Are you looking to understand how legal translation works in Dubai? Whether you’re new to the process or need expert-level clarity, this comprehensive FAQ guide covers everything — from certified translation requirements and court language rules to turnaround times, costs, and who’s authorized to translate your legal documents.
Perfect for expats, businesses, and legal professionals, this guide breaks down complex questions into easy-to-follow answers so you can confidently navigate legal translation services in Dubai, UAE.
Note: Legal translations in Dubai must be done by MOJ-accredited translators to be valid for court or government use.
Disclaimer: Prices may vary depending on the translation provider or changes in UAE regulations.
FAQs About Legal Translation Services in Dubai
Here are some common questions that Dubai people ask about legal translations:
1. What is legal translation in UAE?
Legal translation in the UAE involves converting legal documents (contracts, court rulings, certificates) between Arabic and other languages while maintaining accuracy and legal validity. Certified translators approved by UAE authorities must do it.
2. Can I translate a legal document?
You can, but it won’t be officially accepted unless done by a certified legal translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
3. How long does it take to translate a legal document?
Time varies by document size and complexity:
- Standard documents: 1–2 business days
- Complex/lengthy documents: 2–3 days
- Urgent services: Available (extra fees apply)
4. Is Legal Translation Hard?
Yes. Legal translations are complex due to:
- Requires legal & linguistic expertise
- Legal terminology
- Cultural/legal system differences
- The need for 100% accuracy
5. What is a legally certified translation?
A legally certified translation:
- A government-approved translator does it
- It comes with the translator’s stamp, signature, and license number
- Is accepted by courts, embassies, and government offices
6. What is the official court language in the UAE?
Arabic is the official language of the courts in the UAE. All court documents must be submitted in Arabic. But some free zones (DIFC) allow English.
7. How is translation cost calculated?
Cost is based on:
- Word count or page count
- Language pair (e.g., English to Arabic is cheaper than French to Arabic)
- Complexity of content (legal, medical, technical)
- Urgency (express services cost more)
Read More: Legal Translation Dubai Price: What to Expect in 2025
8. How long does it take to translate 1000 words?
Typically, 1–2 business days for legal texts. Quicker turnaround is possible with express service.
9. Which translator is free?
Free tools like:
- Google Translate
- DeepL
- Microsoft Translator
But NOT reliable for legal documents in the UAE.
10. What is a legal sworn translation?
In the UAE, this means:
- Translations done by MOJ-accredited translators
- Recognized for use in official entities like notaries, courts, and embassies
11. Which countries have sworn translators?
Countries with sworn/legal translators include:
- UAE
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Brazil
Each has its licensing authority.
12. How to get documents translated into English in Dubai?
- Find a certified legal translator in Dubai
- Submit your Arabic documents
- Receive your translated, stamped copy
13. Can I translate an official document myself?
No. Self-translated documents are not legally valid for submission to UAE authorities.
14. Do I need permission to translate?
Not for private use. But for official/legal submission in Dubai, translation must be done by a certified legal translator.
15. Is it possible to translate a document?
Yes, but legal and certified translation in Dubai must follow regulations set by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
16. Can an interpreter translate documents?
Not necessarily. Interpreters specialize in spoken language. For legal documents, only certified legal translators are accepted.
17. How do you get a document officially translated?
- Contact a MOJ-certified legal translation company in Dubai.
- Submit your document
- Receive certified hard and/or digital copies
- Use them for a visa, court, or government submission
18. What are the 3 types of translators?
- General translators – for everyday content
- Certified Legal Translators – for certified legal documents
- Technical/medical translators – for specialized industries
19. Who translates official documents?
In Dubai, official documents are translated by:
- MOJ-certified legal translators
- Translation agencies registered in the UAE
Read More: How to Choose the Best & Reliable Legal Translation Company in Dubai
20. Can I take a picture of a document and translate it?
Yes, but:
- Only for personal use
- Not valid for official/legal use unless professionally translated and certified
21. Is there a free document translator?
Yes, for informal use:
- Google Translate (Docs)
- DeepL
But not suitable for legal use in Dubai.
22. Who can translate legal documents to English?
Only UAE Ministry of Justice-approved legal translators can translate official documents into English.
23. Do I need to be certified to translate documents?
Yes, for legal documents in the UAE. Only MOJ-certified translators can issue legally recognized translations.
24. Is it OK to use Google Translate as a translator?
No. Google Translate is:
- Inaccurate for legal terms
- Not Certified
- Not accepted by courts or authorities
25. How do you formally translate a document?
- Choose a MOJ-certified translator
- Provide the original document
- Get the certified translation with the seal and license number
26. Can I translate an entire document?
Yes, but only certified legal translators can do so for it to be recognized by UAE authorities.
27. How much legal translation services cost in Dubai?
- Per Word: AED 0.20 to AED 1.00
- Per Page: AED 50 to AED 200
- Per Document: AED 100 to AED 500+
Some factors influencing these rates include document complexity, language pair, and urgency.
Read More: Legal Translation Services in Dubai: All Your FAQs Answered About Costs
Final Tips for Dubai Residents
- Always use government-approved translators
- Avoid machine translations for legal use
- Check if your document needs attestation after translation
Need certified translation services in Dubai? Contact a registered UAE legal translation company in Dubai today!