Document attestation and apostille for the UAE
A foreign document only works in the UAE after a chain of stamps. We tell you which chain your document needs and take it through, so that a visa or a deal is not held up.
The chain for a foreign document
Each link relies on the previous one, so the order cannot change.
- 1Notary or issuer
Confirms the document itself.
- 2Foreign ministry
Confirms the notary, in the country of issue.
- 3UAE embassy
Confirms the ministry, in the same country.
- 4MOFA, UAE
Final stamp, recognised by UAE authorities.
- 5Arabic translation
By an MOJ-licensed translator, when required.
When you need it
- A marriage or birth certificate for a family visa
- A diploma for a work visa
- A power of attorney for a property deal
- Corporate documents for a company or a bank account
What we do
- Define the chain for your country and document
- Coordinate notarisation and the foreign ministry in the country of origin
- Arrange UAE embassy attestation
- Complete MOFA attestation in the UAE
- Order legal Arabic translation when required
MOFA fees and timing
| Document | MOFA fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | AED 150 | Marriage or birth certificate, diploma |
| Commercial | AED 2,000 | Charter, board resolution, parent licence |
| Power of attorney | AED 150 or AED 2,000 | Personal or business |
| Normal service | 3 working days | Up to 25 documents |
| Express service | 1 working day | Up to 10 documents |
A UAE mission abroad charges its own fee. Steps in the country of issue have no fixed term.
Documents
- Original document
- Passport copy
- Power of attorney, if we act for you in the country of origin
According to current reports, the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention: for use here, an apostille alone is not enough and the document still needs the UAE embassy and MOFA stamps. We confirm the requirement with the authority that will receive your document.
Why documents get rejected
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Only an apostille | Add the UAE embassy and MOFA stamps |
| Laminated original | Order a new original before you start |
| Name differs from passport | Align spelling before translating |
| Missing or unreadable QR code | Check the stamps as soon as they are issued |
| Translator without MOJ licence | Use a licensed translator |
Questions
My document already has an apostille. Is that enough?
Usually not for the UAE. Send us a photo and we will tell you which stamps are still missing.
Do I need to travel home?
Often not. Much of the chain can be done through a representative, under a power of attorney.
