Dubai residents regularly need to use documents issued or prepared in languages other than Arabic. These may include powers of attorney, company documents, declarations, agreements, academic records and documents issued overseas.
So, can a foreign-language document be notarized in Dubai? Yes, but the document may need an Arabic legal translation and other supporting formalities before the notary can process it.
Dubai’s notary rules allow a document written in a foreign language to be handled where the required Arabic translation is prepared and attached in accordance with the applicable procedure.
Read More: Difference Between Document Notarization and Document Authentication in UAE
Can a Foreign-Language Document Be Notarized in Dubai?
Yes. A document does not automatically become ineligible for notarisation simply because it is written in another language.
Under Dubai’s notary framework, where an instrument is written only in a foreign language, it can be translated into Arabic by an authorised legal translator. The Arabic translation is then attached to the original document, and the relevant documents are signed as required during the notarial process.
This is different from saying that only Arabic or English documents can be notarized. The important issue is whether the document and its translation satisfy the requirements that apply to the particular transaction.
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When Is Arabic Legal Translation Required?
Arabic is the main language used for official legal and court procedures in Dubai. If a document is written only in a foreign language, an Arabic legal translation will commonly be required before it can be processed by the notary or another UAE authority.
The translation should be prepared by a legal translator registered and authorised to practise in the UAE.
This may apply to documents such as:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and declarations
- Corporate resolutions and agreements
- Contracts
- Foreign court or legal documents
- Academic or professional documents
- Personal-status or supporting documents
The translation requirement and the exact format can differ depending on the document and the authority for which it will ultimately be used.
Does a Foreign Document Need Attestation Before Notarization?
Not always.
Translation, notarisation and attestation are separate procedures. A foreign-language document may require Arabic translation because of its language, while a document issued outside the UAE may separately require attestation or legalisation before a UAE authority will accept it.
Where foreign-document attestation is required, the document may need to pass through the relevant authorities in the country of issue, the UAE diplomatic mission and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, depending on the type of document and its intended use.
It is therefore better to confirm the final purpose of the document before arranging translation or notarisation. Otherwise, additional certification may still be required later.
How to Notarize a Foreign-Language Document in Dubai
The process usually involves the following steps:
1. Check Whether the Document Is Eligible for Notarization
First confirm that the document is one that the notary is authorised to process. Some transactions fall within the jurisdiction of another government authority or may require additional approvals.
2. Arrange the Required Arabic Legal Translation
If the instrument is written only in another language, arrange a legal Arabic translation through an authorised translator.
The translation should accurately reflect the original document because both versions may form part of the notarial file.
3. Prepare the Supporting Documents
Depending on the transaction, the notary may ask for identification documents, corporate records, a power of attorney, proof of authority to sign or foreign-document attestations.
4. Complete Identity and Consent Checks
The notary must verify the identity of the parties and confirm that they have the legal capacity and authority to complete the transaction.
The parties must also understand the document and agree to its contents.
5. Sign and Complete the Notarial Procedure
Once the document and supporting requirements have been accepted, the relevant parties complete the signing procedure and the notary records and certifies the transaction in accordance with the applicable process.
If the transaction is eligible for electronic processing, parts of the process may also be handled through approved digital channels. You can learn more about our online notary services in Dubai.
What Documents Are Commonly Required?
The exact requirements depend on the transaction, but commonly requested documents can include:
- The original foreign-language document
- The legal Arabic translation
- Passport or Emirates ID of the signatories
- Supporting documents confirming the signer’s authority or capacity
- Power of attorney where a representative is acting on behalf of another person
- Corporate documents where a company is involved
- Attestation or legalisation evidence for a foreign-issued document where required
Additional documents can be requested depending on the document type, the parties involved and the authority for which the notarised document will be used.
Read Also: Document Notarization in UAE: Can Documents Have Blank Spaces?
What If the Signer Does Not Understand Arabic?
A signer is not expected to approve a document without understanding what it says.
If the notary cannot communicate in the language of one of the parties, an interpreter may be required during the transaction. UAE notary legislation provides for the use of an interpreter where the notary is unfamiliar with the language of the person concerned.
The notary must also verify the person’s identity, legal capacity and consent before completing the transaction.
Can a Person Who Cannot Read or Write Complete a Notarial Transaction?
Being unable to read or write does not automatically prevent a person from completing a notarial transaction.
The notary must still be satisfied about the person’s identity, capacity and understanding of the document. Depending on the circumstances, the procedure can involve a thumbprint, interpreter or other measures required under the applicable notary rules.
The important point is that the person must understand the nature and effect of the document and must be acting voluntarily.
How Does the Notary Confirm That a Person Is Signing Voluntarily?
Before completing a notarial transaction, the notary must verify more than the person’s identity.
The notary also checks the person’s legal capacity, authority and consent in relation to the document. Where the notary is not satisfied that the person understands or agrees to the transaction, the notarisation may not proceed.
This is why signatories should review the document and its translation carefully before the signing stage.
Notarization, Translation and Attestation Are Different
These terms are often used together, but they do not mean the same thing.
| Process | What It Does |
| Legal Translation | Converts the document into another language through an authorised legal translator. |
| Notarization | Completes the applicable notarial formalities, including verification of the parties, signatures and transaction. |
| Attestation / Legalisation | Authenticates a document for recognition by another authority or jurisdiction where required. |
A document may require one, two or all three procedures depending on where it was issued and how it will be used.
Get Help With Foreign-Language Document Notarization in Dubai
Foreign-language documents can involve more than simply translating the text. The correct process can depend on the document itself, where it was issued, who will sign it and which authority will receive it afterwards.
Notary Public Dubai can assist with reviewing the document, identifying the required legal translation and supporting papers, and coordinating the applicable notarisation process.
If you have a document in a foreign language and are unsure what needs to be done before notarisation, speak with our team before submitting it.
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Contact our Notary Public Dubai team for fast and reliable notary services in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign-Language Document Notarization in Dubai
Q1: Can a foreign-language document be notarized in Dubai?
A: Yes. A foreign-language document can be processed for notarization, but an Arabic legal translation may be required depending on the document and the notarial procedure.
Q2: Do foreign-language documents need Arabic translation?
A: In many cases, yes. Documents written only in a foreign language may need a legal Arabic translation before they can be accepted for notarization or official use in Dubai.
Q3: Who can translate a document for official use in the UAE?
A: Legal translations for official use should be prepared by a translator authorized to provide legal translation in the UAE.
Q4: Does every foreign document need attestation before notarization?
A: No. Attestation depends on where the document was issued and how it will be used. Translation, notarization, and attestation are separate procedures.
Q5: What documents are usually required for foreign-language notarization?
A: Common requirements may include the original document, Arabic legal translation, passport or Emirates ID, and any supporting documents proving the signer’s authority or legal capacity.
Q6: Can a document written in English be notarized in Dubai?
A: It can be possible, but an Arabic translation may still be required depending on the document type and the requirements of the notary or receiving authority.
Q7: What if the signer does not understand Arabic?
A: An interpreter may be required where the notary cannot communicate with the signer in a language they understand. The signer must understand the nature of the document before completing the transaction.
Q8: Can foreign-language documents be notarized online in Dubai?
A: Some eligible documents can be processed through approved online notary procedures. Availability depends on the document type, identity verification, and applicable authority requirements.
Q9: Is legal translation the same as notarization?
A: No. Legal translation converts the document into another language, while notarization verifies and certifies the relevant document, signatures, or transaction according to the applicable procedure.
Q10: How long does foreign-language document notarization take?
A: The timeline depends on the document, translation requirements, supporting records, and whether any attestation or additional approval is needed before notarization.