UAE Company Apostille and Attestation for International Use 2026
When using UAE company documents internationally (for opening foreign bank accounts, registering a company in another country, or visa applications), you often need apostille or attestation. Here is the 2026 guide.
What Is Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication recognised internationally under the Hague Convention. It certifies that a document is genuine and was issued by the designated authority.
UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention: UAE signed in 2020, convention entered into force for UAE in January 2021. UAE-issued documents (trade licence, notarised contracts) can now be apostilled for use in any other Hague Convention country.
UAE Documents That Can Be Apostilled
- Trade licence (UAE free zone)
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of association (notarized version)
- Power of attorney (notarised)
- Board resolutions (notarised)
- Good standing certificate from the free zone
- Company extract or company profile from the free zone
Who Issues UAE Apostille?
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA): The designated UAE apostille authority
- All UAE government-issued documents (including free zone company documents) must first be notarised or certified, then sent to MoFA for apostille
Step-by-Step UAE Apostille Process
- Get the document notarised at a Dubai/UAE notary public (if required)
- Submit the notarised document to MoFA for apostille via their service centres or online portal
- Pay the apostille fee: AED 150-200 per document
- Receive apostilled document (1-3 working days in person; 3-7 days via online/courier)
Countries Where UAE Apostille Is Accepted
All 120+ Hague Convention member countries accept UAE apostille, including: EU countries, UK, US, Australia, India (acceded 2005), Brazil, Russia, China, Japan.
For countries NOT in the Hague Convention (certain African and Middle Eastern countries): Standard Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation is required (no apostille; requires MOFA stamp + destination country embassy attestation).