When submitting documents in the UAE for legal, immigration, visa, court, banking, or government purposes, one of the most common questions people ask is:
Do I need a certified translation, or is a non-certified translation enough?
Understanding the difference between certified and non-certified translation is essential. Choosing the wrong type can result in document rejection, delays, or additional costs. This guide explains the key differences, use cases, and why certification matters—especially in the UAE.
A certified translation is an official translation completed by a licensed and Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-certified translation company. In the UAE, certified translations are legally recognized and accepted by authorities.
A certified translation typically includes:
At CLT Translation, all certified translations are prepared by MOJ-approved legal translators, ensuring full acceptance across the UAE.
Certified translation is mandatory for documents submitted to:
Common documents that require certified translation include:
Without certification, these documents are usually rejected.
A non-certified translation is an informal translation that does not include legal certification, official stamps, or MOJ approval. It is typically used for personal reference or internal purposes only.
Non-certified translations are suitable for:
They are not legally valid and cannot be submitted to UAE authorities.
Aspect | Certified Translation | Non-Certified Translation |
Legal Validity | Legally accepted | Not legally accepted |
MOJ Approval | Required | Not included |
Official Stamp | Yes | No |
Use for Courts & Visas | Yes | No |
Cost | Higher (due to certification) | Lower |
Risk of Rejection | None | High |
The UAE has strict document compliance laws. Authorities require:
Any mistranslation—even a small one—can lead to:
Certified translations provide legal accountability, ensuring the translator and company stand behind the accuracy of the document.
In most cases, no. UAE authorities usually require:
At CLT Translation, we recommend submitting your documents for direct certified translation to avoid delays or rework.
Choose Certified Translation if:
Choose Non-Certified Translation if:
When in doubt, always choose certified translation—it saves time and prevents rejection.
At CLT Translation, we offer both certified and non-certified translations, helping clients choose the right option based on purpose and requirements.
✓ MOJ-Certified Legal Translators
✓ Accepted by All UAE Authorities
✓ Over 29+ Years of UAE Experience
✓ Strict Confidentiality
✓ Fast Turnaround (Same-Day Available)
Yes. Any document submitted to UAE courts, immigration, or government departments must be MOJ-certified.
No. Visa and immigration authorities require certified legal translations only.
Because it includes legal accountability, MOJ approval, and official certification, ensuring acceptance.
They are accepted within the UAE and often recognized by embassies, depending on destination country requirements.
If the document is for any official, legal, or government purpose, certification is required.
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