UAE Free Zone Document Notarisation and Attestation Guide 2026
UAE free zone company documents often need notarisation, attestation, or apostille for use in contracts, banking, international business, or overseas courts. This guide explains the process for 2026.
In this guide:
Key Terms Explained
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Notarisation | A UAE notary public certifies the document authenticity |
| MoFA Attestation | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests the notary signature |
| Apostille | Simplified international attestation for Hague Convention countries (UAE joined 2022) |
| Embassy Attestation | Foreign embassy in UAE attests the document for use in their country |
| Certified Copy | A copy certified as a true copy of the original by the issuing authority (free zone) |
Typical Document Attestation Path
For Use in Apostille Countries (Europe, USA, UK, Australia, etc.)
- Obtain certified copy from your free zone authority
- Get notarised by a UAE Notary Public (cost: AED 100-500)
- Submit to UAE MoFA for apostille (cost: AED 150-200 per document; available online via mofaic.gov.ae)
For Use in Non-Apostille Countries (Some Gulf States, certain Asian countries)
- Certified copy from free zone
- Notarisation by UAE Notary Public
- MoFA attestation
- Target country embassy in UAE attestation
Common Documents That Need Attestation
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Trade Licence
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Board resolutions
Timeline and Cost
| Step | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone certified copy | AED 100 – 500 | 1-3 days |
| UAE Notary Public | AED 100 – 300 | Same day – 1 day |
| MoFA Apostille/Attestation | AED 150 – 200 | 1-3 days (online) |
| Embassy attestation (if needed) | USD 50 – 200 | 3-10 days |