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Certified Translation in the UAE – What Counts as “Official” for Online Submission
This guide explains certified translation UAE requirements from a practical, UAE-wide perspective: what makes a translation “official” for e-portals, courts, universities, and corporate regulators, and when additional steps—like notarization or attestation—are expected. Examples reference Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain without focusing on a single emirate.

Stamp & Signature
Translator Declaration
Notarization / Attestation (when required)
1) What “Certified Translation UAE” Means
In UAE practice, “certified translation” is a translation accompanied by a translator’s declaration, stamp, and signature, confirming accuracy and completeness. It is commonly delivered as a sealed PDF and—when needed—printed copies. Many authorities and organizations across the emirates accept certified PDFs for online submission, while some workflows may require additional steps like notarization or attestation/legalization.
Important: Requirements vary by receiving body and purpose (government portal, court, university, bank, chamber, regulator). Always confirm the exact instruction set before filing.
2) Components of an Official Certified Translation
Core Elements (on Letterhead or Certificate Page)
- Translator’s declaration of accuracy (clear statement linking source to target).
- Company/translator stamp + wet/digital signature.
- Date of certification and job/reference number.
- Language pair (e.g., Arabic → English) and page count.
- Contact details (phone/email) for verification.
Optional but helpful: a verification QR code or shortlink leading to a validation page.
Content & Layout Fidelity
- Accurate transcription of names, numbers, dates and official seals/stamps.
- Headers/footers/tables reflected where material to meaning.
- Clear indication of illegible parts in the source (e.g., “[illegible]”).
- Annexes/exhibits numbered consistently.
Certified vs MOJ-Licensed vs Sworn
“Certified” speaks to the declaration/stamp/signature. Some workflows—especially court-oriented—expect a translator who is authorized to handle legal material (often referred to in practice as MOJ-licensed). For cross-border or special filings, notarization and/or attestation may be requested on top of certification.
3) Online Submission: Formats, Quality & File Rules
Preferred Formats
- Sealed PDF: non-editable, embedded fonts, pages locked.
- Color or grayscale; ensure stamps/seals are visible.
- Each source page paired with the target page where relevant (or consolidated with clear pagination).
Image/Scan Quality
- Resolution: 300 dpi recommended; avoid shadows/tilts.
- Include all corners and backside if stamped.
- File size: respect portal caps; compress losslessly.
Naming tips: Use clear names (e.g., “Passport-EN-Certified.pdf”) and avoid special characters that break uploads.
4) Where Certified PDFs Are Typically Used
Government & e-Portals
- IDs, permits, licenses, immigration records, police reports.
- Municipal/civil status processes and business licensing.
Courts & Arbitration
- Pleadings, judgments, exhibits, POAs.
- Arbitration submissions and settlement agreements.
Universities & Corporates
- Transcripts, diplomas, equivalency packages.
- Financials, tenders, company profiles, bylaws.
Acceptance practices can differ. Check the destination’s guidance; some ask for notarization or attestation in addition to certification.
5) When Notarization or Attestation Is Needed
| Scenario | Typical Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company formation / POA | Certified + Notarization | Notary acknowledges translator’s certification; may precede legalization. |
| Cross-border / consular use | Certified + Attestation/Legalization | Authentication by relevant authority/consulate, sequence varies by country. |
| Litigation filings | MOJ-oriented (practice) or certified, per court rules | Courts may specify authorized translators and page formats. |
| University admissions/equivalency | Certified; sometimes additional attestations | Confirm instructions with the target institution. |
6) UAE Portals & Practical Tips (All Emirates)
- General rule: Many portals across the emirates accept sealed certified PDFs. Some processes may flag scans if stamps/signatures are unclear—ensure clarity.
- City-level examples: Dubai (courts & corporate, including financial center cases), Abu Dhabi (government services and universities), Sharjah (academic and civil), Ajman/RAK/Fujairah/UAQ (municipal, licensing, civil).
- Before uploading: confirm file limits, accepted formats, and whether any extra step (notarization/attestation) is required.
7) End-to-End Online Workflow (Step-by-Step)
- Share your files (clear scans/photos) via email or WhatsApp.
- Confirm destination (portal, court, university) to select the correct translation type.
- Receive quotation with scope, price, and turnaround.
- Translation & revision with terminology control and formatting fidelity.
- Certification (declaration + stamp + signature) issued on letterhead.
- Delivery as a sealed certified PDF; printed sets on request.
- Optional: Notarization and/or attestation if your workflow requires it.
Fast, accurate, and ready for online submission across the UAE.
8) QA, Rejection-Proofing & Compliance Checklist
Before You Submit
- Names match IDs/passports (order, spelling, diacritics if applicable).
- Dates and numbers follow target format (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY vs MM/DD/YYYY).
- Stamps/seals are clearly visible in the PDF.
- All annexes/exhibits are included and referenced.
- Translator’s declaration, stamp, signature, date appear on the certificate page.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Low-quality scans or cropped pages.
- Missing annexes, partial documents, or mis-ordered pages.
- Unclear whether the translation is certified (no declaration or stamp).
- Wrong translation type (needed notarization/attestation but only certified was provided).
9) Languages & Industry Coverage
Arabic ⇄ English plus French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Dutch, and others. Sectors include legal, academic, immigration, government, business/finance, technical/engineering, energy & oil/gas, healthcare, and logistics/trade.
Related city pages: Certified Translation in Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Sharjah
10) Turnaround, Pricing & Service Levels
Turnaround depends on volume, complexity, and any extra steps. Standard delivery is 24–48 hours with same-day options for urgent requests. Pricing reflects word count, technicality (legal/medical/technical), formatting effort (tables, exhibits), and whether notarization or attestation is needed.
11) FAQ: Certified Translation UAE
What makes a translation “official” for online submission in the UAE?
A certified translation that includes a translator’s declaration, stamp, and signature on letterhead—delivered as a sealed PDF. Some workflows also request notarization or attestation.
Are certified PDFs accepted on UAE government portals?
Many portals accept certified PDFs if stamps/signatures are clearly visible. Always check if the receiving body requires extra steps (notarization/attestation).
Do courts treat “certified” the same as MOJ-licensed?
Not always. Court-oriented workflows may expect translators authorized to handle legal content. Confirm with the relevant court before filing.
Can I submit phone photos instead of scans?
Yes, if they’re high-quality, well-lit, and include all corners and stamps. For best results, use 300 dpi scans.
Do you ship printed certified copies across the UAE?
Yes. While certified PDFs are standard for online use, printed sets can be arranged when requested.
12) Start Your Certified Translation
Fast, accurate, and ready for official online submission across all emirates.
Explore more:
Certified Translation Office in the UAE ·
Dubai ·
Abu Dhabi ·
Sharjah