UAE company documents (trade licence, MOA, certificates of incorporation) often need to be attested or apostilled for use overseas. Here is a complete guide to UAE document attestation in 2025.
UAE Apostille (Since March 2023)
The UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention in March 2023. This means: UAE documents can now receive an Apostille stamp (via the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFA). The Apostille is accepted in all 120+ Hague Convention member countries WITHOUT requiring further attestation in those countries. UAE Apostille process: Submit the UAE document to MOFA (online or at a MOFA typing centre), pay the apostille fee (AED 150 per document), receive the Apostille certificate (usually within 1-2 days). Countries that accept UAE Apostille: USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, India, etc. (all Hague Convention members).
UAE Document Attestation (For Non-Apostille Countries)
For countries not party to the Hague Convention (China, Saudi Arabia, and certain others): traditional attestation chain is still required. UAE document attestation chain: Ministry of Justice (for notarised documents) OR Ministry of Education (for degree certificates) → MOFA UAE → Embassy of the destination country in the UAE → Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the destination country (for some countries). Countries requiring full attestation (not apostille): China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and others. Check with the specific destination country’s embassy in UAE for their exact requirements.
Which UAE Documents Commonly Need Apostille/Attestation?
Most commonly attested UAE business documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Trade Licence, MOA/AOA, Board Resolution / Power of Attorney, and Good Standing Certificate. Most commonly attested personal documents: Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Educational certificates (degree, diploma), and Visa/Residence copy (not a notarised document, but sometimes verified through UAE government portals).