Getting documents translated for legal/official use can be a tricky affair, especially for newcomers to the UAE.
Although the process is a lot clearer than say 10 years ago, getting legal translations can still cause some people headaches.
What is a legal translation?
Firstly, let’s be clear that by ‘legal translation’ we are not talking about the translation of documents for legal companies like lawyers and solicitors.
Legal translation in the context of submitting official documents in the UAE, refers to what is sometimes known as “official“, “attested” or “sworn” translations in other parts of the world.
In short, a legal translation allows you to use those documents safely for any official purposes in the UAE.
The process of legalising translations can take place in a few different ways.
How to get legal translations in the UAE
According to guidelines set by the Ministry of Justice, all documents in either English or Arabic which have been translated and issued in countries outside of the UAE and which are to be used for official reasons with any UAE authority, must be stamped at a local office of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
MoFA only stamps translated documents if they have also been attested to and stamped by the UAE Mission in the country where the documents come from. For some documents MoFA may also accept translations attested/stamped by the Consulate or Embassy of the originating country in the UAE.
When it comes to foreign documents that have been translated from languages such as German, French, Spanish or Italian into/from Arabic, legal translations must be carried out by certified translators who have a stamp and official recognition from the UAE Ministry of Justice.
When it comes to other language combinations, legal translations need to be certified by the UAE Consulate in the country of origin or by the corresponding consulate of Embassy in the UAE.
It is best to always check what kind of legal translation you need and who for. In some cases, legal translations may not even be necessary, saving a lot of time and expense.
Please feel free to contact us for clarification and help with legal translations in the UAE.
