Legal translation is an essential service in Dubai for both individuals and businesses dealing with official documents. Below we answer common questions about legal translation in Dubai, covering what it is, when it’s needed, who can provide it, and how to ensure your translated documents meet all requirements.
What is legal translation and how is it different from general translation?
Legal translation is the translation of official or legally relevant documents (such as contracts, court judgments, certificates, etc.) from one language to another with strict accuracy and official certification. In Dubai (and the UAE in general), legal translations carry an official status that general translations do not. Key differences include:
- Certification: A legal translation must be performed by a translator who is certified/authorized by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MoJ). General translations can be done by any bilingual person and do not require official certification or stamps.
- Purpose: Legal translations are used for official submissions – courts, government authorities, visa and immigration applications, business setup, etc. – where documents must be in Arabic (the UAE’s official language) or accompanied by an official Arabic translation. General translations are typically for information or personal use (like translating a website or a brochure) and don’t have legal standing.
- Terminology and Accuracy: Legal translations deal with specialized legal terminology and concepts (“legalese”). They require extreme precision so that the legal meaning remains exactly the same in the target language. Even a small error in a legal translation can lead to misunderstandings or invalid documents. General translation focuses more on conveying the general idea or tone and is more flexible with wording.
- Format: Official legal translations in the UAE include a signed and stamped declaration by the certified translator, confirming accuracy and completeness. They often must mirror the format of the original document (for example, maintaining sections, numbering, stamps, etc.). General translations don’t require such formalities.
In summary, a legal translation is an official, certified translation of a document for legal or official use, whereas a general translation is an informal translation for everyday or informational purposes. If you plan to submit a document to any UAE court or government office, you will need a legal translation by a MoJ-approved translator, not a regular translation.
What types of documents commonly require legal translation in Dubai?
A wide range of documents may require legal translation in Dubai, especially any document that will be submitted to an authority or used in legal processes. Common examples include:
- Personal Civil Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, passports, and educational diplomas or transcripts (often needed for visa or equivalency purposes).
- Immigration and Visa Documents: Visa applications, immigration forms, police clearance certificates, and other supporting documents for work or residency visas (e.g. medical reports, bank statements for immigration).
- Corporate and Business Documents: Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Incorporation, trade licenses, certificates of incorporation, powers of attorney for business, board resolutions, shareholder agreements, and other documents required for company formation or business transactions.
- Contracts and Legal Agreements: Employment contracts, lease agreements, sale/purchase contracts, service agreements, NDAs, and any contract signed in another language that needs to be presented to an Emirati entity. Often, bilingual contracts (English/Arabic) are produced to comply with local law.
- Court Documents and Litigation Materials: Court judgments or orders, lawsuits, legal notices, demand letters, witness statements, expert reports, and evidence documents that are in a foreign language. UAE courts operate in Arabic and will only accept documents in Arabic or accompanied by an official Arabic translation.
- Notarized Documents and Affidavits: Any document that will be notarized by a UAE notary public or used as an affidavit often requires translation into Arabic if originally in another language.
- Financial and Governmental Documents: Powers of attorney, bank statements (for official use), tax documents, certificates of good conduct, driving licenses, or any official certificate or license issued abroad that you need to submit to a UAE authority.
In essence, any document issued in a non-Arabic language that you intend to submit to a Dubai/UAE government body, court, or official process will typically require a legal translation into Arabic. Even Arabic documents might require an English legal translation for use by foreign entities or embassies. Always check the specific requirements of the authority you’re dealing with; some institutions provide lists of documents that must be translated.
When is legal translation mandatory in Dubai?
Legal translation is mandatory in Dubai (and the UAE) whenever you are using a document written in a foreign language for official purposes. Some common situations where you must provide a certified legal translation include:
- Visa and Immigration Applications: When applying for a UAE residence visa (e.g. employment visa, family sponsorship, etc.), you must submit key personal documents in Arabic. For example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic degrees, and police clearance certificates from your home country must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator. The immigration authorities will not accept these documents in English or other languages.
- Court Proceedings: If you are submitting evidence or documents to a Dubai court (or any UAE court) that are not in Arabic, they must be legally translated into Arabic. Courts will reject documents in other languages. This covers contracts, emails, transcripts, or any exhibits presented to the judge – they all need an accompanying Arabic translation by a sworn translator.
- Business Setup and Licensing: When registering a new company or branch, or conducting official business transactions, you will often need to provide translated versions of corporate documents. For instance, articles of association, board resolutions, certificates of incorporation, powers of attorney, and licenses issued in another language require Arabic legal translation for submission to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authorities. Even in some free zones where English is common, key documents (like the MOA) may need an Arabic version for record.
- Notary Public Transactions: If you are signing a legal document at a Dubai notary (such as a power of attorney, or a contract) and one of the parties does not speak Arabic, the notary will require the document to be in Arabic or officially translated to Arabic. Notarization of bilingual documents is common, and the legal translator may need to be present or to sign the translation in front of the notary.
- Government Applications: Any application to UAE government ministries or departments that includes foreign-language documents will require translations. For example, applying for equivalency of foreign educational certificates, filing a complaint at the Ministry of Human Resources (labor ministry), or submitting paperwork to the land department for a property where documents (like a foreign ID or a non-Arabic contract) are involved – all these cases require Arabic translations.
- Contracts and Employment Documents: By UAE law, employment contracts and certain HR documents (like job offers or labor complaints) should be in Arabic (or bilingual). If an employment contract is initially in English, an Arabic translated version may be required for Ministry of Labor or court purposes.
- Real Estate Transactions: Buying or selling property in Dubai may involve documents like title deeds, sales and purchase agreements, NOCs from developers, etc. If any of these are in English (or another language), an official translation to Arabic might be needed for registration of the sale with the Land Department.
In summary, legal translation is required whenever a non-Arabic document is used officially in the UAE. The UAE’s laws mandate Arabic as the language of legislation and official documentation, so failing to provide an Arabic version can lead to rejection of your documents by authorities. It’s safest to assume any important document for visa, court, or government purposes will need legal translation unless the authority explicitly allows the original language.
Who is authorized to provide legal translations in the UAE?
In the UAE, only certified legal translators licensed by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) are authorized to produce “legal translations” for official use. These professionals are sometimes informally called “sworn translators” or “legal translators”. Key points about authorized translators:
- Ministry of Justice Certification: The UAE’s Ministry of Justice regulates legal translators. Translators must meet strict criteria (education in translation or linguistics, experience, etc.) and pass certification exams to be licensed. Once approved, they are registered and authorized to stamp and sign translations, giving them official validity.
- Official Stamp and Seal: A certified legal translator will translate the document and then affix an official seal/stamp and their signature on the translation, along with a statement that it’s an accurate translation. This stamp and declaration are what make the translation “legal” and acceptable to authorities. UAE courts and ministries recognize the translator’s stamp as proof that the translation is legitimate.
- Translation Agencies vs. Individual Translators: Many legal translation offices in Dubai employ MoJ-licensed translators. The agency itself may be registered with the authorities, but it’s crucial that the individual who signs off the translation is certified. You can use either freelance certified translators or reputable translation companies – just ensure the person in charge of your translation has the MoJ license. Agencies often advertise that they are “approved by UAE Ministry of Justice and Dubai Courts,” which means they have certified translators on staff.
- Languages Covered: Translators are usually certified for specific language pairs (most commonly Arabic↔English). Some translators are certified for other languages as well (Arabic↔French, Arabic↔Hindi, etc.), but in all cases at least one of the languages will be Arabic (since Arabic is required for official documents). For less common languages, a translation might be done via an intermediate (e.g., a Russian document -> translated to English by one translator -> then English to Arabic by a certified translator). Always ask the service provider if they have a MoJ-certified translator for your document’s language pair.
Bottom line: To get an official legal translation in Dubai, you must use a translator or translation service that is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Translations done by uncertified persons (even if fluent) will not be accepted by courts or government offices. Always look for wording like “Certified by UAE Ministry of Justice” in the translator’s credentials, and an official stamp on the final document.
What are the requirements for submitting translated documents to UAE authorities?
When you submit a translated document to a UAE authority, there are a few important requirements to ensure acceptance:
- Arabic Language: For most authorities, the translation must be into Arabic (since Arabic is the official language). If your original document is not in Arabic, the translated Arabic version is the one that will be considered official. (Some authorities in Dubai may accept English documents, but federal entities and courts require Arabic. When in doubt, provide Arabic.)
- Certified Translator’s Stamp: The translated document must include the certified translator’s stamp, seal, and signature, along with a certification statement. This statement typically declares that the translation is true and accurate, and it will be in Arabic (with the translator’s name and license number). Authorities look for this stamp as proof that it’s an official translation.
- Attach Original or Copy: Usually, the original document (or a notarized copy) should be submitted along with the translation. The translation may be attached (stapled) to the original or a copy of it. For example, if you translate a birth certificate, you might submit the original certificate plus the Arabic translation. The translator often notes the original document number or details in the translation. Do not detach the translation from the original when submitting, so the authority can cross-reference them.
- Formatting and Completeness: The translation should mirror the content of the original document exactly. All text, stamps, seals, signatures, and even layout structure from the original document should appear in translated form or be described. Missing sections or summaries instead of full translation can lead to rejection. Some authorities have specific formatting requirements (e.g., certain font, or attaching a cover page). It’s wise to check if the receiving authority has any special instructions for translated documents. In general, as long as a certified translator has done it on their letterhead or template, it should be acceptable.
- Recent and Valid: Ensure the translation is recent enough that the content is still relevant (the document details like names, dates must match the original exactly). Translations typically do not “expire,” but if a document has been updated (for instance, updated passport or a renewed trade license), you would need a new translation of the new document. Also, some authorities prefer translations done within the last 6 months to 1 year for critical documents, to ensure authenticity (this can vary).
- Attestations (if applicable): Sometimes, authorities require that the original document be attested (more on this in the next question). If so, the translation might need to reflect that attestation. For example, if an original has Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamps, the translator might note “Stamp of Ministry of Foreign Affairs seen” in the translation. Always follow any checklist given by the authority; if they mention needing “legalized translation” or “attested translation,” that could involve extra steps beyond just the translator’s stamp.
In practice, submitting a translated document in Dubai means you’ll hand over a bundle consisting of the original document (or certified copy) plus the Arabic translation with the translator’s certification seal. This ensures the authority can verify the source and the translated content. If you use a reputable legal translation office, they will usually prepare the documents in the correct format for you. It’s always a good idea to ask the receiving authority or consult their website for any specific requirements before getting your document translated, to avoid doing it twice.
How do attestation and legalization of translations work in the UAE?
Attestation and legalization refer to the process of verifying that a document (or its translation) is genuine and acceptable for official use. In the context of legal translations in Dubai, attestation may be needed for either the original document, the translation, or both, depending on the situation:
- Attesting Original Foreign Documents: If your original document was issued outside the UAE, UAE authorities generally require it to be attested/legalized before translation. For example, if you have a marriage certificate from another country that you want to use in the UAE, you must first have that certificate attested by: 1) the foreign ministry (or relevant authority) in the country of origin, 2) the UAE Embassy/Consulate in that country, and then 3) the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. Once the original is fully attested, you can get it translated to Arabic. Attestation confirms the document is genuine; translation then converts it to Arabic. UAE translators often prefer to see the MOFA stamp on foreign documents before translating, to include a note of the attestation if needed.
- Attesting the Translation (Ministry of Justice attestation): In some cases, you might be asked to have the translation itself attested by the Ministry of Justice. Historically, a certified translator’s stamp was usually sufficient within the UAE. However, the Ministry of Justice offers an attestation service to further authenticate documents and translations. For instance, if you have a legal translation and you want an extra layer of verification, you can submit the translated document to the MoJ e-attestation system to confirm the translator’s credentials and the document’s validity. This process is now online via UAE Pass: you upload the document, pay a fee, and the MoJ returns it with an attestation stamp or certificate. This step is not required for every translation but may be needed in specific scenarios (such as certain court procedures or if an authority explicitly asks for “Ministry of Justice attestation”).
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation of Translations: If a translated document is going to be used outside of the UAE, then after getting it translated and MoJ-attested, you often need to have it attested by MOFA as well. For example, suppose you translated a UAE document (original in Arabic) into English for use in a foreign embassy or overseas; the MOJ would attest the translator’s stamp, and then MOFA would attest the MOJ’s attestation. Finally, the document might need to be attested/recognized by the embassy/consulate of the country where you intend to use it. This chain ensures that the foreign country’s authorities accept the translation as legitimate.
- Notarization: Occasionally, the term notarization is used. Notarizing a translation means a notary public (in some countries) certifies that the translation is true. In the UAE, notaries do not generally notarize translations; instead, the MoJ system of certified translators replaces this. However, if you are sending a translation abroad to a country where notarized translations are the norm, you might have a UAE notary or lawyer provide a notarized affidavit about the translation. This is less common – usually MOJ and MOFA attestation suffice for international use.
- Legalization for Use Abroad vs. in UAE: To clarify, for use within the UAE, typically you just need: foreign original attested (by embassy/MOFA) and translated by a certified translator (with their stamp). For use abroad, you need: original UAE document attested by MOFA, translated by certified translator, then translation attested by MOJ and MOFA, plus the target country’s embassy stamp if required. Essentially, documents being exchanged between countries often go through MOFA on each side and relevant embassies, whereas within the UAE, an MOJ-certified translation of an already-attested foreign document is usually enough for local authorities.
Always confirm the required attestation steps for your specific situation. For example, embassies in UAE can advise on what they need for documents to be used in their home country. And UAE government websites (e.g. MOFA’s site) explain the general attestation process (which is about validating seals and signatures on documents). Keep in mind that attestation and translation are separate steps: attestation verifies authenticity; translation converts language. Both may be necessary to make your document fully “legalized” for its intended use.
Can I use a translation done in Dubai abroad (for embassies or immigration)?
Yes, you can use translations done in Dubai abroad, but there may be additional steps to ensure the foreign authority accepts them. Here’s what to consider:
- Recognized Translator: A translation by a UAE MoJ-certified translator is generally trusted within the UAE. For use abroad, some countries or foreign institutions will accept a UAE certified translation, especially if it’s been further attested (as described above). For example, if you are submitting a UAE document (like a birth certificate in Arabic) to a foreign immigration authority, you might translate it to the target language (e.g. English) using a UAE legal translator. Many embassies in the UAE accept translations done by MoJ-certified translators for visa or immigration applications. In fact, Dubai’s certified translations are often “accepted by all embassies in the UAE” when properly stamped.
- Additional Attestations: As mentioned, to use a translation abroad, you will likely need to attest the translated document via MOJ and MOFA, and then by the embassy of the destination country. For instance, if you translated your UAE driver’s license into Spanish for use in Spain, you may need to get the translation attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice, then stamped by MOFA, and then stamped by the Spanish Consulate in Dubai. This chain of stamps tells the foreign authorities that the translation is from an authorized source and has been verified by UAE officials. Once that chain is complete, the document effectively becomes as good as an official document in the target country.
- Embassy-Approved Translators: Some countries’ embassies in the UAE have their own list of approved translators or might require translation by their embassy staff for certain documents. For example, a particular European embassy might insist that a birth certificate be translated by a translator from their list (who could be a native translator in UAE or done at the embassy). This is what’s referred to as “embassy-approved” translation. It’s not common for all documents, but high-sensitivity ones (like police clearances or documents to be used in that country’s courts) might have this requirement. Always check the embassy’s guidance: usually listed on their website under document requirements.
- Use of English translations: If you have an Arabic document and you plan to submit it in an English-speaking country, you’ll need an English translation. A UAE-certified translator can produce an English version (they are often qualified to do Arabic↔English). Many countries (like the US, UK, Canada, etc.) will accept a translation as long as it’s done by a “certified translator”. However, note that “certified translator” has different meanings in different countries. UAE’s system is the MoJ-licensed translator. In the US, for instance, a translation may just need a notarized affidavit by the translator. In Canada or some European countries, they have their own sworn translators. To avoid issues, if you get a translation in Dubai for use abroad, have it notarized or accompanied by a certification letter from the translator, and attested as needed. That way, the foreign authority sees all the official stamps.
- Translation of UAE documents for foreign immigration: Commonly needed translations for use abroad include: translating a UAE-issued Arabic marriage or birth certificate into English for an immigration application, or translating Arabic court documents for a foreign legal case. These can be done in Dubai. Just ensure all the proper attestations are in place (UAE MOFA and the concerned embassy stamp) so that the foreign immigration officials trust the document.
In short, a translation done in Dubai is high quality and official, but when crossing borders, additional legalization is key. Always consult the guidelines of the destination country or its embassy. They will specify if they accept translations done by UAE translators or if they need any further verification. By following the proper legalization steps, you can use a Dubai-done translation anywhere in the world.
What are the most in-demand language pairs for legal translation in Dubai?
Dubai is a multicultural hub, so legal translation is needed for many language pairs. That said, certain language combinations are especially common due to the official requirements and the makeup of the population:
- Arabic ↔ English: This is by far the most in-demand pair. Arabic is the official language of the UAE, and English is the lingua franca of business and a common language for expats. Virtually all official documents that expats submit (birth certificates, etc.) need translation into Arabic, and sometimes UAE Arabic documents are translated into English for foreign use. Arabic-to-English and English-to-Arabic legal translations form the bulk of the work in Dubai.
- Arabic ↔ Hindi/Urdu: A large portion of Dubai’s expatriate community is from South Asia. While many documents from India and Pakistan are in English, there are cases where Hindi, Urdu, or other Indian subcontinent languages appear on certificates or affidavits. Translations from Hindi or Urdu to Arabic (and sometimes vice versa) are therefore in demand. For example, a marriage certificate from India might be in Hindi and needs an Arabic translation for UAE visa; or an Arabic legal document might need Urdu translation for use at a consulate.
- Arabic ↔ French: French is commonly requested due to the presence of African (North and West African) and European nationals in the UAE, as well as business ties with French-speaking countries. Documents from countries like France, Belgium, Canada (Quebec), Algeria, or Morocco may need to be translated into Arabic for UAE use, and occasionally Arabic documents into French.
- Arabic ↔ Russian: There is a significant Russian-speaking community (from Russia, CIS countries) and business interaction with Russian companies. Russian documents (e.g., a Russian company registration or a birth certificate) often require translation to Arabic. Likewise, some UAE documents might be translated to Russian for those clients.
- Arabic ↔ Other Languages: There’s demand for many other languages as well – Chinese (Mandarin) for Chinese investors and residents, German for the European community, Tagalog for Filipino documents (though the Philippines usually issues documents in English, which then go to Arabic), Bengali, Tamil, Persian (Farsi) for Iranian documents, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, etc. Essentially, any document in a language other than Arabic that needs official use in Dubai will go through Arabic translation. Many translation firms in Dubai claim to cover “100+ languages” or even more by working with a network of certified translators and linguists.
It’s worth noting that Arabic↔English is the core certified combination authorized by the Ministry of Justice for most translators. For other languages, often a two-step translation is done (first to English, then to Arabic) unless a translator is specifically certified in that pair. From a client perspective, you can usually give your document in, say, German to a legal translation office, and they will return an Arabic version that is certified. The most commonly handled languages in the legal realm have been highlighted above. As Dubai continues to attract global talent, the demand now even extends to languages like Chinese and Spanish more than before.
In summary, Arabic with English is the top pair in demand, followed by Arabic with major world languages corresponding to Dubai’s expatriate demographics and international business connections. Always use a translator who is competent in both the source and target languages (and certified for at least the Arabic side) to ensure accuracy.
What are the estimated costs and turnaround times for legal translation in Dubai?
Cost and turnaround time can vary depending on the specifics of your translation project, but here are some general expectations:
- Cost Estimates: Legal translation in Dubai is typically charged per page or per word. A “page” is often defined as ~200-250 words of the source text. For common language pairs like English-Arabic, the average rate is around AED 60 to AED 80 per page for standard documents. Some providers might charge slightly less or more. For instance, you might find rates like AED 55 or AED 100 per page, depending on the provider and urgency. Complex documents (dense legal contracts, technical legal filings) or less common languages can be on the higher side (sometimes AED 100+ per page). By word count, this equates to roughly AED 0.25 to 0.50 per word in many cases. Always ask for a quote – most translation offices will assess your document and give a price upfront.
- Note: These costs often include the certification/stamp. Be cautious if a price seems “too cheap,” as quality might be compromised or it might not include official stamping. Likewise, some premium agencies charge more but may offer faster service or better customer support.
- For very small documents (like a one-line certificate or a short letter), there might be a minimum charge (often one page’s cost). For very large documents (multiple tens of pages), you could sometimes negotiate a volume discount.
- Turnaround Times: The time required depends on length, complexity, and how busy the service is. Generally:
- Short, simple documents (e.g., a one-page birth certificate or a single-page letter) can often be translated within a few hours to one day. Many translation offices in Dubai offer same-day or 24-hour service for short documents. If you walk into a translation center with, say, a driver’s license or a diploma, they might even do it on the spot or by later that day.
- Medium documents (a 3-5 page contract or several certificates) usually take 1-2 working days.
- Large or complex documents (lengthy legal contracts, court transcripts, documents with dense legal terminology) might take several days. For example, a 50-page contract might take a week, but portions could be delivered in batches if needed urgently.
- Urgent service: Most translators can expedite the work for an extra fee. If you need something very quickly, some offices will work after hours or dedicate immediate resources to your translation. An “urgent” translation might incur a surcharge (e.g., +50% of the cost) but could cut the time significantly (what normally takes 2 days might be done overnight).
- Factors affecting cost/time: If a document requires special formatting (like recreating tables, seals, or non-text elements), that can add to cost or time. If the language pair is uncommon, the office might need a bit longer to find the right translator or might charge more. Urgency, as mentioned, affects pricing. Also, if the document is highly technical or requires a legal review, it might go through a translator and a proofreader, which can add a bit of time (but ensures quality).
- Examples: As a rough guideline, translating a standard one-page certificate from English to Arabic might cost ~AED 75 and be done in half a day. Translating a 10-page contract might cost ~AED 700 (10 pages × ~70 AED/page) and take 2 days. Always get a personalized quote, since these are just averages.
Most legal translation firms in Dubai are quite transparent about costs and will give you a quote beforehand. Be sure to specify if you have a deadline, so they can confirm if it’s feasible. The good news is that Dubai’s translation industry is very accustomed to fast turnarounds – they know clients often need documents “yesterday” for a visa or a court hearing. Just ensure you don’t sacrifice quality for speed; the translation still must be accurate and done by a certified professional.
How can I verify if a legal translator is MOJ-approved in the UAE?
Verifying that your translator is approved by the Ministry of Justice (i.e., a certified legal translator) is important to ensure your translation will be accepted. Here are steps and tips to confirm a translator’s credentials:
- Look for the Official Stamp on the Translation: A certified translator in the UAE will issue the translated document with an official stamp/seal and their signature. This stamp typically mentions the translator’s name or the company name, their license number, and a phrase such as “Certified Translator – Ministry of Justice, UAE,” usually in Arabic and English. When you receive your translated document, check that it has this stamp and that it’s not just a plain printout. Authorities in the UAE will look for that stamp to confirm it’s an official translation. If it’s missing, the document is not legally valid as a translation.
- Ask for the Translator’s MOJ License Number or Card: You have the right to ask the translator or translation office for proof of their certification. Many translators carry a MOJ translator’s license card or can provide their registration number. You could, for instance, call a translation office and ask, “Is your translator certified by the Ministry of Justice? Can I have their license number?” Reputable services will gladly provide this information. (Some even display copies of their license in their offices or on their website.)
- Verify through the Ministry of Justice (if needed): The Ministry of Justice maintains records of all licensed legal translators. While there isn’t a public online database to search an individual translator’s name (as of now), you could contact the MoJ’s customer service if you doubted a translator’s legitimacy. However, this is rarely necessary if you follow the other steps, since the stamp on the document is itself the proof. The MoJ’s e-attestation system can also indirectly verify a translation’s authenticity; if a translation passes through MoJ attestation online, it confirms the translator was licensed.
- Check Reviews or References: If you are using a translation company, check their website for phrases like “UAE Ministry of Justice certified” or any accreditation info. You can also see if they are mentioned on trusted platforms. For instance, many companies highlight that they are approved by UAE courts and embassies, which implies MoJ certification. Additionally, look at client reviews or ask others who have used legal translators in Dubai.
- Common Sense Signs: Extremely low pricing or a reluctance to show a stamp are red flags. All official translations in the UAE include a certification statement from the translator – usually at the bottom of the document – along with stamp and signature. If a document is given to you without those, it’s not MOJ-approved. Also, by law, only a UAE Justice Ministry-licensed translator can legally call their work a “legal translation”. So if someone is advertising “legal translation” services in Dubai, they are generally either licensed or working under someone licensed (otherwise they risk legal penalties). Still, double-checking saves hassle.
In summary, to verify a legal translator, ensure the final product bears the authorized translator’s stamp and details, and don’t hesitate to ask for proof of their MoJ certification. Choosing a well-known legal translation office in Dubai or one recommended by official sources can also give peace of mind. Remember, UAE courts and ministries will reject translations that are not properly certified, so taking a moment to verify your translator is truly licensed is well worth it.
Conclusion: Legal translation in Dubai is a critical service to bridge language gaps in official matters. By understanding the above FAQs, you can navigate the process confidently – knowing when you need a legal translation, how to get one properly done, what to expect in cost and time, and how to ensure it meets all requirements. Always use certified translators, and your documents will be processed smoothly and accepted by the relevant authorities. If in doubt, consult the translation firm or the authority requesting the document; they can guide you on the exact needs for your situation. With the right preparation, legal translation in Dubai can be straightforward and efficient for both individuals and b