Guide · Certified translations
Do I need translation or MoFA attestation for the UAE and Dubai?
Translation and document attestation are separate services. For Dubai and other emirates, establish the actual intended use first.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
MoFA attestation confirms the authenticity of seals and signatures; it does not replace a required translation. For its described courier route, MoFA specifies an Arabic or English original or a legally certified translation. Document origin, recipient and permitted translator status must also be established.
Identify the recipient and document origin
Record whether the document is for work, education, family or another procedure. State its actual country of issue, not merely the country from which you send the file.
Obtain written recipient instructions for the required certification route. Check language, status and sequence against those instructions and the applicable MoFA service.
Distinguish an original digital file from a scan
MoFA limits its digital attestation service to supported digital documents issued in the UAE. Its guidance does not treat a photo or scan of a paper certificate as an original digital record.
Keep electronic originals unchanged. For documents issued elsewhere or not supported, check the applicable route rather than selecting an unrelated document category.
Read more: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: document attestation
Agree translation and other formalities separately
Assemble complete sources and existing certifications. State whether the recipient requests a particular local translator credential or another official confirmation.
Enquire about the required issuing route before ordering. An ordinary translation price does not automatically include MoFA processing or establish a particular UAE credential.
Your next steps
Record the purpose, recipient and issuing country.
Ask about language and required translator status.
Check the applicable MoFA route and original format.
Enquire about translation scope and special availability.
More questions
Is attestation a translation?
No. They serve different purposes and may be required separately.
Is every PDF scan a digital original?
No. MoFA’s digital service requires a suitable electronic original from a supported issuer.
Is MoFA processing included in the translation price?
Not automatically. Required additional steps and availability must be expressly agreed.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Clarify requirements before ordering
Send the exact UAE requirement and issuing country. Particular credentials, translation and official attestation are clarified separately.
Confirm the required issuing route and availability first.