Legal Translation and Attestation in the UAE: What Comes First?
A complete guide to understanding when you need MOJ-certified translation, MOFA attestation, or both - and in what order.
The Short Answer
Translation converts the document from one language to another. Attestation proves it is genuine. They are separate services.
Some documents need only translation. Some need only attestation. Many need both - and the order matters.
We see this weekly: someone pays for translation first, then learns the receiving authority needed attestation before translation. That means starting over - and paying again. This guide explains the logic so you get it right the first time, or you can send us the document and we will tell you exactly what it needs.
What Is MOJ-Certified Translation?
MOJ-certified translation means a translation completed and officially stamped by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice for that specific language pair. When Dubai Courts, GDRFA, or any UAE government authority asks for "legal translation" or "certified translation," this is what they mean.
Arkan's translator, Khaled Mohamed Abdeltawab Aladl, holds MOJ License #701 for Arabic ↔ English. Verify by calling 800 333333. Other language pairs are handled by contracted MOJ-licensed translators (each with their own license number).
The distinction matters. Translation changes the language. It does not validate the document's authenticity - that is attestation's job. We have had clients turned away at MOFA counters because they assumed a translated document was also an attested one.
Learn more about MOJ-certified legal translation · Read the full MOJ translation guide
What Is Attestation?
Attestation is a chain of official stamps from government authorities - MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), embassies, and notaries - proving a document is genuine and was legitimately issued. It does not translate the document. It verifies authenticity for use across jurisdictions.
The attestation chain depends on where the document was issued and where it will be used:
- UAE-issued document for use abroad: UAE MOFA attestation, then the destination country's embassy attestation
- Foreign document for use in UAE: Origin country's foreign affairs attestation, then UAE embassy attestation in that country
- Hague Convention countries (since 2024): A single apostille stamp may replace the traditional multi-step chain
Arkan provides done-for-you attestation handling where authorization allows - MOFA submission, embassy legalisation, notarisation. Steps requiring the document holder personally (UAE Pass verification, presenting original documents in person) are guide-only.
Translation First or Attestation First?
This is where most mistakes happen. The order depends on where the document was issued and where it needs to go. Get it wrong, and the receiving authority rejects the whole package.
Documents Issued in the UAE
Usual order: Translation first, then attestation (if needed for foreign use).
Example: A UAE marriage certificate needed for a visa application abroad → translate into the target language under MOJ certification → then MOFA attestation → then destination embassy attestation (or apostille for Hague Convention countries).
Documents Issued Abroad
Usual order: Attestation first (at origin country + UAE embassy), then translation.
Example: A degree certificate from India needed for a UAE employer → attest at the Indian MEA → UAE embassy in India → then translate into Arabic under MOJ certification once the document arrives in the UAE.
Case-by-Case
Some receiving authorities have specific requirements that override the general rule. DIFC court enforcement orders, certain Abu Dhabi bank submissions, and documents with existing partial attestation may follow a different sequence. When in doubt - send us the document before paying for any step. We have seen clients lose weeks because they followed generic advice online rather than checking the actual route.
Common Document Scenarios
These are the combinations we handle most often. Your specific case may differ - a Dubai Courts family division filing has different requirements from a GDRFA visa sponsorship packet. We confirm the exact route before any work begins.
Marriage certificate (for visa)
Translation + possibly attestation
MOJ-certified translation required. If for use outside the UAE, MOFA attestation may follow.
Court order (for enforcement)
Translation with court-specific formatting
Formatted per receiving court requirements. Cross-jurisdictional enforcement (e.g., DIFC → Dubai Courts) may require additional steps.
Degree certificate (for job)
Translation + attestation (MOFA + embassy)
Usually attested first at origin-country MOFA, then UAE embassy, then translated for the UAE employer or authority.
Business contract
Translation; attestation only if cross-border
Domestic contracts: translation alone is usually sufficient. International contracts: notarization or attestation may be required by the counterparty.
Power of attorney
Translation + notarization
Notarization by a UAE notary public, then translation. Some embassies require embassy-specific attestation.
Birth certificate (visa/residency)
Translation + attestation
Foreign-issued: attest at origin, then UAE embassy, then translate. UAE-issued: translate first, attest if needed for foreign use.
Not Sure What You Need?
Send us the document. We review the document type, issuing country, and receiving authority - then tell you exactly what it needs, in what order, before any work begins. No charge for the route check.
Three Translation Tiers
Not all translation carries the same certification. The tier depends on the language pair and whether a UAE-registered MOJ translator exists for it. Knowing which tier applies to your document prevents rejection at the counter.
Tier 1 - MOJ License #701 (Arabic ↔ English)
Directly certified under Khaled Mohamed Abdeltawab Aladl's MOJ License #701. Verify by calling 800 333333.
Tier 2 - Contracted MOJ-Licensed Translators
Other language pairs (French, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, etc.) handled by UAE-registered MOJ translators - each with their own license number. MOJ-certified.
Tier 3 - Arkan Company Certification
Language pairs where no MOJ-licensed translator exists in the UAE (e.g., Tagalog, Greek). Issued under Arkan company certification - accepted by most UAE authorities because no MOJ option exists for the pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need both translation and attestation?
No. Some documents need only translation (e.g., a contract for a local court filing). Some need only attestation (e.g., an already-translated document being taken abroad). Many need both - the route depends on the document type, issuing country, and receiving authority.
Can Arkan handle both translation and attestation?
Arkan handles MOJ-certified translation directly. For attestation, Arkan provides done-for-you handling where authorization allows (MOFA submission, embassy legalisation, notarisation). Steps requiring the document holder personally - UAE Pass verification, presenting original documents in person - are guide-only.
How long does the combined translation + attestation process take?
Translation alone: same-day to 2-3 working days depending on document complexity. Attestation timelines vary by authority and type - MOFA can take 1-3 days, embassy attestation varies by country. We provide a realistic timeline after reviewing your specific document.
How do I know what my document needs?
Send us the document via WhatsApp or through our document check page. We review the document type, issuing country, and receiving authority - then tell you exactly what steps are needed, in what order, before any work begins.
Check My Document
Send us the document. We tell you what it needs - translation, attestation, or both - and in what order. No charge for the route check.
Read Next
Legal vs Certified vs Sworn Translation
What each term actually means in the UAE and which one your document needs.
Translation Before or After Attestation?
The correct sequence depends on where your document was issued and where it is going.
What Is MOFA Attestation?
Where MOFA fits in the authentication chain and when you need it.