How to Attest Documents for UAE — Complete Attestation Guide 2026
UAE requires official attestation of foreign documents (educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, professional qualifications) for various UAE applications including visa, employment, and business setup. This guide explains UAE document attestation for 2026.
Why UAE Requires Document Attestation
UAE authorities verify foreign documents through a chain of attestation to confirm they are genuine. The chain establishes: the document is genuine (issued by the institution claimed); the notary/official who verified it is legitimate; the home country government recognises the notary; the UAE Embassy in the home country confirms home country government verification; UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirms the UAE Embassy stamp.
Standard UAE Document Attestation Chain
- Notarisation: notarise the document with a licensed notary in the home country
- Home country government attestation: submit to the relevant ministry (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education for degrees)
- UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation: submit attested document to UAE Embassy in home country for UAE Embassy stamp
- UAE MOFA attestation: upon entering UAE, attest the UAE Embassy-stamped document at UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hague Apostille — Simplified for 120+ Countries
For countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention (including UK, USA, Australia, most EU countries, India): a single Apostille stamp from the home country’s designated authority replaces steps 1-3 above. UAE accepts Apostille-stamped documents, then you only need UAE MOFA attestation (step 4).
- UK Apostille: Solicitor’s notarisation + FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Apostille
- USA Apostille: notarisation + Secretary of State Apostille
- India: e-Apostille via Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India online portal (launched 2023 for Hague Convention countries)
UAE MOFA Attestation (Final Step)
- Visit UAE MOFA offices or authorised typing centres
- Online booking available via UAE MOFA website
- Processing time: 3-5 business days standard; 1-day express service (higher fee)
- Fee: AED 150 per document standard
Documents Commonly Needing UAE Attestation
- University degrees: for professional licences (doctors, engineers, lawyers)
- Marriage certificate: for spouse/dependent visa sponsorship
- Birth certificate: for child dependent visa
- Company documents: for business setup in UAE (Articles of Incorporation of parent company)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): for certain UAE professional licences and Golden Visa applications