Attested documents are required for most processes in the UAE, for companies and for individuals therefore it is essential to obtain official recognition of these documents for use within the UAE. Attested documents for the likes of UAE company set up applications, Foreign Branch registration, work permits, residence visas, school admissions etc are mandatory. The process can differ dependent on the type of document or the original issuing country of these documents.

Why is Document Attestation required?

All documents issued outside of the UAE must be verified by the country of origin, it is important to legally confirm that certain documents are genuine from the issuing country. UAE government bodies are unable to verify if a document is valid without the confirmation from the original issuing body; this is specifically important for education and qualification certificates as well as marriage and birth certificates which differ in appearance from each country and educational establishment.

What is the process of Document Attestation in the UAE?

The document attestation process consists of three steps: Notarisation, Attestation and Legalisation.

1. The document is presented to and viewed by a notary in the issuing country who confirms the document is a ‘true copy’ which confirms that they have seen the original and verified it as a genuine copy
2. This notarised ‘true copy’ is then presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin who will ‘attest’ that the Notary stamp is genuine
3. This notarised and attested document is then taken to the UAE Embassy in the country of origin who will stamp (legalise) verifying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp is genuine and it can be used in the UAE
4. The document is then presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE and stamped to verify that the UAE Embassy in the country of origin is genuine. UAE MOFA stamps for personal documents such as educational certificates cost AED 150 per document and corporate documents such as Certificates of Incorporation cost AED 2,000 per document*.
5. Once the document has been stamped by MOFA, the document can then be legally translated into Arabic and stamped by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to say that the translator is legally appointed.
6. Once the above steps have been taken, the document is ready for use in the UAE

*Other fees will apply at each stage and are subject to change

What is the process of attestation in the issuing country?

Example – Attesting document from the United Kingdom for use in the UAE:

1. For documents issued within the UK: Obtain certification of the document, as a true copy from a solicitor or Notary Public if the document has not been signed by a UK registrar of births, deaths and marriages (for example an educational certificate).
2. Submit the certified document to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Milton Keynes where the solicitor’s stamp will be verified.
3. Send the document to the UAE Embassy in London, who will attest them.
4. The document can then be posted to PRO Partner Group in UAE who can obtain the MOFA stamp and then undertake the legal translation with MOJ stamp.
5. The document is not ready for use in the UAE.

Example – Attesting documents from France or Italy for use in the UAE:

1. Obtain notarization of the document and its copy by a solicitor or Notary Public.
2. Submit the document to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Paris or Rome, who will verify the solicitor’s stamp.
3. Send the document to the UAE Embassy in Paris or Rome for consular attestation.
4. The document can then be posted to PRO Partner Group in the UAE who can obtain the MOFA stamp and then undertake the legal translation with MOJ stamp.
5. The document is now ready for use in the UAE.

How can PRO Partner Group Assist?

Using a professional attestation service from the UAE can reduce the stress of ensuring that all the requirements are met for attestation and reduces the risk of costly delays or errors. PRO Partner Group can assist in offering a door-to-door attestation service for legalisation of overseas documents through our network of trusted partners.

For further information or to assist with you document attestation within the UAE, or any other related government liaison matter in the UAE click here or call us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 in Dubai or +971 (0) 2 448 5120 in Abu Dhabi.