Latin to English Translation
MOJ-certified Latin ↔ English translation for UAE courts, immigration, and government agencies.
Communities served: Irish, British, European
University degree certificates, diplomas, academic parchments, ecclesiastical documents
Documents We Translate
Latin to English and English to Latin — both directions, same MOJ certification.
Academic & University
- Degree certificates (BA, BSc, MA, PhD)
- University diplomas and parchments
- Honorary degree citations
- Academic transcripts with Latin headings
- Conferral documents
- Professional qualification certificates (medical, legal)
Ecclesiastical & Religious
- Church marriage certificates
- Baptismal certificates
- Papal documents and bulls
- Seminary graduation certificates
- Religious orders documentation
Legal & Historical
- Historical property deeds
- Heraldic documents
- Notarial instruments
- Archival legal documents
The MOHRE Latin Problem
MOHRE's online system does not recognize Latin. When you upload a Latin degree certificate for a UAE work permit, the system flags it as 'Missing Educational Certificate' — even though you uploaded the real document.
This affects graduates from:
- Ireland: UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, Maynooth, Trinity College Dublin
- UK: Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Edinburgh
- Europe: Many German, Italian, Spanish, and Scandinavian universities
The solution is a two-step translation: Latin → English (certified) → Arabic (MOJ). We handle both steps and deliver a package that MOHRE accepts. Read our full guide on fixing this.
Latin Documents in UAE Context
Latin appears in official documents more often than people expect. Vatican and Holy See paperwork uses Latin as its administrative language. Older European university diplomas contain Latin degree titles and conferral statements. Pharmaceutical labels and medical prescriptions sometimes carry Latin terminology.
UAE authorities encounter Latin text in several scenarios. Degree certificates from European universities that predate English-medium instruction are common. Immigration files from applicants with Catholic backgrounds may include church-issued documents in Latin. Medical professionals submitting credentials to DHA occasionally present documents with Latin nomenclature.
None of these documents can be submitted directly to MOHRE, MOHESR, or courts. Each requires a certified English translation before the MOJ Arabic step.
Ecclesiastical and Church Records
Catholic churches worldwide issue baptism certificates, marriage records, and confirmation documents in Latin. Papal documents and apostolic letters also use Latin as the official language. These records matter in the UAE for family law proceedings and inheritance cases.
A UAE resident applying for a family visa may need a translated baptism certificate. Inheritance disputes sometimes require proof of marriage from a Catholic parish abroad. Court-appointed experts cannot assess documents they cannot read. A certified English translation resolves this.
We translate sacramental records, seminary certificates, and religious orders documentation. Each translation follows the two-step process: Latin to English, then English to Arabic with MOJ attestation.
Academic Latin in Degree Certificates
Many European universities historically issued degrees entirely in Latin. Italian universities maintained this practice well into the 20th century. German and Austrian institutions used Latin for doctoral diplomas. Eastern European universities, particularly in Poland and Hungary, followed the same tradition.
MOHESR requires an English translation for degree equivalency evaluation. Without it, the degree cannot be attested or recognized in the UAE. The Latin text must be rendered accurately, preserving academic titles like "Artium Baccalaureus" or "Philosophiae Doctor" alongside their English equivalents.
Our translators handle Latin academic conventions from specific university systems. Each translation includes the institution name, degree title, conferral date, and honors classification in both Latin and English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our translation services.
Why is my degree certificate in Latin?
Many universities issue degree certificates in Latin as a tradition dating back centuries. Irish universities (NUI, UCD, UCC, NUIG, Maynooth), UK universities (Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Edinburgh), and many European institutions use Latin for official degree documents. The degree title, institution name, and conferral statement are in Latin even though the education was in English.
MOHRE rejected my degree saying 'Missing Educational Certificate' — it's in Latin. What do I do?
MOHRE's system doesn't recognize Latin. When you upload a Latin degree certificate, the system reads it as an unknown language and rejects it. The fix: get a certified English translation of the Latin degree, then produce the MOJ Arabic translation from the English version. We handle both steps. See our guide on Latin degrees and MOHRE.
Which Irish universities issue degrees in Latin?
All National University of Ireland (NUI) constituent universities issue degrees in Latin: UCD (University College Dublin), UCC (University College Cork), NUI Galway, and Maynooth University. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) also uses Latin for its degree certificates. The Gaelic name and Latin degree title appear on the parchment.
Do I need the Latin translated to English first, then to Arabic?
Yes. The process is: Latin → certified English translation → MOJ Arabic translation. MOHRE, MOHESR, and DHA all need the Arabic version, but the Arabic translator works from the English text, not directly from Latin. We coordinate both translation steps.
How much does Latin to English degree translation cost?
Send your degree via WhatsApp for an exact quote. Latin academic documents are specialist work — the translator must understand Latin academic terminology (cum laude, honoris causa, baccalaureus, etc.) and the specific conventions of each university.
Can you translate Latin medical degree certificates?
Yes. Medical degrees from older UK and European institutions are often in Latin (Medicinae Baccalaureus, Chirurgiae Baccalaureus — MB BCh). These require accurate translation for DHA licensing and DataFlow verification. The Latin medical terminology must match the English equivalent exactly.
Do UK universities still issue degrees in Latin?
Some do. Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, and Edinburgh still use Latin for degree certificates. Other UK universities have switched to English. If your degree has Latin text, check with us — we'll confirm whether translation is needed for your specific UAE authority.
How long does Latin to English translation take?
Standard degree certificates take 24-48 hours. The Latin text on most degree certificates follows standard academic formulas, so experienced translators work efficiently. Complex documents (historical, ecclesiastical) may take longer.
Not Sure What Your Documents Need?
Send your document. We check the requirements, tell you what is needed, and confirm the right path before you spend anything.