Company Documents Translation Dubai: MOA, Trade Licence and Corporate Papers
MOJ-Certified • Arabic & English • 75+ Languages • AED 25–65 per Page
Setting up, restructuring or litigating in Dubai means putting your corporate papers in front of Arabic-speaking authorities. This guide explains which company documents need certified translation, the right order for foreign documents, what it costs and how to avoid delays.
Overview
What Is Company Documents Translation in Dubai?
Company documents translation is the certified conversion of corporate and commercial papers into Arabic, or from Arabic into English or another language, by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) licensed legal translator. It covers the documents that define a business: how it is formed, who owns and manages it, what it is licensed to do, and who may sign on its behalf.
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, so authorities such as the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, free zone authorities, courts, notaries, banks and immigration departments commonly need Arabic versions of documents written in other languages. This applies to foreign companies opening a branch or appointing a representative, to local companies bringing in overseas shareholders, and to any business that has to prove its status to a court, bank or counterparty.
These papers carry real legal and financial weight. A wrong shareholding percentage, a misspelled company name or a mistranslated authority clause can derail a licence application, hold up a bank account, or weaken a position in a dispute. That is why corporate documents should go to a licensed legal translator who understands both the language and the company law behind it. If you need help now, message us on WhatsApp.
In This Guide
- Documents we translate
- When translation is needed
- Attestation order for foreign companies
- Why MOJ certification matters
- What to check before translating
- Reasons translations get rejected
- Cost and turnaround
- Our process
- Mistakes to avoid
- FAQs
Document Types
Company Documents We Translate
Related guides: power of attorney translation in Dubai and our legal translation services.
When It’s Needed
When Do Company Documents Need Translation?
Setting up a branch or subsidiary
Foreign companies opening a branch in Dubai typically submit constitutional documents, a certificate of incorporation and a board resolution. Where these are not in Arabic, certified translations are generally required.
Mainland licences with foreign shareholders
When an overseas company or individual becomes a shareholder, supporting documents from abroad often need attestation and Arabic translation. Free zones and mainland departments publish their own checklists, so confirm what applies to you.
Bank accounts and corporate banking
Banks ask for proof of ownership, authority and licence. Foreign-language company papers may need an Arabic or certified English version.
Amendments, transfers and liquidation
Changes to shareholding, share transfers, capital changes, manager appointments and company closure often involve resolutions and agreements that must be reflected in Arabic.
Litigation, arbitration and tenders
Courts need Arabic. Tenders and government contracts often require certified copies of company documents as part of the submission pack.
Sequence
Attestation and Translation Order for Foreign Companies
For documents issued outside the UAE, the common chain is: signed or certified in the home country, authenticated by that country’s foreign ministry, attested by the UAE Embassy, then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). After that, an MOJ-licensed translator produces the Arabic translation so it reflects the stamps and endorsements added during attestation.
For documents issued in the UAE and intended for use abroad, the usual path is attestation by the relevant UAE authority and MOFA, followed by embassy attestation of the destination country, with translation into the required language.
The exact order depends on the document, the country of origin and the receiving authority. Some free zones and departments have their own rules, so always confirm before starting. We can check the requirement for you and coordinate MOFA attestation alongside translation so nothing is repeated.
Certification
Why MOJ Certification Matters for Corporate Documents
The Ministry of Justice licenses legal translators in the UAE, and their stamp is what authorities look for. A translation by an employee, a bilingual friend, a general translation agency without licensed translators or an online tool is not accepted as certified, no matter how good the language.
Corporate documents use specialised language: “paid-up capital”, “quorum”, “ultra vires”, “pre-emption rights”, “beneficial owner”, “limited liability” and “authorised signatory”. Each concept must be expressed in terms that Arabic company law practice recognises, and the company name, legal form and registration numbers must match official records exactly. Licensed translators reproduce these carefully, including stamps, signatures and annexures.
⚠️ 5 Reasons Company Document Translations Get Rejected
❌ Not MOJ-certified. Authorities accept only licensed legal translators’ work.
❌ Attestation incomplete or out of order. Missing steps in the chain can lead to refusal even if the translation is accurate.
❌ Company name or number mismatch. Legal form, spelling and registration numbers must match official records.
❌ Shareholding or capital errors. Percentages, share counts and capital figures must be exact.
❌ Outdated documents. Some authorities want a certificate of good standing or register extract issued within a recent period.
Before You Translate
What to Check Before Translating Company Documents
- Who will receive them. DET, a free zone, a bank, a court or an embassy? Each has its own checklist.
- Are the documents final and signed? Translate signed versions, not drafts.
- Is attestation complete? Foreign documents should be fully attested before translation.
- Do names and numbers match? Compare company name, legal form and registration numbers with official records.
- Are all pages and annexures included? Schedules, shareholder lists and stamps are part of the document.
- Are they recent enough? Check validity periods for extracts and certificates.
- Which language pair? Decide whether you need Arabic, English or another language.
A translator reproduces your documents as they are and cannot correct errors in the original. If you find a mistake, such as a wrong share percentage, fix the source document before translation. For questions on what your documents should contain, speak to a qualified lawyer or business setup adviser.
Pricing
Company Documents Translation Cost and Turnaround in Dubai
At Taw-Theeq, certified translation of company documents ranges from AED 25 to AED 65 per page. Price depends on length, language, layout complexity and urgency, and we confirm the total before we begin. Short certificates and letters fall at the lower end, while dense constitutional documents with tables and annexures fall at the higher end. For large sets of documents we can agree a project plan.
Standard documents are usually ready in 5–7 hours. Tell us your deadline when you send the files so we can plan around it.
How It Works
Our Company Documents Translation Process
Avoid Problems
Common Company Translation Mistakes
Translating before attestation
If attestation adds or changes stamps, the translation may need to be redone. Complete the chain first for foreign documents.
Using unlicensed translation
It looks cheaper but is refused at the counter, so you pay twice and lose time on a licence or bank application.
Inconsistent company names
Use one agreed Arabic and English version of the company name across all documents, and match it to the licence and registration record.
Skipping annexures and shareholder lists
These often contain the figures an authority checks first. Translate everything that forms part of the document.
Starting too late
Licence renewals, bank deadlines and hearings do not wait. Allow time for attestation, translation and corrections.
- MOJ-licensed translators in-house with no outsourcing
- Attestation and translation coordinated in the right order
- Clear pricing of AED 25–60 per page, confirmed upfront
- Confidential handling of ownership and financial information
- Convenient Deira location, opposite the RDC building
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Company Documents Translation Dubai
Do my company documents need to be translated into Arabic?
If they are in another language and will be used with UAE authorities, courts, free zones or most banks, yes. A certified Arabic translation by an MOJ-licensed translator is the safe route.
Can you translate an MOA from Arabic into English?
Yes. We translate both directions, including Arabic constitutional documents that need English for overseas partners, banks or investors.
How much does it cost?
Certified translation at Taw-Theeq ranges from AED 25 to AED 60 per page depending on length and complexity. We confirm the exact price before work begins.
How long does it take?
Standard documents are usually ready in 4 to 6 hours. Same-day service is available for urgent deadlines, and large sets are planned in advance.
Do foreign company documents need attestation first?
Usually yes. Attestation normally comes first and the Arabic translation after. The exact order depends on the authority, so confirm before you start. We can help check.
Can you translate a trade licence?
Yes. We translate trade licences, establishment cards and similar documents for use in the UAE or abroad.
Do you help with company setup?
We provide certified translation and attestation support for the documents you need. For choosing a legal structure or licence type, speak to a business setup adviser or lawyer.
Are my company documents kept confidential?
Yes. Corporate papers contain sensitive ownership and financial information and are handled only by our in-house team.
Final Guidance — Company Documents Translation Dubai
Corporate paperwork moves smoothly when the details are right. Complete attestation first for foreign documents, use an MOJ-licensed translator, match company names and figures to official records, include every annexure and allow time before your deadline. Doing so avoids rejections at the licensing authority, the bank or the court.
Taw-Theeq provides certified company document translation for startups, investors, multinationals and law firms across Dubai. Send your documents today and we will confirm the price and timing within the hour.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by authority and free zone and may change, so confirm current rules with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Need Company Documents Translated in Dubai?
MOJ-certified • AED 25–60 per page • 4–6 hours • Same day available. Free quote in 1 hour.
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