Hiring employees in UAE Free Zones comes with specific regulatory requirements, one of which is translating and certifying employment contracts into Arabic for legal acceptance. For companies looking to onboard global talent, this step is crucial to avoid compliance issues, delays, or rejections.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to translate and certify employee contracts for Free Zone hiring, and how Al-Hamd Legal Translation can make the process fast, reliable, and legally recognized.
Why Is Certified Contract Translation Required in UAE Free Zones?
UAE Free Zones operate under their own legal frameworks but still align with federal labor law in many areas. One such requirement is the submission of Arabic-translated and certified employment contracts when:
Hiring non-Arabic speaking expatriates
Registering employees with Free Zone authorities
Submitting documents to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Applying for visas or labour cards
Key Takeaway: All Free Zones — whether it’s DMCC, Dubai South, or JAFZA — mandate certified Arabic translations for employee contracts to ensure legal validity.
What is a Certified Translation of an Employee Contract?
A certified translation means the document is translated by a MOJ-approved legal translator and stamped to verify its authenticity. This ensures the translation is:
Legally accepted by Free Zone authorities
Recognized by UAE courts and ministries
Accurate and free from misinterpretation
| Translation Type | Certified Translation | General Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Approved by UAE Ministry | ✅ | ❌ |
| Legal use | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accepted by Free Zones | ✅ | ❌ |
| Translator Liability | ✅ | ❌ |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Translate & Certify Employee Contracts
Step 1: Prepare the Original Contract
Ensure the employment contract is:
Finalized and signed by the employer
In English or any source language
Includes all legal clauses (e.g., job title, salary, probation, notice period)
Step 2: Contact a MOJ-Certified Legal Translation Provider
Work only with certified legal translators approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice, like Al-Hamd Legal Translation, to avoid rejections or legal complications.
Step 3: Translate the Document into Arabic
The professional translator will:
Accurately convert legal terminology
Maintain consistency with UAE labour law
Ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy
Step 4: Certification & Stamping
Once translated:
The document is stamped and signed by the legal translator
A declaration is issued confirming its accuracy
Step 5: Submit to Free Zone Authority
The certified document is now ready for:
Visa applications
Labour contract submissions
Employee record registration
Why Choose Al-Hamd Legal Translation?
With over 10 years of experience and MOJ certification, Al-Hamd Legal Translation offers:
100% legally recognized translations
Same-day services for urgent contracts
Free pick-up and drop-off services
Competitive pricing for Free Zone businesses
Whether you’re hiring in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), or RAKEZ, Al-Hamd ensures smooth compliance.
Common FAQs about Employee Contract Translation
Q1. Can I use Google Translate or non-certified translators?
A: No. Free Zone authorities require certified legal translation, not automated or unofficial versions.
Q2. How long does translation take?
A: At Al-Hamd, most employment contracts are translated within 24–48 hours.
Q3. Is certification enough for visa processing?
A: Yes, if translated and certified by MOJ-approved translators like Al-Hamd.
Key Takeaways
Certified Arabic translation is mandatory for Free Zone hiring.
Only MOJ-approved translators can certify employee contracts.
Al-Hamd Legal Translation provides accurate, fast, and legally accepted services.
Submitting uncertified or inaccurate translations can lead to delays or rejections.
Ready to Certify Your Contracts?
Don’t risk delays with unofficial translations. Let Al-Hamd Legal Translation handle your employee contract translations with legal precision and Free Zone compliance.
Learn more about our Legal Translation in Dubai