MOJ Legal vs Certified Translation
Choose the Right Service & Save Up to 50%
Most HR teams say "legal translation" as a catch-all, but in the UAE there are two distinct products with different stamps, destinations, and prices. Choosing correctly can save you AED 700+ per document.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Certified Translation | MOJ Legal Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Agency stamp | MOJ-approved sworn translator |
| Seal Type | Company letterhead + translator declaration | Judiciary-recognized seal |
| Starting Price | AED 700 | AED 1,400 |
| Turnaround | 3-6 hours (standard) | 3-6 hours (standard) |
| Quality | Professional, accurate | Professional, accurate |
| Best For | HR, banks, private companies, universities | Courts, ministries, notary submissions |
A Real Example
Last week, a client brought Italian HR documents. Her employer said "legal translation," so she ordered the full MOJ service at AED 1,400.
After reviewing her requirements, we confirmed she only needed Certified Translation at AED 700. Her employer's HR department accepted it without issue.
She saved AED 700—and her documents were ready in the same timeframe.
This happens frequently. We always verify requirements before processing to ensure you get the right service at the right price.
Quick Decision Guide
AED 1,400+
AED 700+ Save 50%
Understanding the Two Types
Certified Translation (Agency Stamp)
Certified Translation uses our agency letterhead with a translator's declaration and company stamp. It confirms the translation is accurate and complete.
Price: From AED 700
Accepted by: HR departments, private companies, banks, universities, most embassies, private hospitals, insurance companies.
Best for: Employment onboarding, internal HR records, bank account opening, university admissions, visa applications (non-judicial), insurance claims.
MOJ Legal Translation (Sworn Translator)
MOJ Legal Translation is performed by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. It carries a judiciary-recognized seal that courts and government entities require.
Important: MOJ licensing is a matter of personal liability—individual translators are licensed by the Ministry of Justice, not companies. Our MOJ-certified translations are executed by Arkan, our partner and a Ministry of Justice licensed legal translator. Every certified document carries Arkan's personal stamp, signature, and serial number.
Price: From AED 1,400
Accepted by: UAE courts (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Federal), DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts, government ministries, official notary transactions.
Best for: Court submissions, litigation documents, government ministry filings, notarized contracts, official judicial proceedings.
No. Both services deliver the same translation quality and accuracy. The only difference is the certification authority—agency stamp vs judiciary-recognized seal. Think of it like regular mail vs registered mail. Same letter, different delivery confirmation. Choose based on what your recipient requires, not perceived quality.
Who Accepts What
Certified Translation is accepted by:
- HR Departments: Employee onboarding, employment contracts, credential verification
- Banks: Account opening, loan applications, proof of income
- Private Companies: Internal records, vendor agreements, compliance files
- Universities: Admission applications, transcript evaluation
- Embassies: Visa applications, document legalization (most cases)
- Insurance Companies: Claims processing, medical records
- Private Hospitals: Patient records, medical history
MOJ Legal Translation is required by:
- UAE Courts: Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Federal Courts
- DIFC Courts: Common law jurisdiction in Dubai
- ADGM Courts: Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction
- Government Ministries: When explicitly requested
- Notary Public: For officially notarized documents
- GDRFA: Specific immigration cases (not all)
When in doubt, how do I know?
- Is this going to a court or government ministry? MOJ Legal
- Does the recipient explicitly say "MOJ" or "sworn translator"? MOJ Legal
- Is it for HR, a bank, or a private company? Certified is usually sufficient
Still unsure? Send us the recipient's exact wording or checklist via WhatsApp. We'll confirm which stamp you need—no upselling, just the right option.
HR Department Guide
Why HR teams often overpay
HR professionals commonly say "legal translation" when requesting document translation. This generic term often triggers the assumption that MOJ certification is required.
The reality: HR handles internal employment files, not judicial submissions. For onboarding, payroll, insurance verification, and routine compliance, Certified Translation is fit-for-purpose and cost-efficient.
Smart HR checklist before ordering
Before ordering "MOJ translation," ask:
- Is this document going to a court or ministry? (Probably not for HR purposes)
- Does anyone in the approval chain explicitly require "MOJ" or "sworn translator"?
- Is this for internal records or external judicial submission?
If the answers are "no," "no," and "internal"—Certified Translation is correct and saves ~50%.
Updating your HR translation policy
Consider updating your internal guidelines to specify:
- Standard employee onboarding: Certified Translation
- Employment contract translations: Certified Translation
- Credential verification: Certified Translation
- Court-related matters: MOJ Legal Translation
- Ministry submissions: MOJ Legal Translation
This cuts costs, speeds onboarding, and prevents resubmissions while staying compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Certified Translation for court submissions?
No. UAE courts require MOJ Legal Translation with the judiciary-recognized seal. Certified Translation will be rejected for court filings.
Will banks accept Certified Translation?
Yes. Banks in the UAE accept Certified Translation for account opening, loan applications, and proof of income documents.
My employer said 'legal translation'—which type do they mean?
Most likely Certified Translation. 'Legal translation' is often used as a catch-all term. Unless they specifically mention 'MOJ,' 'sworn translator,' or 'judiciary seal,' Certified Translation is usually what they need. Send us their exact requirements and we'll confirm.
Is MOJ Legal Translation higher quality?
No. Both services deliver identical translation quality and accuracy. The only difference is the certification authority (agency stamp vs MOJ seal). Choose based on your recipient's requirements, not perceived quality.
How long does each type take?
Same turnaround for both. Standard documents are typically ready within 3-6 business hours. Express options available for urgent requirements.
Can you help me figure out which type I need?
Absolutely. Send us the recipient's exact wording or checklist via WhatsApp. We'll confirm which stamp you need—no upselling, just the right option for your destination.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Send us the recipient's exact wording or checklist via WhatsApp. We'll confirm which stamp you need—no upselling, just the right option for your destination.
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