you receive an MOJ-certified translation, it includes several elements that make it official:
- Translator's MOJ stamp — Shows registration with the Ministry of Justice
- License number — Verifiable through MOJ hotline 800 333333
- Translator's signature — Personal accountability for accuracy
- Translation date — Confirms when the work was completed
Without these elements, your translation lacks legal standing in UAE courts. This isn't a technicality—judges routinely refuse to consider documents that don't meet these requirements.
When Do You Need Legal Translation?
Any foreign-language document submitted to official UAE bodies requires translation. But not every situation requires MOJ certification. Understanding the difference saves both money and time.
MOJ-Certified Translation Required
These situations require translations from MOJ-registered translators:
- Dubai Courts submissions — All evidence, contracts, and supporting documents
- DIFC Courts — Though common-law based, still requires certified translations
- Government ministries — MOHRE, MOFA, and federal authorities
- GDRFA visa applications — Residence permits, family sponsorship, Golden Visa
- Notary Public — Documents being notarized in the UAE
- Company formation — DED/DET business registration
- Attestation processes — Documents going through official channels
Certified Translation Sufficient
These situations typically accept certified translation without MOJ registration:
- Banks — Account opening, loan applications, mortgage documents
- Employers — HR departments for employment verification
- Universities — Admissions offices for academic credentials
- Private companies — Internal use and private contracts
- Insurance companies — Claims and policy documentation
Money-Saving Tip: If you're submitting documents to a private company, ask them if they require MOJ certification. Many don't—and certified translation costs less.
Common Document Types for Legal Translation
Legal translation covers a wide range of documents. Each type has specific requirements and common submission destinations.
Personal Documents
Birth certificates are needed for family visa applications, school enrollment, and inheritance matters. GDRFA requires MOJ certification for visa processing. Schools often accept certified translation.
Marriage certificates are essential for spouse visa sponsorship, joint bank accounts, and property purchases. DLD requires MOJ certification for property registration in married couples' names.
Divorce decrees are needed to update visa status, remarry in the UAE, or handle custody matters. Dubai Courts require MOJ certification for any family law proceedings.
Academic Documents
Degree certificates require translation for MOHRE work permit applications. Professional licensing bodies like DHA (for healthcare) and Dubai Courts (for legal practice) require MOJ certification.
Academic transcripts are often needed alongside degrees. Universities may accept certified translation, but equivalency assessments typically require MOJ certification.
Legal Documents
Contracts in foreign languages need translation when disputes arise or when registering with government bodies. Lease agreements submitted to RERA require MOJ certification.
Powers of Attorney must be translated for use in UAE courts or when authorizing actions with government bodies. MOJ certification is mandatory.
Court judgments from foreign jurisdictions need translation for enforcement in Dubai. The Dubai Courts require MOJ certification before recognizing foreign judgments.
The Legal Translation Process
Understanding how the process works helps you plan timelines and provide the right materials.
Step 1: Document Assessment
We first review your document to understand its content, identify any potential issues, and confirm what certification level you need. This prevents surprises and ensures accurate quoting.
Common issues identified at this stage include:
- Poor scan quality that may affect accuracy
- Missing pages or incomplete documents
- Documents requiring attestation before use
- Handwritten sections that need special handling
Step 2: Translation
A qualified translator works through your document. Legal translation requires more than language skills—the translator must understand legal terminology in both languages and UAE legal conventions.
For complex documents like sale and purchase agreements or arbitration awards, we assign translators with specific expertise in that document type.
Step 3: Review and Quality Check
Every translation undergoes review for accuracy, formatting, and completeness. We check that names, dates, and figures match the original exactly. For court submissions, formatting must meet specific requirements.
Step 4: Certification
The MOJ-registered translator applies their stamp and signature. They take personal responsibility for the translation's accuracy. Their license number can be verified through the MOJ hotline.
Our translations are executed through Arkan Legal Translation, MOJ License #701. You can verify this license is current by calling 800 333333.
Step 5: Delivery
You receive the certified translation along with the original document. For court submissions, we can provide additional certified copies as needed.
Dubai Courts vs DIFC Courts
Dubai has two court systems with different but overlapping translation requirements.
Dubai Courts (Local Courts)
The main Dubai Courts system operates under UAE law. All submissions must be in Arabic. Any foreign-language document requires MOJ-certified translation into Arabic.
Key points for Dubai Courts submissions:
- Arabic is the only language of record
- Judges may request oral clarification of translations
- Both parties can challenge translation accuracy
- The court may appoint its own translator for verification
DIFC Courts
The DIFC Courts operate under common law and conduct proceedings in English. However, Arabic documents still need certified translation into English, and English documents used outside DIFC may need Arabic translation.
Abu Dhabi Considerations
While this guide focuses on Dubai, Abu Dhabi follows similar requirements with some differences. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) accepts MOJ-certified translations. ADGM Courts, like DIFC, operate in English but still require proper certification.
If your legal matter spans multiple emirates, ensure translations meet the requirements of each jurisdiction involved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Years of handling legal translations have shown us where people commonly go wrong.
1. Using Unregistered Translators
A friend who speaks both languages, or an online translation service, cannot produce legally valid translations. Their work will be rejected by Dubai Courts regardless of accuracy.
2. Expired Translator Licenses
MOJ licenses require renewal. A translation stamped by an expired license may be rejected. Always verify current license status before submission.
3. Poor Original Quality
If the original document is unclear, the translation may be challenged. Ensure originals are clear, complete, and legible before translation.
4. Missing Attestation
Some documents need attestation before translation, others after. Getting the sequence wrong means starting over.
5. Requesting Wrong Certification Level
Many clients pay for MOJ certification when submitting to private entities that don't require it. Confirm requirements with the receiving party first.
Timelines and Planning
Legal translation takes 1-3 business days for standard documents. Complex documents or large volumes take longer. Court deadlines don't wait—plan translation into your timeline from the start.
Standard Processing
- Simple documents (certificates): 1-2 business days
- Contracts and agreements: 2-3 business days
- Court bundles and litigation files: Based on volume
Urgent Processing
Same-day and next-day service available for court deadlines. Contact us via WhatsApp at +971 50 862 0217 for urgent requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOJ-certified legal translation in Dubai?
MOJ-certified legal translation is performed by translators registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice. The translation carries an official MOJ stamp and translator signature. Dubai Courts, government ministries, and official bodies require this certification for document acceptance.
When do I need legal translation in Dubai?
You need legal translation for court cases, government applications, visa processing, company formation, property transactions, and any official submission requiring foreign-language documents. Dubai Courts and GDRFA require MOJ-certified translations.
How long does legal translation take in Dubai?
Standard legal translation takes 1-3 business days depending on document length and complexity. Urgent same-day service is available. Court deadlines can be accommodated with express processing.
What documents need MOJ translation vs certified translation?
MOJ translation is required for Dubai Courts, ministries, GDRFA, and government submissions. Certified translation (without MOJ stamp) is sufficient for banks, employers, universities, and private companies. Many clients overpay by requesting MOJ when certified would suffice.
Can I verify an MOJ translator's license?
Yes. Call the MOJ hotline 800 333333 to verify any translator's license number. Our translations are executed by Arkan Legal Translation, License #701, valid until October 2026.
What if my legal translation is rejected by Dubai Courts?
Rejections typically occur due to formatting issues, missing stamps, or expired translator licenses. We verify all requirements before submission. If a translation we provide is rejected, we correct and resubmit at no additional service fee.
Next Steps
Need legal translation for Dubai Courts, GDRFA, or government submission? Send your documents via WhatsApp for a quick assessment and quote. We'll confirm what certification level you need and provide a clear timeline.
Get Your Legal Translation
Send documents via WhatsApp for assessment. We'll confirm requirements and provide a quote within minutes.
WhatsApp: +971 50 862 0217