If you are planning to work, study, invest, or bring your family to the UAE, document translation and attestation are mandatory steps. These procedures confirm that your certificates, contracts, and official papers are legally valid for use inside the country.
However, many expats unknowingly make mistakes during attestation and translation — leading to delays, rejections, or repeated submissions. Understanding attestation requirements for expats in the UAE and the importance of certified translation for UAE legal use can save you significant time, money, and stress.
This guide highlights the most common attestation mistakes in the UAE, how to avoid them, and explains who can provide certified translation in Dubai to ensure your documents are legally accepted the first time.
1. Why Attestation & Translation Are Required in the UAE
The UAE government requires all foreign documents to undergo attestation and translation before they can be used for:
- Employment visa applications
- Family visa sponsorship
- Educational admissions
- Company setup
- Property purchase or lease
- Marriage and divorce procedures
- Legal cases or court submissions
Because Arabic is the official language of the UAE, most documents must also be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Attestation and translation ensure your foreign documents are authentic, accurate, and recognized by UAE authorities.
2. Common Mistakes Expats Make During Attestation in the UAE
Understanding the common attestation mistakes in the UAE can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Mistake 1: Attesting Documents in the Wrong Order
Attestation follows a strict sequence. Many people submit documents directly to UAE authorities without completing the required steps in their home country.
The correct sequence usually includes:
- Notary Public (in the home country)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (home country)
- UAE Embassy (home country)
- MOFAIC – UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Skipping any step leads to rejection. Always ensure your documents follow the proper chain
Mistake 2: Using Non-Certified or Unapproved Translators
One of the biggest mistakes is hiring translators who are not approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Such translations are rejected immediately.
Who can provide certified translation in Dubai?
Only UAE Ministry of Justice-approved legal translators, also known as certified translators, are authorized to translate documents for legal use.
Always request the translator’s MOJ stamp and license number.
Mistake 3: Submitting Scanned, Blurry, or Incomplete Copies
Documents must be clear, complete, and free from:
- Blurry stamps
- Torn edges
- Missing pages
- Smudged signatures
Even a minor visibility error can lead to rejection. Always use high-quality, complete originals or certified true copies.
Mistake 4: Not Matching Names Across All Documents
The UAE is extremely strict about identity matching. Differences in spelling between passports, degrees, birth certificates, or affidavits can lead to delays.
This includes:
- Missing middle names
- Different spellings (e.g., Mohammed vs Mohamed)
- Old vs new passport names
If mismatches exist, you must prepare an affidavit or correct the name before attestation.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Attest Supporting Documents
Many documents require supporting paperwork. For example:
- A degree may require transcripts
- A marriage certificate may require a birth certificate
- A power of attorney may require identity documents
Submitting only one document without supporting papers leads to rejection.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Expiry Dates on Certain Documents
Documents like:
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical certificates
- Power of attorney
have limited validity (often 3–6 months). Attesting expired documents is a waste of time — they must be reissued.
Mistake 7: Choosing the Wrong Service Type (Normal vs Urgent)
Some authorities allow urgent attestation for faster processing. Expats often choose the regular service without checking the urgency of their visa or application.
If your submission deadline is close, always choose urgent service.
3. Common Translation Mistakes to Avoid in the UAE
Translation is just as important as attestation. Poor translation can lead to misunderstandings, legal consequences, or rejections by government authorities.
Mistake 1: Using Machine Translation or Cheap Freelancers
Machine translations (like Google Translate) or low-cost freelancers may produce:
- Incorrect legal terminology
- Grammar errors
- Misinterpreted names or dates
- Wrong formatting
For UAE legal use, accuracy is crucial — only a MOJ-certified legal translator should be used
Mistake 2: Not Translating the Entire Document
Many expats translate only the main page of a document. However, UAE authorities require full translation including:
- Stamps
- Seals
- Signatures
- Marginal notes
- Back page text
Partial translations are rejected.
Mistake 3: Not Checking Formatting Requirements
The UAE has strict formatting standards. Translations must mirror the original layout and include:
- Translator’s stamp
- Translator’s signature
- MOJ license number
- Official translation declaration
Missing any of these makes the translation invalid.
4. Attestation Requirements for Expats in the UAE
Expats must follow the correct process depending on the document type:
Educational Certificates
Required for: Employment visas, professional licensing
Must be attested in issuing country + UAE Embassy + MOFAIC
Personal Certificates
Birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates
Required for: Family visas, legal processes
Must be attested similarly to educational certificates
Commercial Documents
Required for: Company setup, trade license applications
Must be attested by Chamber of Commerce + Ministries
Power of Attorney
Must be notarized + attested by MOFAIC
Understanding these requirements prevents delays and ensures legal acceptance.
5. How to Ensure a Smooth Attestation & Translation Process
Follow these steps to ensure compliance:
Verify document requirements before starting
Each document type has different rules.
Always use certified translators for UAE legal use
Ask for MOJ approval proof.
Complete attestation in the correct sequence
Use clean, readable documents
Keep digital and hard copies of all documents
Hire a professional attestation service provider
Companies like NAS Services handle the entire process, reducing errors and saving time.
6. FAQ Section
Q1. What are the most common attestation mistakes in the UAE?
Incorrect documentation order, using non-certified translators, blurry copies, unmatched name spelling, and incomplete supporting documents.
Q2. What is the importance of certified translation for UAE legal use?
Certified translations ensure legal accuracy and are the only translations accepted by UAE courts, ministries, and immigration authorities.
Q3. What are the attestation requirements for expats in the UAE?
Educational, personal, and commercial documents must be attested in the home country, UAE Embassy, and finally MOFAIC in the UAE.
Q4. Who can provide certified translation in Dubai?
Only translators approved and licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice can provide legally valid certified translations.
Conclusion: Avoid Mistakes & Ensure Smooth UAE Legal Processing
Document translation and attestation are essential for living, working, and doing business in the UAE. However, even a single small mistake — from using the wrong translator to submitting documents in the wrong order — can delay your visa, job, or legal application.
Understanding the common attestation mistakes in the UAE and partnering with certified professionals ensures your documents are accepted quickly and without complications.
With the right guidance, you can complete every step smoothly and confidently.