Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Many documents you submit here must therefore be in Arabic, or come with an official translation. Two common examples are a foreign marriage certificate for a family visa and an English contract going to court. A translation that isn’t accepted can delay a case, a visa or a company transaction by weeks.
This guide explains when you need a legal translation in the UAE, who is allowed to do it, how the process works, and the mistakes that most often get translations rejected.
What is legal translation?
Legal translation is the official translation of a legal or personal document by a certified legal translator whose stamp and signature the receiving authority recognises. It is different from an ordinary translation: the wording must match the original exactly, names and dates must be consistent, and the translation must carry the translator’s or translation office’s stamp and letterhead.
In short: a translation you or a friend makes, or one done with an online tool, will not be accepted for official purposes. It must come from a certified legal translator.
When do you need a legal translation in the UAE?
| Situation | What is usually required |
|---|---|
| Court cases and legal proceedings | Arabic only. Foreign-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator. |
| Labour complaints that go to the labour court | Documents in Arabic. |
| MoFA attestation | The original in Arabic or English, or an official translation of it. |
| Some federal and local government services (for example certificates for visas) | An Arabic translation if the department asks for one. |
| Free zone authorities | Usually no Arabic translation needed. Check with your free zone. |
What the law says
- Article 7 of the UAE Constitution makes Arabic the official language of the UAE.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 on Civil Procedures states that the language of the courts is Arabic, and an interpreter is used for anyone who does not speak Arabic.
- Under the Civil Procedure rules, documents in a foreign language must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator before a court will accept them.
Recent change in Abu Dhabi: under Abu Dhabi Judicial Council Circular No. 8 of 2023, English bank statements and invoices that contain only numbers no longer need an Arabic translation in Abu Dhabi courts. If the English text matters to the dispute, the court decides whether a translation is needed.
Documents commonly translated
- Personal: marriage, birth and divorce certificates, degrees and transcripts, police clearance certificates, medical reports, driving licences.
- Company: memorandums and articles of association, board resolutions, powers of attorney, commercial agreements, certificates of incorporation.
- Legal: contracts, court judgments, legal notices, wills, statements of claim.
How the legal translation process works
- Confirm what the authority wants. Ask the court, ministry or free zone whether they need Arabic, English, or both, and whether the original must be attested first.
- Complete attestation first if it’s needed. For documents issued abroad, the home-country and UAE embassy stamps usually come before translation. Then the translation can include the stamps too.
- Send a clear copy to a certified legal translator, including every page, stamp and seal on the original.
- Check the draft. Make sure names, passport numbers and dates match your passport and Emirates ID exactly.
- Receive the stamped translation on the translator’s letterhead, with stamp and signature.
- Submit the original, the translation and any copies the authority asks for.
How much does legal translation cost?
Legal translation is usually charged per page, and the price depends on the language pair, how technical the document is and how fast you need it. Gulf News reported typical prices of around AED 60 to 80 per page (2022). Specialised contracts, rare languages and urgent jobs cost more, so always ask for a quote before you send documents.
Common mistakes that cause rejections
- Using an uncertified translator, or a translation without a stamp and letterhead.
- Name spellings that don’t match the passport or Emirates ID.
- Translating before attesting, so the attestation stamps are missing from the translation.
- Leaving out pages, stamps or handwritten notes that appear on the original.
- Assuming English is enough for a court or labour case, where Arabic is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate my own documents for a UAE authority?
No. Official submissions need a translation by a certified legal translator with a stamp and letterhead.
Do English documents need translating into Arabic?
For courts, yes, because the language of the courts is Arabic. For MoFA attestation, English is accepted. Other departments may ask for Arabic, so check first.
Should I attest or translate first?
For documents issued abroad, attest first, so the translation also covers the attestation stamps. If you’re unsure, ask the receiving authority before you start.
Do free zones need Arabic translations?
Usually not, but requirements differ between free zones, so confirm with yours.
Get legal translation and attestation done together
Bin Gohar PRO Services coordinates legal translation, attestation and government submissions for individuals and companies in Dubai and across all seven Emirates, so everything is done in the right order. Send us a photo of your document on WhatsApp at +971 50 178 9163 for a quote, or see our document clearance services.
Also useful: UAE Document Attestation: Step-by-Step Guide and Employment Contracts in the UAE.
Sources: BSA Law — Circular No. 8 of 2023 and Arabic in UAE courts; Gulf News — Getting a document translated to Arabic in the UAE; UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs — FAQs.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between authorities, so confirm with the receiving authority before you submit.
