UAE Attestation

What is UAE Attestation?: UAE Attestation is the process of legalising a document so it can be officially recognised and accepted in the United Arab Emirates. For UK documents, this usually involves FCDO legalisation first, followed by UAE Embassy attestation and, where required, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation in the UAE.

Category: Embassy Attestation

Can I Legalise?: Your UK document can be legalised for use in the UAE, provided it meets the required format for FCDO legalisation and UAE Embassy attestation.

Acceptable Formats for Legalisation:

• For UAE Attestation, the document will usually need to be legalised by the FCDO first. Depending on the document type, this may require:
• Your original UK-issued document, where the FCDO can verify the signature or seal directly.
• A solicitor-certified or notary-certified copy, where the original document cannot be legalised directly.
• A notarised document, where notarial certification is required before FCDO legalisation.

PLEASE NOTE: UAE Attestation requirements depend on the document type and the authority requesting the document in the UAE. Photocopies are only acceptable where they have been properly certified or notarised, and where this format is accepted for that document type.

Requires Solicitor/Notary Certification?: Sometimes. Original government-issued documents may not require solicitor or notary certification before FCDO legalisation. Private documents, copies, company documents and some educational documents may need solicitor or notary certification first.

Requires Submission as Originals?: Usually yes, or as a properly certified/notarised copy where accepted. The document must normally be submitted in the correct format for FCDO legalisation before UAE Embassy attestation can be completed.

Important Notes: UAE is a non-Hague country, so an FCDO apostille alone may not be enough. Many UAE authorities require further UAE Embassy attestation and sometimes MOFA attestation in the UAE. Requirements can vary depending on the document type and the requesting UAE authority.

Common Use: UAE employment visas, residency applications, family visas, education, company formation, commercial use, professional licensing, court matters and government submissions.

Requires Embassy Attestation?: Yes. UAE Embassy attestation is normally required for documents intended for official use in the United Arab Emirates.