Certified vs Notarised vs Attested Translation in the UAE
The Short Answer
In the UAE, the three terms describe three different checks:
- Certified (legal) translation: a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice translates the document and stamps and signs it. This confirms the translation. It is what UAE courts, ministries and most government portals mean when they ask for an “official” or “legal” translation.
- Notarisation: a notary public confirms who signed a document, that they had capacity and that they signed willingly. A notary does not check whether a translation is accurate.
- Attestation (legalisation): the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and embassies confirm that the seals and signatures on a document are genuine so it can be used in another country. The UAE does not issue or accept apostilles.
When someone in the UAE asks for a “notarised translation”, they usually need a certified legal translation. Smart World Legal Translation (SWLT) is an MOJ-licensed translation office in Abu Dhabi, from AED 80 per 200-word page (excl. 5% VAT).
Side by Side
| Certified translation | Notarisation | Attestation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who does it | MOJ-licensed legal translator | Court notary or licensed private notary | MOFA, and the embassy of the other country |
| What it confirms | The translation matches the original | Identity, capacity and consent of the signer | The seals and signatures are genuine |
| Typical documents | Certificates, contracts, judgments, evidence | Powers of attorney, declarations, MOA amendments | Degrees, certificates, POAs and translations going abroad |
| Needed for | UAE courts, ministries, ICP, notaries | Acts that need an official witness | Using a document in another country |
When You Need Only a Certified Translation
For most documents used inside the UAE, a certified translation is the only translation step. Common examples:
- court submissions and evidence (see court document translation);
- residence, family visa and Golden Visa files;
- corporate documents for an economic department or free zone;
- foreign certificates that have already been attested abroad and by MOFA.
A document issued abroad is attested first and translated last, so the Arabic translation covers the attestation stamps too.
When Notarisation Is Added
A notary comes in when the document is a legal act that needs an official witness, such as a power of attorney, a declaration, or a change to a company’s memorandum of association. The notary needs the document in Arabic or bilingual, so a certified translation or a bilingual draft is usually prepared before the appointment. Dubai Courts asks for an MOJ-certified translation of non-Arabic documents; the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department asks for a certified translator’s translation with the licence card, except at its English notary services.
Our notary public guide covers offices, fees and online notarisation. SWLT does not notarise: we prepare the translation and bilingual text, and arrange the notarisation through our legal partner when you need it (see notarised translation).
When Attestation Is Added
Attestation matters when a document crosses a border. A UAE document going abroad, such as a UAE degree, marriage certificate or POA, is typically attested by MOFA and then by the destination country’s embassy; some destinations also want the translation itself attested. A foreign document coming into the UAE is legalised in its home country, attested by the UAE embassy there and by MOFA, then translated. Because the UAE is not party to the Apostille Convention, an apostille alone is not enough; see apostille vs attestation and our MOFA attestation guide.
Some Countries Ask for a “Sworn” or “Notarised” Translation
Some countries, including several in Europe, accept only translations by their own sworn translators. Others, such as the US and UK, accept a translator’s statement of accuracy that is signed before a notary. If a foreign authority asks for a notarised or sworn translation of a UAE document, ask whether a UAE MOJ-certified translation with MOFA and embassy attestation is accepted. Often it is, and it is quicker than finding a sworn translator abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a certified translation the same as a notarised translation in the UAE?
No. A certified translation is checked and stamped by an MOJ-licensed translator. Notarisation confirms a signature. Most UAE authorities ask for the certified translation, not notarisation.
Can a UAE notary translate my document?
No. Notaries authenticate signatures and identity. The translation must already be done by a licensed translator, or the document drafted bilingually.
Do I need all three for a document going abroad?
Often only two: a certified translation and attestation. Notarisation is added only when the document itself is a legal act that needs a notary, such as a POA.
How much does a certified translation cost?
From AED 80 per 200-word page for Arabic and English, AED 100 for French, AED 150 for German, Italian or Turkish, and AED 250 for other languages such as Chinese, Russian or Urdu (all excl. 5% VAT). Urgent work is priced on request, and large files receive discounts. Notary and MOFA fees are separate and set by those authorities.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about translation and document certification and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by authority and country; confirm with the body that will receive your document.
Not Sure Which One You Need?
Tell us the document and where it will be used, and we will tell you which steps it needs and in what order. Smart World Legal Translation is led by Dr. Hani Elimam (MOJ-licensed translator, AIIC member), has translated legal documents since 2014 and is rated 4.8/5 on Google. Send your documents on WhatsApp (+971 54 360 8305), email info@swlt.ae, or use our contact page.