How to Legalise Documents Issued in the UAE/Dubai

Understanding Document Legalisation in the UAE/Dubai

Document legalisation is the process of giving your document an official stamp of approval. It's a process where authorities confirm that your document is genuine and valid for use anywhere it is required and tendered. This is important when you're dealing with papers that need to be recognised in another country besides the country that issued it, it shows that your document follows the rules and standards set by the government or relevant authorities. There are two ways that documents are generally legalised: By Apostille and Consular Legalisation. In the UAE/Dubai, documents are legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the process of Attestation or Consular Legalisation.
 

Does the UAE/Dubai Use Apostilles? 

156 countries of the world are part of the Hague Convention. 65 of these countries are connected parties, which means that they are partial members or they are in the process of becoming full, permanent members and the other 91 countries are permanent members of the convention. The United Arab Emirates is not a part of the countries that abide by the Hague Convention and therefore does not use apostilles to legalise documents. 
 

UAE MOFA Attestation 

Since the United Arab Emirates is not part of the Hague Convention and does not use apostilles to legalise its documents, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation is used instead. This process confirms the authenticity of the signatures and seals on your document. The UAE/Dubai attestation stamp comes in the form of a square printed sticker that carries the handwritten name and signature of the official, an official seal and the UAE/Dubai national emblem. It has a heading indicating that it is from the “United Arab Emirates” and beneath it is a reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The stamp also contains other information about the document such as the date it was issued, a reference number and a barcode for security verification.
 

Consular Legalisation by the UAE/Dubai

Consular legalisation, also known as document attestation in the UAE/Dubai is the process of confirming or certifying legal documents and ensuring their recognition and acceptance by the UAE’s legal system. This extra layer of verification is carried out by the diplomatic or consular mission of the UAE/Dubai in the country where the document is issued. For example, if a document from France is to be used in the UAE/Dubai, it will be legalised by the UAE Embassy in France after it has received its authentication. 

It is usually used between countries that are not part of the Hague Convention like the UAE or when one of the states involved has raised objections to the other's accession. Consular legalisation can be a more expensive and time-consuming process compared to just getting an apostille stamp. This is because various local authorities and the diplomatic mission of the UAE/Dubai are involved in this legalisation process. 
 

What Documents Can Be Legalised in the UAE/Dubai?

People typically need to legalise a range of documents for various purposes, depending on their needs but common documents that people often legalise in the UAE/Dubai include:

• Civil status certificates: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates, etc.
   
• Arabian trade register excerpts: Documents related to business registrations and trade activities.
   
• Land register extracts: Official documents providing information about real estate or land ownership and legal status.
   
• Documents connected with a court: Documents related to legal proceedings and judgments.
   
• Patents: Documents related to patents and intellectual property.
   
• Academic diplomas Issued by public institutions: transcripts, diplomas, matriculation certificates, and additional certificates from schools or universities.
   
• Documents of a particular nature that a notary and county clerk have recognised: travel authorisation for a minor and forms of authorisation to obtain the passport of a minor.
   
• Translations by court interpreters.
   
• Official documents issued by state authorities.
   
• Powers of attorney, last will and testaments, declarations.
   

Types of Documents That Cannot be Legalised in the UAE/Dubai

• Private contracts, private letters, or documents issued by non-official entities.
   
• Documents such as invoices, trade contracts, and customs documents. 
   
• Diplomatic and Consular Documents.
   
• ID Cards.
   
• Passports in their original form.
  
   
• Residence documents.
  
   

How to Legalise Your Documents in the UAE/Dubai (UAE Citizens/Residents)

Here is a simple guide to legalising your documents in the UAE/Dubai as a UAE citizen or resident going to other countries:

Step One - Get the Original Documents: Ensure you have the original document or an official copy issued by the relevant Arabian authorities. Ensure that the copy has the official seal and signature of the institution and is a true copy of the original. 
 

Step Two - Have Them Attested: Before a document can be used abroad, it must be attested by the UAE MOFA. This confirms the document is valid and authentic. The document must not be laminated. Laminated documents will not receive a MOFA Attestation.

The MOFA has a mobile application where you can apply for an attestation online. To do so, follow these steps:

• Go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store and Install the MOFAIC app.
   
• Create an account on the app and sign in or log in using your UAE pass. If you are attesting documents for a company, create an account on the MOFAIC platform.
   
• Go to “My Tasks.”
   
• Select “Business Services” or “Individual Services” based on your document type.
   
• Select “Attest Official Document, Certificates”.
   
• Complete the necessary steps with the required details.
   
• Upload the documents you need attested.
   
• Select a payment option and pay the required fees for your document (150 AED for individual certificates and 2000 AED for commercial certificates).

You will receive an SMS and Email with a reference number confirming your successful application.
 

Step Three - Translate the Document: If the document is not already in the official language of the destination country, you'll need to get a notarised certified translation. This certified translation should be done by a certified document translation service in Dubai. They ensure your documents are translated accurately and legally.

Step Four - Legalization by the Embassy/Consulate: After MOFA attestation, the document needs to be legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country located in the UAE. This step ensures the document meets the destination country's legal requirements.
 

Step Five - Receive the Attested Document: Document attestation in the UAE can a few days or up to a few weeks to be completed. Once the documents have been attested, you can have them delivered by courier or you can visit the Customer Happiness Centre of the MOFA to pick them up if you are in the UAE. Your document is now valid for use in foreign countries. 
 

How to get a Notarised Translation in the UAE/Dubai Online

To get a notarised translation in the UAE/Dubai online, follow these steps: 

1. Visit the Translayte website. 

2. Click on “Order Certified Translation”.

3. Select “Certified Translation”, select the target and source language, and your preferred turnover time. 

4. Upload the document you want to translate. Ensure the file has been named correctly to avoid confusion. 

5. Select either the Standard, Specialist or Professional translation services, based on your specialty need and budget.

6. Specify that you want a “notarised translation” and any other specifications you prefer for your document.

7. Place your order and wait for your translation.  Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.
 

How to Get Consular Legalisation for Documents Going to the UAE/Dubai(Non-UAE Citizens/Residents )

Getting consular legalisation for document(s) to be used in the UAE/Dubai is the process of legalising foreign-issued documents that will be used in the UAE/Dubai, according to the legal requirements of the Arabian authority receiving the document(s). Authorities such as Notaries, or the Embassy do the attestation of documents, however, the final attestation is done by the Embassy of the UAE in your country. 

Here’s the process for getting consular legalisation in your country for documents going to the UAE/Dubai:

1. Identify the Competent Authority: Find out the authority responsible for attesting and authenticating documents in your country. The document attestation process starts with the body that issued the document, and followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country. If it is a different authority, make sure to identify them. For example, in the United Kingdom, the body in charge of attesting documents is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
 

2. Prepare Your Documents: Make sure your documents are in order and meet any requirements set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. This usually includes notarisation, translations or other authentication steps. The documents you will be expected to take along with you usually include:

• The original documents that are to be legalised.
• A national identification like an international passport or national ID card.
• Photocopies of your documents.
• Proof of payment of legalisation fees.
• A filled application form, usually from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.
   

3. Submit the Documents: Submit your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with any required fees set by your country. This can often be done in person or through their designated channels.
 

4. Receive the Attested Documents:  Once the authentication is issued, you can either pick up the documents in person or have them mailed to you, depending on the options provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. Before travelling to the UAE, ensure that the authentication is valid as per the requirements of your country & the UAE. 
 

5. Send the Document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate for Consular Legalisation: After your document has been attested or authenticated by the appropriate authorities in your country, go to the United Arab Emirates embassy and further legalise the document according to their requirements. After this step, you can use your document in the UAE.
 

6. Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Upon arrival in the UAE, the document needs to be attested by the UAE MOFA to confirm its authenticity for use within the UAE. If the document is not in Arabic, it may need to be translated by a UAE-certified translator, and the translation then attested by the UAE MOFA.
 

Get Arabic Translations With Translayte

Every foreign document that is not in Arabic needs to be translated by a certified translator in the UAE/Dubai. Translayte is your best bet for getting locally relevant certified translation services such as Arabic to English translations, English to Arabic translations and translations from any language to Arabic and vice versa. Meeting the standards set by international authorities is our top priority. 

Our professional Arabic translators ensure that your documents are not just translated, but are in line with Arabian standards. Give it a try and request a free quote in a few easy steps.
 

FAQs 
 

How Many Days Will it Take for a UAE Embassy Attestation?

Once your documents have been submitted to the UAE embassy, it takes about than 10 to 12 days to get attested.
 

How do I Get Documents Attested for UAE?

After receiving your authentication, your documents can be attested or receive consular legalisation at the nearest  UAE Embassy in your country. 
 

How Much is The Legalisation Fee in The UAE?

The legalisation fee for individual documents and certificates in the UAE is 150 AED while for commercial certificates is 2000 AED. 
 

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