A divorce decree is one of the most important legal documents an individual may need to translate and legalize when dealing with personal, financial, or residency processes in the UAE. Whether you are updating your visa status, applying for child custody arrangements, changing your name, or submitting the decree for court procedures, UAE authorities require the document to be legally translated and properly attested.

In this guide, we break down how to translate and legalize a divorce decree in the UAE, the steps involved, and how Al-Hamd Legal Translation ensures accuracy, legal compliance, and seamless processing for clients.

Why Divorce Decree Translation Matters in the UAE

The UAE has strict regulations around legal documentation, especially documents issued from outside the country. Divorce decrees are used in:

• Visa and immigration processes

• Child custody and guardianship matters

• Property settlements

• Remarriage procedures

• Updating marital status with government departments

• Court submissions and legal cases

Because of these sensitive applications, your divorce decree must be:

• Translated by a UAE-approved legal translator

• Certified according to UAE Ministry requirements

• Fully legalized/attested (if issued outside UAE)

A simple translation is not enough—it must meet the legal and linguistic standards required by UAE courts and authorities.

Step-by-Step Process to Translate and Legalize a Divorce Decree in the UAE

Below is a clear breakdown to help you understand each stage of the process.

Step 1: Collect the Original Divorce Decree

Before starting, ensure you have:

• The original decree

• Any supporting court documents

• Depending on the country, a court seal or judgment reference number

If the document was issued abroad, legalization will be required.

Step 2: Legalize the Divorce Decree in the Country of Issuance

For foreign-issued decrees, the following steps usually apply:

1. Notarization

2. Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of issuance

3. UAE Embassy attestation in that country

This ensures the decree is legally recognized when brought into the UAE.

Step 3: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation (MOFA)

Once the decree is in the UAE, it must be attested by MOFA.
This is mandatory and ensures the document is valid for UAE legal use.

Step 4: Legal Translation into Arabic

The UAE requires all legal documents submitted to government entities to be in Arabic.
Your decree must be translated by a MOJ-approved legal translator.

Why legal translation is essential:

• Ensures accuracy for legal terminology

• Required for court submissions

• Needed for immigration, visa, or civil status changes

• Avoids rejection due to mistranslation or non-certified work

Al-Hamd Legal Translation provides certified, court-approved translations accepted across all UAE authorities.

Step 5: Submit the Translated & Legalized Decree to the Relevant Authority

Depending on your purpose, you may need to submit your documents to:

• UAE Courts

• Personal Status Courts

• ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)

• GDRFA

• Ministry of Justice

• Embassy or Consulate Offices

• Personal Status departments

Each authority requires accurate and properly attested translations.

Case Example: Divorce Decree for Visa Status Update

A client recently approached Al-Hamd needing to update their marital status for visa renewal. Their decree was issued in India.

The steps included:

• Attestation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs

• UAE Embassy attestation

• MOFA attestation in UAE

• Certified legal translation by Al-Hamd

• Submission to ICP for marital status change

The entire process was completed seamlessly with no rejections due to Al-Hamd’s accurate legal translation and guidance.

When Do You Need Divorce Decree Translation in the UAE?

Why Choose Al-Hamd Legal Translation for Divorce Decree Translation?

With years of experience and more than 10,000+ clients served across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah, Al-Hamd is trusted for:

• MOJ-certified legal translators

• Fast turnaround

• 100% acceptance by UAE courts and government bodies

• Affordable pricing

• Expert support throughout the attestation process

Every document is handled with confidentiality, precision, and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Divorce decrees must be translated into Arabic for UAE legal use

• Foreign-issued decrees must be notarized and attested

• MOFA attestation is mandatory

• UAE-approved legal translation is required for government and court use

• Working with a professional agency prevents delays and rejection

Conclusion

Whether your divorce decree was issued inside or outside the UAE, the translation and legalization process must be done carefully to meet the requirements of UAE courts, immigration bodies, and government authorities.
With expert legal translators and complete attestation support, Al-Hamd Legal Translation ensures your documents are processed accurately and efficiently.

For reliable and court-approved translation, visit: Best Legal Translation in Dubai