What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪

Requirement: Sworn/Licensed

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Foreign documents generally require legalisation before translation
Translation type required	Ministry of Justice licensed translation
Who can translate	Translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice
Official translator registry	UAE Ministry of Justice – Licensed Translators
Accepted languages	Arabic (official language)
Legalisation authority	Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC)
Official source	UAE Ministry of Justice – Licensed Translators

Important: Only translators licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) may provide official legal translations for use in Dubai and throughout the UAE.

Where can I find a translator?

You can search for Ministry of Justice licensed translators using the official registry on the UAE Ministry of Justice website .

Who can translate

In the UAE, legal and official translations must be completed by a translator who holds a valid licence issued by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

These licensed translators are authorised to produce translations for courts, government departments, immigration authorities, free zones, and other official entities.

What makes a translation official

An official translation must include:

The translator’s official stamp
Licence number issued by the Ministry of Justice
The translator’s signature
A statement confirming that the translation is accurate

Official translations are commonly produced in Arabic, though bilingual Arabic/English versions may be provided depending on the requesting authority.

Documents from abroad

Foreign public documents generally require legalisation before translation and official use in the UAE. This usually involves:

Authentication in the country of origin (if applicable)
Legalisation by the UAE embassy/consulate
Final legalisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC)

After legalisation, the document must be translated by a licensed UAE translator to be accepted by government authorities.

Notes

Unlike jurisdictions that accept certified translations from abroad, the UAE typically requires translations to be produced or re-validated by a Ministry of Justice licensed translator for official acceptance.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in United Arab Emirates