Corporate Document Translation Services in Dubai: Mainland vs Free Zone Requirements
The Short Answer
Which corporate documents you need translated in Dubai depends first on where the company is licensed. Mainland companies licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) deal with authorities that work in Arabic, so foreign corporate documents usually need a certified Arabic translation by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and the memorandum of association is normally prepared in Arabic or bilingually. Most free zones, such as DMCC, JAFZA and DIFC, work in English, so English documents are usually filed as they are, and documents in Arabic, Chinese, Russian or other languages need an English translation.
Smart World Legal Translation (SWLT) is an MOJ-licensed translation office in Abu Dhabi serving Dubai companies online, from AED 60 per 200-word page. We have no Dubai office: documents are sent by WhatsApp or email, and stamped hard copies are delivered by courier.
Mainland vs Free Zone at a Glance
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Free zones (DMCC, JAFZA and others) | DIFC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working language | Arabic | English (Arabic also accepted) | English |
| Memorandum of association | Arabic or bilingual Arabic–English, authenticated by the notary | Usually the free zone's English template | English |
| Parent company documents in English | Certified Arabic translation usually needed after MOFA attestation | Usually filed in English after attestation | Filed in English |
| Documents in other languages | Certified Arabic translation | English translation | English translation |
| Disputes | Dubai Courts, in Arabic | Dubai Courts unless the contract chooses another forum | DIFC Courts, in English |
Each authority publishes its own checklist, and requirements change, so confirm with the licensing authority before you file. For how the DIFC Courts differ from Dubai Courts, see onshore courts vs DIFC and ADGM.
The Documents Dubai Companies Translate Most
Incorporation and governance documents
A foreign parent setting up a branch or subsidiary files its certificate of incorporation, articles, register of directors and a board resolution approving the set-up. Each is attested in the home country and at the UAE MOFA first. See how to translate board resolutions and company documents translation.
Powers of attorney
A power of attorney for a manager, PRO or lawyer is usually needed in Arabic, or bilingually, for mainland authorities and Dubai Courts. See bilingual powers of attorney.
Commercial contracts
Distribution, agency, supply and shareholder agreements. A contract that may end up before Dubai Courts is safer prepared bilingually from the start than translated in a hurry during a dispute.
Financial statements and bank documents
Audited accounts and bank statements for licence renewals, banks and tax filings. The Federal Tax Authority can ask for an Arabic translation of records kept in another language. See bank statement translation in Dubai.
Why the Order of Steps Matters
Most rejected corporate filings are caused by sequence, not by the translation itself. The order that works:
- Confirm the authority and its language before anything is translated: mainland, which free zone, or DIFC.
- Complete attestation first for documents signed abroad: home-country notary, foreign ministry, UAE embassy, then UAE MOFA. See our MOFA attestation guide.
- Translate after the last stamp, including every stamp and annex.
- Keep the company name identical in every document, in both languages, exactly as it appears on the trade licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DMCC or JAFZA company need Arabic translations?
Usually not for free zone filings, which are in English. You will need Arabic translations when the company deals with mainland authorities, Dubai Courts or some federal bodies.
Is a translation from your Abu Dhabi office valid in Dubai?
Yes. The MOJ licence is federal, so a certified translation is valid in every emirate and free zone that accepts translations.
Do you notarise corporate documents?
No. SWLT is a translation office. We translate and prepare bilingual texts; notarisation is done by the notary, and attestation by MOFA.
How is corporate translation priced?
From AED 60 per 200-word page, with a 20% surcharge for same-day work and volume discounts from 10 pages. Companies with regular volume can ask about monthly retainer pricing.
Can you translate Chinese or Russian corporate documents into Arabic and English?
Yes, directly from 50+ languages, without going through a third language.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about document translation and is not legal or corporate advice. Licensing requirements are set by DET and each free zone authority and can change; confirm them before you file.
Get Your Corporate Documents Translated
Tell us where your company is licensed and send the documents for a free quote. Smart World Legal Translation is led by Dr. Hani Elimam (MOJ-licensed translator), rated 4.8/5 on Google, and translates corporate documents from 50+ languages from AED 60 per page. Send your documents on WhatsApp or use our contact page.