The UAE is home to people and businesses from all over the world. Before any foreign document can be legally used here, these documents must be properly translated and legalized. Whether you’re applying for a job, sponsoring family, opening a company, or pursuing higher education, official documents issued outside the UAE must go through a specific process to be accepted by government authorities.
This process is especially important for expats, students, job seekers, business owners, and anyone dealing with legal or personal paperwork from abroad. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on legal translation Dubai and document legalization for UAE use so you can avoid delays, rejections, or extra costs.
Why Legal Translation Is Essential in the UAE
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, and all government departments, courts, and legal authorities require documents to be in Arabic. This is why certified legal translation Dubai by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-approved translator is mandatory.
Submitting documents without proper official translation can cause delays, rejections, or even legal issues. Whether you’re applying for a visa, opening a business, or submitting court paperwork, accurate document translation Dubai ensures smooth processing.
Documents That Require Translation and Legalization
In the UAE, foreign-issued documents often need to be translated into Arabic and notarized to be accepted by government bodies.
Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and academic qualifications. Required for visa applications, family sponsorship, school admissions, and job offers.
Business Documents: Commercial licenses, memorandums of association (MOAs), shareholder resolutions, and contracts must be translated and legalized for business registration or government tenders.
Legal Documents: Court rulings, powers of attorney, affidavits, and notarial certificates must have official Arabic translations for use in legal proceedings.
Certified translation Dubai ensures these documents are legally recognized and prevents delays from UAE authorities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Legalizing Foreign Documents in the UAE
1. Document Certification in Your Home Country
Get the document notarized or certified by an authorized body (e.g., notary public or court). Then, have it attested by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
2. UAE Embassy Attestation
Submit the certified document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country for authentication.
3. Translation into Arabic
Once in the UAE, the document must be translated into Arabic by a MOJ-approved translator. Legal translation Dubai services handle this accurately for government use.
4. MOFA Attestation in the UAE
Finally, submit the translated document to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for final attestation.
Following these steps ensures your foreign documents are fully valid in the UAE for employment, visa processing, business setup, or legal matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unaccredited translators. Only MOJ-approved translation Dubai services are valid.
- Skipping embassy or MOFA attestation.
- Translating documents before completing all attestations.
- Submitting incomplete or altered documents.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures acceptance on the first attempt.
How SH Typing Center Can Help
At SH Typing Center, we make the process of legal translation Dubai and document legalization stress-free. Whether you’re an individual or a business, our goal is to save you time, reduce hassle, and ensure your documents meet all UAE requirements.
Certified Arabic Legal Translation
Our translators are approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ). This means every document we translate is officially valid and ready for submission to government departments, courts, or other legal authorities. From personal papers like birth or marriage certificates to business contracts and court documents, we guarantee accuracy and compliance.
Complete Attestation Support
Translation is just one step. Most documents also need legalization. We guide you through the entire attestation journey, whether it starts in your home country or here in the UAE. Our team assists with embassy attestation abroad, UAE Embassy verification, and final Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation in Dubai. With us, you avoid the confusion of dealing with multiple offices and long waiting times.
Fast & Accurate Service
We know that many clients face deadlines, whether it’s for a visa, a court case, or a business registration. That’s why we focus on speed without compromising quality. Our team delivers accurate translations and timely legalization, helping you avoid costly delays and rejections.
Convenient Location
Our office in Al Barsha, Dubai is easy to access. Walk in anytime no appointment is needed and our staff will assist you right away.
At SH Typing Center, we take care of the paperwork so you can focus on your priorities. From certified legal translation in Dubai to complete document legalization, we are your trusted partner every step of the way.
FAQs About Translating and Legalizing Documents
1. How long does the process of legal translation and legalization take?
The timeline depends on your document type and country of origin. On average, the process takes 3 to 10 working days, including translation and attestations. At SH Typing Center, we also provide express legal translation Dubai services for urgent cases, so you don’t miss deadlines.
2. Can I use scanned copies for translation and attestation?
For translation, clear scanned copies are usually accepted. However, when it comes to attestation, original documents are almost always required by embassies and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). To avoid delays, we recommend keeping both scanned and original copies ready.
3. What if my documents are already in English?
Even if your documents are in English, most UAE authorities—including courts, immigration, and free zones—require Arabic versions. That’s why legal translation Dubai is still mandatory. Only MOJ-approved translators can provide certified translations valid for official use.
4. Do Free Zones in the UAE require legal translation?
Yes. Free Zones often demand properly attested and Arabic-translated documents, especially for company setup or licensing. Submitting documents in English only may result in application delays or outright rejections. Our team ensures your paperwork is accepted the first time.
5. Why should I choose SH Typing Center instead of handling it myself?
The process involves multiple steps—translation, embassy attestation, and MOFA verification. Doing this alone can be confusing and time-consuming. At SH Typing Center, we handle everything under one roof. With certified legal translation in Dubai and full attestation support, we help you save time, avoid mistakes, and get results faster.
Get It Right the First Time
Accurate legal translation Dubai and proper document legalization are essential to avoid delays or rejections. Whether for a visa, business setup, or educational purposes, working with experts like SH Typing Center ensures your paperwork meets all UAE requirements.
Visit us in Al Barsha, Dubai, or contact us for fast, reliable certified translation Dubai and document legalization services.
