Legal translation is a critical service in Dubai due to the city’s status as a global business hub with a diverse population. Legal documents such as contracts, court rulings, business agreements, and certificates often need to be translated from one language to another, focusing on maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with local laws.
In Dubai, the cost of translation services can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- Document Type
- Language Pairs
- Urgency
- The Translation Provider
- Certification and Notarization
This article will break down these factors and explain the average pricing, the role of legal translations in Dubai, and the importance of legal translations.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Legal Translation in Dubai
The pricing of legal translation services in Dubai depends on various factors, which are discussed in detail below:
1. Language Pairs
The language combination is one of the primary factors affecting the cost of legal translation. In Dubai, the most common translations are between English and Arabic, as both languages are extensively used in official documentation. However, translating between less common pairs or languages that require specialized translators (e.g., French, German, Chinese) can increase the price significantly due to the higher demand for qualified professionals in those language pairs.
Average Price Range:
- English to Arabic or vice versa: AED 50–150 per page.
- Other languages (e.g., French, German, Chinese): AED 100–300 per page or more, depending on language rarity and complexity.
2. Type of Document
The complexity of the legal document also impacts the cost. Legal documents like contracts, court judgments, power of attorney, certificates, or business agreements often require in-depth knowledge of legal terminology and concepts, making their translation more challenging.
Typical Documents for Legal Translations:
- Simple documents (e.g., birth/marriage certificates, licenses): Lower cost.
- Complex documents (e.g., contracts, court rulings, intellectual property agreements): There is a higher cost due to detailed and technical legal language.
Average Price Range:
- Simple documents: AED 50–100 per page.
- Complex legal contracts or technical documents: AED 150–400 per page.
3. Turnaround Time (Urgency)
If you need a legal translation urgently, the cost will rise accordingly. A standard translation service might take 2–3 business days, depending on the length and complexity of the document. Still, urgent requests for same-day or next-day delivery are charged at a premium.
Average Price Increase for Urgent Requests:
- Standard rate: AED 50–150 per page.
- Urgent rate: 25%–50% higher than the standard rate.
4. Volume of Documents
Legal translation service providers often offer discounts for bulk orders, such as translating entire contracts or multiple certificates at once. The larger the volume of work, the more negotiable the pricing can become.
Discount for Bulk Translation:
- 5%–15% discount on higher-volume projects (e.g., more than 10 pages or documents).
5. Certification and Notarization
Legal translations often require certification to be accepted by government agencies, courts, or other official institutions in Dubai. The UAE Ministry of Justice recognizes certified translators, ensuring the translated document is legally binding. The cost of a certified legal translation is usually higher than that of non-certified translations.
Some legal documents also require Notarization or attestation, which adds to the cost.
Average Certification/Notarization Fee:
- Certified translation: AED 100–300 per document.
- Notarization: AED 100–200, depending on the notary office and specific requirements.
Read more about: How Much Do Translation Services Cost in Dubai?
Importance of Legal Translation in Dubai
In a city like Dubai, where a significant portion of the population comprises expatriates, and international business transactions are frequent, legal translation is a necessity for the following reasons:
1. Government Procedures
When dealing with government authorities, legal documents often need to be translated into Arabic, the official language of the UAE. This includes documents like trade licenses, immigration papers, and court-related paperwork.
2. Business Agreements
Multinational corporations operating in Dubai often need contracts, shareholder agreements, and employment contracts translated accurately to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Court Documents
If you are involved in a court case, you may need to submit certified translations of evidence, contracts, or witness statements in the legal language recognized by the UAE courts (Arabic).
4. Personal Documents
Expats living in Dubai often require translations of personal documents like marriage certificates, diplomas, and driving licenses when applying for residency or jobs.
Read More: How Much Does an Official Translator Cost?
The Role of Legal Translation Dubai
Legal translations are crucial in bridging language barriers and ensuring compliance with UAE law in a diverse, multicultural city like Dubai. Accurate translation is essential to avoid misunderstandings and legal issues, Whether for business contracts, legal proceedings, or official documentation.
Sim-Trans, a leading provider of legal translation Dubai, offers high-quality and affordable translation services with MOJ-accredited translators, ensuring that every document is precisely translated and meets local legal requirements. With our translation company in Dubai, you can trust that your legal documents will be handled professionally and delivered with the highest standards of accuracy.
How Choosing a Legal Translation Service Provider in Dubai
Given the importance of legal translation in Dubai, selecting the right service provider is crucial. Here are some tips to consider:
1. Certified Translators
Always ensure that the translator or translation company you choose is certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Only certified translations are accepted by government agencies and courts in Dubai.
2. Experience in Legal Translations
Choose translators who specialize in legal translations and are familiar with the legal terminology in the UAE. This will ensure that the meaning and nuances of the original document are accurately conveyed in the translated version.
3. Reputation and Reviews
It’s essential to work with a reputable translation company. Check for online reviews, client testimonials, and recommendations from people who have previously used translation services in Dubai.
4. Turnaround Time
If you have strict deadlines, ensure the service provider can meet your timelines without compromising on the quality of the translation. You can ask for sample translations if needed.
5. Cost Transparency
Look for transparency in pricing. The agency should provide a clear breakdown of costs, such as:
- The translation fee per page
- Certification fee
- Additional charges for urgent work or notarization
Arabic Translation Requirements for Legal Documents in Dubai
In Dubai, legal documents often require translation into Arabic for submission to UAE courts and government authorities. A certified translator must translate and typically needs notarization to ensure legal validity. Costs for translating documents vary based on the document type and complexity, usually between Dh40 and Dh80 per page. Below is a table of the average costs:
| Document Type | Translation Cost |
| Legal Contract | Dh40 – Dh80 per page |
| Power of Attorney | Dh60 – Dh80 per page |
| Court Documents | Dh60 – Dh80 per page |
Accurate translation is essential to meeting legal standards and ensuring the documents retain their legal authority in UAE courts and with government authorities. The translator must accurately convey the original document’s meaning while meeting UAE legal standards, as proper translation and notarization are crucial for legal acceptance in the UAE.
Read More: How Much Do Translation Services Cost in 2024?
Conclusion
Legal translation is a specialized service in Dubai, and the cost varies depending on several factors, including:
- Language Pairs
- Document Complexity
- Urgency
- Certification Requirements
- Translation Provider
For a standard translation between English and Arabic, you can expect to pay between AED 50 and AED 150 per page, while rare languages and complex documents can push the price higher.
Certified translations are essential for official use and often incur additional costs. When selecting a translation provider, ensure they are experienced, certified, and transparent in pricing. This will guarantee the quality and accuracy of the translation and ensure that your documents are accepted by the government and legal authorities in Dubai.
