If you are planning to study abroad, apply for immigration, or submit academic documents to UAE authorities, you will likely need a certified translation of your diploma or degree. Submitting an incorrect or non-certified translation can result in rejection, delays, or additional costs.
For study or immigration in Dubai, your diploma or degree must be translated by a licensed professional offering certified translation services. The translation must include official certification, stamp, and signature. For UAE government use, diploma certificate legal translation is usually required from a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) approved legal translator.
What Is Diploma Certificate Legal Translation?
Diploma certificate legal translation means translating your academic documents—such as diplomas, degrees, transcripts, or certificates—into another language (usually Arabic or English) by a legally authorized translator.
In Dubai, this often requires:
- A licensed legal translator
- Official stamp and signature
- Certification statement
- Ministry of Justice approval (if required for government use)
It is not the same as regular translation. A simple translation from a freelance translator or online tool is not legally valid for official submissions.
Why Do You Need Certified Translation Services for Study or Immigration?
When applying for:
- Student visas
- Immigration programs
- University admissions
- Professional licensing
- Equivalency certificates
- MOE or MOFA attestation
Authorities must clearly understand your academic qualifications. Certified translation services ensure:
- Accuracy of grades and course titles
- Proper formatting
- Official recognition
- Legal acceptance
From practical experience, many applicants face delays because their translations lack proper certification or formatting required by authorities.
When Is Diploma Translation Required in Dubai?
You may need diploma certificate legal translation in the following situations:
For Studying Abroad
- Applying to universities in Europe, Canada, USA, UK, or Australia
- Submitting documents for scholarship programs
- Visa processing for student permits
For Immigration
- Skilled migration applications
- Express Entry profiles
- Family sponsorship
- Work permits
For UAE Government Use
- Degree equivalency (Ministry of Education UAE)
- Employment visa processing
- Company license applications
- Professional licensing (medical, engineering, legal fields)
If your diploma is not in Arabic and you are submitting it in Dubai, it usually must be translated into Arabic by an MOJ-approved translator.
How Does Certified Diploma Translation Work in Dubai?
Understanding the process helps you avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Document Submission
You provide:
- Clear scanned copy or original diploma
- Academic transcript (if required)
- Passport copy (sometimes needed for spelling verification)
Step 2: Quotation and Timeline
The translation company reviews:
- Word count
- Language pair
- Urgency
You receive a quote and estimated delivery time.
Step 3: Professional Translation
A qualified translator translates:
- Course titles
- Grades
- Academic distinctions
- University names
Accuracy is critical. Even a small error in grade translation can affect your admission or visa approval.
Step 4: Certification
The document is:
- Signed by the translator
- Stamped officially
- Accompanied by certification statement
If required for UAE courts or ministries, it must be done by a Ministry of Justice licensed legal translator.
Step 5: Delivery
You receive:
- Hard copy (for official submission)
- Digital copy (for online applications)
What Is the Difference Between Certified Translation and Legal Translation?
Many people confuse these terms.
| Feature | Certified Translation | Legal Translation (MOJ Approved) |
| Translator qualification | Professional translator | MOJ licensed legal translator |
| Certification statement | Yes | Yes |
| Official stamp | Yes | Yes (MOJ stamp required) |
| Court acceptance | Not always | Yes |
| Required for UAE government use | Sometimes | Usually mandatory |
If your documents are for Dubai government authorities, you typically need legal translation, not just standard certified translation services.
How to Verify Certified Translation Services in Dubai?
Before hiring a provider, ask these questions:
- Are you licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice?
- Will the diploma certificate legal translation include official stamp and signature?
- Have you handled academic translations before?
- Is the translation accepted by universities and immigration authorities?
- Do you provide revision if corrections are required?
Red flags include:
- Extremely low pricing
- No official stamp
- No physical office
- No written quotation
Always verify credentials before payment.
Why Accuracy Matters in Diploma Translation
Academic terminology varies between countries.
For example:
- “Distinction” may have a specific grading equivalent.
- “Credit hours” must be translated correctly.
- Some course names have no direct equivalent and require contextual translation.
An inexperienced translator may translate literally, which can cause confusion during evaluation.
From industry observation, immigration authorities often scrutinize academic documents carefully. Mistakes can lead to re-evaluation delays.
How Long Does Diploma Certificate Legal Translation Take?
Turnaround time depends on:
- Document length
- Language pair
- Urgency
Typical timelines:
- Single diploma: 1–2 working days
- Diploma + transcript: 2–3 working days
- Urgent service: Same day or 24 hours (additional cost may apply)
Always plan ahead, especially if applying for visa deadlines.
How Much Does Certified Translation Cost in Dubai?
Cost depends on:
- Word count
- Language combination
- Legal certification requirement
- Urgent delivery
While pricing varies, choosing the cheapest option is risky. Quality and official acceptance are more important than saving a small amount.
What Documents Should You Translate Together?
For study or immigration, you may need:
- Diploma certificate
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Internship certificates
- Experience letters
- Professional certifications
Translating all documents at once ensures consistency in terminology and formatting.
What Happens If Your Translation Is Rejected?
If your translation lacks proper certification:
- Authorities may reject it
- You must re-translate through licensed provider
- Visa or admission may be delayed
- You may lose application fees
This is why verifying the translation provider beforehand is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need diploma certificate legal translation for UAE visa?
Yes, if your diploma is in a foreign language and you are submitting it to UAE authorities, you typically need legal translation into Arabic by an MOJ-approved translator.
2. Can I translate my own diploma for immigration?
No. Immigration authorities require certified translation services from a qualified translator. Self-translation is not accepted.
3. Is notarization required after certified translation?
It depends on the country and authority. Some processes require notarization or MOFA attestation in addition to translation.
4. What languages are commonly translated in Dubai?
English–Arabic is the most common. Other frequent languages include Urdu, Hindi, Russian, French, Chinese, German, and Spanish.
5. How do I verify if the translator is authorized?
Ask for their Ministry of Justice license number and check whether the translation includes official stamp and certification statement.
6. Are online translation services acceptable?
Automatic or non-certified online translations are not accepted for official immigration or university purposes.
7. Do universities outside UAE accept Dubai-certified translations?
Most universities accept certified translations if they include official certification. However, always confirm specific country requirements.
8. How long is a certified translation valid?
Certified translations usually do not expire, but some authorities require recently issued copies (within 3–6 months).
Real-World Example
A student applying for a Canadian study permit submitted a non-certified translation of his bachelor’s degree. Immigration authorities requested a certified translation, causing a two-week delay. After obtaining diploma certificate legal translation from a licensed provider, his application proceeded smoothly.
This shows how proper certified translation services can prevent unnecessary stress.
Final Summary
Whether you are applying for university admission, immigration, or professional licensing, proper diploma certificate legal translation is essential in Dubai. Always choose certified translation services that provide official stamp, signature, and legal recognition when required.