Document Translation in Abu Dhabi — Step-by-Step Guide
Document translation is a requirement that facilitates opportunities to study, work, and live in the UAE. The translation of documents is necessary for legal, professional, and personal needs.
In Abu Dhabi, the translation of documents must be accurate, without any misinformation or inappropriate jargon. For this reason, it has been made mandatory to have legal documents translated by a certified legal translator approved by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and other legal bodies. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of translating legal documents in Abu Dhabi
Understanding legal document translation
A legal document translation is the process of translating documents from one language into the required language of the country we are moving to for work, study, or other purposes. Document translation can be legal or certified, depending on the specific need and type of document.
In Abu Dhabi, document translation is handled by a legal translator or a legal document translation agency that is approved by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
A legal translation of a document is a type of translation that deals with legal subject matter. Examples of legal documents include wills, employment contracts, and property contracts. In contrast, a certified translation is a process that guarantees the authenticity of a document. This typically includes a statement of accuracy, often signed and sealed by the translator.
In Abu Dhabi, translation of documents into Arabic is legally required for all documents intended for submission to government authorities, courts, or official institutions.
The following documents are typically required for legal translation in Abu Dhabi:
- Court and litigation Documents
The documents that are submitted to Abu Dhabi courts must be in Arabic. This includes statement of claim, judgments, expert reports, contracts, and memoranda submitted in a case.
- Personal and Civil Status Documents
- Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Death certificates
- Educational diplomas and transcripts
- Police clearance or good conduct certificates
- Medical reports
- Power of attorney for personal or family matters
- Commercial and Corporate Documents
- Contracts and agreements
- Memoranda and articles of association
- Trade licenses, certificates of incorporation
- Board resolutions and powers of attorney
- Financial statements
- Tax certificates
- Official and Government Documents
- Government records
- Immigration papers
- Certificates issued abroad.
Step by step guide to translate documents
- Identify the Type of Document
Before starting translation, determine the type of documents to be translated – This can help in identifying whether it requires legal or standard translation.
- Choose a MOJ (Ministry of Justice) certified translator or Agency
Only Ministry of Justice approved translation offices or translators are authorized to produce translation valid for courts or authorities in Abu Dhabi.
- Confirm the translator is officially licensed
- Check that the agency provides a certificate of accuracy and uses an official stamp and signature.
- Prepare and submit original documents
- Translation and Certification
The translation is carried by a sworn translator. After translation, the translator stamps and signs every page of the translation and attaches certificate of True Translation.
If the document is to be used legally in the UAE, the certified translation must be attested by the Ministry of Justice. This step confirms the translation’s validity and the translator’s MOJ license status.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) Attestation (if applicable)
For foreign-issued documents, the attestation is completed by MOFAIC to verify that the translation and prior attestations are recognized in the UAE.
- Required when translating birth certificates, marriage certificates, or academic certificates issued abroad.
- Submit to the Concerned Authority
Finally, submit the attested translated document to the relevant authority
Looking for a legal translation agency in Abu Dhabi? Choose Index Legal Translation.
Our Commitments:
- Accuracy: We translate every document, ensuring its originality and legal validity.
- Quality Service: We assure quality service that meets the precision and compliance required for your documents.
- Certified Translators: Our multilingual translators are Ministry of Justice (MOJ) certified and are experts in translating documents in over 100 languages.
- Affordable Prices: We offer the best service with prices that reflect the high quality required for legal, professional, business, and personal documents.
Contact us to get the best legal document translation in Abu Dhabi.






