Certified True Copy in UAE:
What It Is & When You Need One
Government applications, company licensing, professional registrations and overseas submissions all require officially certified copies. Here's everything you need to know about Certified True Copies (CTCs) in the UAE.
What Is a Certified True Copy?
A Certified True Copy (CTC) is a reproduction of an original document that has been officially certified as a true and accurate copy by an authorised authority. The certification confirms that the copy is genuine and identical to the original.
In the UAE context, a CTC typically bears the stamp and signature of a licensed translation office, a notary public, or the original issuing authority, certifying that the copy is a true reproduction of the original document.
Key Point: The UAE's document-intensive regulatory environment makes CTCs a routine administrative requirement for both residents and businesses. An MOJ-licensed translation office is the most practical and widely accepted issuer.
Confirms the copy is identical to the original. Most commonly required by UAE government bodies and banks. Does not verify authenticity of the original itself.
A notary public certifies both that the copy is true AND that any signatory's signature is genuine. A higher level of verification than a standard CTC.
The original has been verified through an attestation chain (MOFA, embassy, etc.). The copy carries those attestation stamps and is required for international use.
6 Reasons Clients Choose Elite Legal
Our CTC service is designed around speed, accuracy, and universal acceptance across all UAE government entities.
Same-Day Turnaround
Most standard CTC certifications are completed within a few hours. No unnecessary delays — we respect your deadlines.
Pixel-Perfect Accuracy
Every copy undergoes a meticulous review against the original. Your document is certified with zero errors, guaranteed.
Fully MOJ-Licensed
Our offices are licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. CTCs we issue are universally accepted across all government departments, free zones, and banks.
Multiple UAE Locations
Offices across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Visit us in person or submit documents digitally — your choice.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing starting from AED 199 per page. No hidden fees. Bundle translation and CTC for additional savings.
Expert Support Team
Our team of legal document specialists guide you through every step — from submission to final certified copy delivery.
When Is a Certified True Copy Required in the UAE?
CTCs are required across a wide range of official, corporate, and international scenarios. Here are the most common situations.
How to Get a Certified True Copy in the UAE
A simple four-step process — most documents certified the same day, often within hours.
Step 1: Submit Your Original Document
Bring or securely submit the original document to our MOJ-licensed office. We accept originals in person across our UAE locations. For convenience, we also accept submissions via our secure digital portal for select document types.
Step 2: High-Quality Copy Production
Our certified officers produce a high-resolution, professional-quality copy of your original document. Every detail is captured precisely — we use commercial-grade scanning equipment to ensure every stamp, signature, and watermark on the original is clearly reproduced on the copy.
Step 3: Official Stamp & Signature
An authorised officer from our MOJ-licensed office stamps and signs the copy with the official certification seal, confirming it is a true reproduction of the original. The stamp includes our licence details, the certifying officer's signature, the date, and the official UAE certification text in Arabic and English.
Step 4: Receive Your Certified Copy
You receive the officially certified copy of your document, ready to be submitted to any required authority — whether a UAE government entity, bank, free zone, or international body. We also provide digital copies upon request for your records.
What Documents Can Be Certified?
Almost any document can be subject to CTC certification. Here are the most common types we handle every day.
CTC Service Packages
Clear, upfront pricing. No hidden fees. Bundle translation with CTC for the best value.
- Single-page standard documents
- Same-day service
- MOJ-licensed stamp & signature
- Accepted by all UAE authorities
- Passports, IDs, certificates
- Multi-page documents (MOA, contracts)
- Discounted per-page rate
- Same-day or next-day service
- MOJ-licensed certification
- Financial & corporate documents
- Certified translation included
- CTC stamp on translated copy
- Bundled savings
- Optional MOFA attestation add-on
- International submissions ready
Additional charges may apply for overseas certification stamps or urgent rush requests. Contact us for a custom quote.
Who Can Issue a Certified True Copy in the UAE?
In the UAE, Certified True Copies can be issued by:
- MOJ-licensed translation offices — the most common, accessible, and fastest option. Their CTCs are accepted across all government departments, free zones, and banks.
- Notary public offices attached to UAE courts — suitable when notarisation is also required.
- The original issuing authority — for example, the Ministry of Education certifying copies of educational documents.
For most practical purposes, an MOJ-licensed translation office is the recommended route — it's faster, more accessible, and universally accepted.
Conclusion
Certified True Copies are a routine administrative requirement in the UAE's document-intensive regulatory environment. Whether you're registering a business, applying for a professional licence, opening a bank account, or submitting documents overseas — a CTC from an MOJ-licensed office is fast, affordable, and universally accepted.
Elite Legal Translation Services provides same-day CTC services for all document types across our UAE offices. Contact us today to get your document certified quickly and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Certified True Copies in the UAE.
A Certified True Copy (CTC) is an official reproduction of an original document stamped and signed by an authorised authority — such as an MOJ-licensed translation office or notary public — confirming it is a genuine, identical copy of the original. In the UAE, CTCs are required by government departments, banks, free zones, and international bodies.
A CTC confirms the copy matches the original document. A notarised copy goes further: a notary public certifies both the accuracy of the copy and the authenticity of any signatures on it. An attested copy carries verification stamps from MOFA or an embassy and is required for international use. For most UAE government and corporate submissions, a standard CTC is what is specifically requested.
In the UAE, CTCs can be issued by MOJ-licensed translation offices (the most common and accessible method), notary public offices attached to courts, or the original issuing authority such as the Ministry of Education for educational documents. For most practical purposes, an MOJ-licensed translation office is recommended as their CTCs are accepted everywhere.
Most standard CTC certifications can be completed the same day, often within a few hours, when you use an MOJ-licensed translation office like Elite Legal Translation Services. Complex or multi-page documents may require next-day processing. We offer express rush services for urgent requirements.
Standard document CTC certification typically costs AED 199–299 per page for single standard documents. Complex or multi-page documents may range AED 159–249 per page (discounted rate). Additional charges may apply for overseas certification stamps or bundled translation services. Contact us for a custom quote for large or complex document sets.
Almost any document can be certified, including passports, national ID cards (Emirates ID), educational certificates and transcripts, professional licences, company documents (trade licence, MOA, share certificates), financial statements, bank documents, court orders and judgments, and medical certificates. If you have a document type not listed here, contact us to confirm.
Same-Day Certified True Copy Service Across the UAE
Elite Legal Translation Services provides fast, reliable, and affordable CTC certification for all document types. MOJ-licensed. Universally accepted.