Moving to Dubai? Starting a business? Applying for a visa? If you need official documents translated, you’ve probably discovered that not just any translation will do. Government offices, courts, and ministries in the UAE require translations from approved providers. Finding the right one can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re new to the process.
To find a UAE Ministry approved translation office in Dubai, visit the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) official website and access their certified legal translator directory. You can also check approved translators at notary public offices, typing centers in government service areas like Tasheel, or use the UAE’s official smart services portals. Always verify the translator’s MOJ license number before proceeding.
What Is a UAE Ministry Approved Translation Office?
A UAE Ministry approved translation office is a service provider officially licensed by the Ministry of Justice to perform legal translations. These translations carry legal weight and are accepted by:
- UAE courts and legal institutions
- Immigration and visa authorities
- Emirates ID and passport offices
- Educational credential evaluation bodies
- Business licensing departments
- Real estate registration offices
Why Does Ministry Approval Matter?
Without proper certification, your translated documents will be rejected. Here’s what makes approved translations different:
| Feature | Approved Translation | Regular Translation |
| Legal validity | Accepted by all UAE authorities | Not recognized |
| Translator credentials | MOJ-licensed professional | No verification |
| Official stamp | Includes certified seal and signature | No legal authentication |
| Court admissibility | Fully admissible | Inadmissible |
| Attestation eligibility | Can proceed to further attestation | Cannot be attested |
How Do You Verify If a Translation Office Is Ministry Approved?
This is the most critical step many people skip. Here’s how to confirm legitimacy:
Step 1: Ask for the License Number
Every approved translator has a unique Ministry of Justice license number. Request this before handing over your documents.
Step 2: Check the MOJ Portal
Visit the Ministry of Justice website (www.moj.gov.ae) and use their legal translator search function. You can verify:
- Translator’s full name
- License status (active/inactive)
- Languages they’re certified for
- Office location
Step 3: Look for Physical Credentials
When you visit the office, you should see:
- Framed MOJ license displayed prominently
- Official stamps with the translator’s name and license number
- Professional office setup (not just a random typing center)
Step 4: Request a Sample Translation
Legitimate offices will show you what a certified translation looks like—complete with stamps, signatures, and the translator’s credentials printed on the document.
Where Can You Find UAE Ministry Approved Translation Offices in Dubai?
Dubai offers multiple avenues to locate certified translation services:
1. Dubai Courts Complex (Al Garhoud)
The Dubai Courts building houses several approved translators in its vicinity. This is often the most convenient option if you need translations for court-related matters.
Location: Near Dubai International Airport, Al Garhoud Best for: Legal cases, court documents, power of attorney
2. Government Service Centers (Tasheel/Amer)
Many Tasheel and Amer centers have typing offices with MOJ-approved translators on-site or nearby.
Popular locations:
- Tasheel Al Barsha
- Amer Center Deira
- Tasheel Business Bay
Best for: Visa applications, Emirates ID, labor contracts
3. Notary Public Offices
Notary public locations throughout Dubai typically have partnerships with certified translators or offer translation services directly.
Best for: Property documents, business contracts, legal agreements
4. Free Zone Authority Offices
If you’re doing business in a free zone, their service centers often recommend or house approved translation providers.
Best for: Company formation documents, trade licenses, investor visas
5. Online MOJ Services
The UAE government has digitized many services. Through the MOJ smart services portal, you can:
- Find approved translators by language pair
- Submit documents electronically
- Track translation status
- Pay fees online
What Documents Typically Require Ministry Approved Translation?
Understanding which documents need certified translation helps you plan ahead:
Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Academic transcripts and degrees
- Medical reports (for visa purposes)
Business Documents
- Trade licenses
- Memorandum of Association
- Board resolutions
- Financial statements
- Commercial contracts
Legal Documents
- Power of attorney
- Court judgments
- Wills and inheritance documents
- Property deeds
- Police clearance certificates
How Much Does Ministry Approved Translation Cost in Dubai?
Pricing varies based on document type, language pair, and urgency. Here’s a general guide:
| Document Type | Standard Fee (AED) | Urgent Fee (AED) |
| Birth/Marriage Certificate | 100-150 | 200-300 |
| Academic Degree | 150-250 | 300-450 |
| Legal Contract (per page) | 100-200 | 200-400 |
| Business License | 150-200 | 250-350 |
| Medical Report | 100-150 | 200-300 |
Pro tip: Prices are generally regulated, so extreme variations might indicate an unlicensed provider. If someone quotes significantly below market rates, verify their credentials carefully.
How Long Does the Translation Process Take?
Turnaround times depend on several factors:
- Standard service: 1-3 business days
- Express service: Same day or 24 hours
- Complex documents: 3-5 business days
- Large volumes: Custom timeline
Factors That Affect Timeline
- Document complexity: Technical or legal jargon takes longer
- Language rarity: Common languages (Arabic-English) are faster than rare pairs
- Document condition: Poorly scanned or handwritten documents slow things down
- Current demand: Busy periods (visa renewal seasons) cause delays
What Should You Bring to the Translation Office?
Being prepared saves time and repeat visits:
Required Items
- Original document (mandatory for most translations)
- Clear photocopy of the original
- Your Emirates ID or passport
- Previous translations (if re-translating or updating)
Helpful Additions
- Context about the document’s purpose
- Specific terminology preferences
- Deadline requirements
- Contact information for follow-up
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
After years of helping clients navigate this process, these errors come up repeatedly:
Mistake 1: Using Uncertified Freelancers
That bilingual friend might translate well, but their work won’t be legally accepted. Always use MOJ-approved translators.
Mistake 2: Not Verifying the License
Some offices display fake credentials. Always cross-check with the MOJ database.
Mistake 3: Forgetting About Attestation
Translation is often just step one. Many documents need further attestation from:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Embassy or consulate
- Notary public
Mistake 4: Rushing at the Last Minute
Visa deadlines and court dates don’t wait. Start the translation process early to avoid expensive rush fees.
Mistake 5: Incomplete Documents
Partial translations or missing pages lead to rejections. Translate everything, including stamps, seals, and signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a translation done outside the UAE?
Generally, no. For documents to be accepted by UAE authorities, translations must be performed by a UAE Ministry of Justice approved translator. Foreign translations typically need to be redone locally.
How do I know if my translator speaks my language?
The MOJ database lists each translator’s certified language pairs. A translator approved for Arabic-English may not be certified for Arabic-French. Always verify the specific languages covered.
Do I need the original document or is a copy enough?
For legal translations, you typically need to present the original document. The translator will verify authenticity, make a copy for their records, and return your original. Some routine documents may accept attested copies.
Can I get my translation done online without visiting an office?
Yes, many approved translators now offer online services. You can upload documents, pay electronically, and receive certified translations by courier. However, some documents still require in-person verification.
What if my document is rejected even with approved translation?
Rejections usually happen due to missing attestation, outdated documents, or technical errors. Contact the rejecting authority to understand the specific issue, then work with your translator to address it.
How long is a certified translation valid?
The translation itself doesn’t expire, but the underlying document might have validity requirements. For example, police clearance certificates are often only valid for 3-6 months regardless of when they were translated.
Are translation fees standardized across Dubai?
While there’s no strict government price control, fees for basic documents fall within predictable ranges. Significant price differences usually indicate either premium services or potentially unlicensed providers.
Can one translator handle all language pairs?
No. Translators are certified for specific language combinations. If you need documents translated into multiple languages, you might need different translators for each pair.
Quick Checklist: Finding Your Translation Office
Before you commit to a translation provider, run through this checklist:
- [ ] Verified MOJ license number on official portal
- [ ] Confirmed certification for your specific language pair
- [ ] Received clear pricing in writing
- [ ] Understood turnaround time and rush options
- [ ] Asked about attestation assistance if needed
- [ ] Checked reviews or got referrals
- [ ] Confirmed payment methods accepted
- [ ] Got receipt and tracking information
Summary
Finding a UAE Ministry approved translation office in Dubai doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by verifying credentials through the Ministry of Justice portal, choose a conveniently located provider near government service centers or courts, and always confirm pricing and timelines upfront.
Remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best, and cutting corners on official translations leads to document rejections, wasted time, and additional costs. Invest in a properly certified translation service from the start.
Need help with your document translation in Dubai? Take your time to research, verify credentials, and choose a provider who can guide you through the entire process—from translation to final attestation.
Last updated: January 2025
Note: Regulations and procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant UAE authorities before proceeding.