Notary Public Dubai vs MOJ Legal Translation
Which One Do You Actually Need?
The terms "notary public," "legal translation," "attestation," and "certification" get used interchangeably—even by professionals. But using the wrong service can mean rejected applications, wasted money, and lost time. Let's untangle this once and for all.
Understanding the Core Difference
Notary Public in Dubai
Deals with verifying identities, witnessing signatures, and certifying that documents are genuine. A notary confirms that you are who you say you are and that you signed what you say you signed.
MOJ Legal Translation
Deals with converting documents from one language to another through translators registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice. The translator produces an Arabic or English version that's legally recognized.
What a Notary Public Does
A notary public in Dubai is authorized by Dubai Courts to perform specific legal functions:
Witnessing Signatures
- Confirming a person signed in the notary's presence
- Verifying signer's identity via passport or Emirates ID
- Attesting the signature was made voluntarily
Certifying True Copies
- Confirming a photocopy matches the original
- Stamping copies as "true copy" for official use
Notarizing Contracts
- Power of Attorney documents
- Property agreements and sale contracts
- Business resolutions and corporate documents
- Affidavits and declarations
What a Notary CANNOT Do:
- Translate documents between languages
- Provide legal advice
- Authenticate personal status documents for Muslims (marriages, divorces, inheritance)—these go through Dubai Courts directly
- Verify content accuracy of documents they didn't create
What MOJ Legal Translation Involves
MOJ Legal Translation is performed by translators who have passed official Ministry of Justice examinations and are registered on the MOJ translator registry.
Who Can Perform It
- Only individual translators or companies with MOJ-registered translators
- Each translator has a verifiable license number
- Translations carry official stamp and signature
What Makes It "Legal"
- Acceptance by Dubai Courts and all UAE government entities
- QR verification code for document authenticity
- Official MOJ stamp verified through government channels
Documents Requiring MOJ Translation
- Any document submitted to UAE courts
- Documents for government ministries (GDRFA, MOHRE, Ministry of Education)
- Memorandums of Association for company registration
- Marriage, birth, death certificates for official use
- Academic credentials for government employment
- Power of Attorney for official government transactions
Common Scenarios: Which Do You Need?
Opening a Bank Account
Submitting Documents to Dubai Courts
Example: A contract dispute with English original requires MOJ translation of the contract, notarization for certified copies, and possibly attestation if the document originated outside UAE.
Setting Up a Company in Dubai
- MOJ translation of Memorandum of Association if not in Arabic
- Notary attestation of your signature on company documents
- Possibly attestation of foreign qualifications
Process order: Get translation first, then notarization of translated documents.
Visa Application for Another Country
Paying for MOJ when certified suffices is a common and expensive mistake. Do proper research for your specific embassy requirements.
Golden Visa Application
- Certified translations of academic credentials
- Attestation of foreign documents through proper MOFA chain
- Notary services may be needed for certain supporting documents
Important: Golden Visa is processed through government channels, so requirements can be stricter than typical employment visa processing.
The Attestation Layer
Attestation is separate from both notary services and translation—it's the verification that a document is genuine. Think of it as a chain of trust.
For UAE Documents Going Abroad:
For Foreign Documents Coming into UAE:
Learn more in our complete attestation services guide.
Common Costly Mistakes
Paying for MOJ Legal Translation When Certified Suffices
Most private companies, some embassies, and many internal HR processes accept certified translation. Before commissioning any translation, ask the receiving entity: "Do you require MOJ legal translation, or is certified translation acceptable?"
See our complete MOJ vs Certified guide for details.
Getting Translation Before Attestation
Complete the full attestation chain FIRST, then translate the attested document. Doing it backwards means paying for translation twice.
Using Non-MOJ Translator for Court Documents
For ANY court-related document, verify the translator's MOJ license number. MOJ translations should have a QR code for verification. Non-MOJ translations will be rejected.
Confusing Notary with Translation
Showing up at a notary expecting translation—or vice versa—wastes trips and time. Be clear on what service you need before you book.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Notary Public do in Dubai?
A notary public verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and certifies that documents are genuine. They are authorized by Dubai Courts to confirm you are who you say you are and that you signed what you say you signed. A notary does not translate documents.
What is MOJ Legal Translation?
MOJ Legal Translation converts documents from one language to another through translators registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice. The translation carries an MOJ-approved stamp and QR verification code, making it legally recognized by UAE courts and government entities.
Do I need both notary and translation services?
Often yes, but at different stages. Many document processes require both services. For example, court submissions may need MOJ translation of the document AND notarization if you're also certifying copies or signing Power of Attorney.
Should I translate before or after attestation?
Generally, complete attestation FIRST (on the original document in its original language), THEN translate the fully-attested document. The translation will include all attestation stamps. Translating before attestation means you'll need to translate again after.
Do banks require MOJ Legal Translation?
No. Banks are private entities and typically accept certified translation for documents like passports, visas, and employment letters. Using MOJ translation for bank requirements means paying more for no additional benefit.
What's the difference between certified true copy and certified translation?
A certified true copy means a notary confirms a photocopy matches the original—it stays in the same language. A certified translation means the document has been rendered into another language. These are different services; some processes require both.
Not Sure Which Service You Need?
OnlineTranslation.ae helps Dubai residents understand exactly what's required for their situation—so you pay for what you need and nothing more. Send us your requirements for a quick consultation.