UAE document attestation and apostille are required when using foreign documents in the UAE (for company formation, visa applications, or court proceedings) or using UAE documents abroad. The UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021, simplifying the process.
Apostille vs Attestation — What Is the Difference?
An apostille is a simplified authentication accepted by all 120+ Hague Convention member countries. It is issued by a designated authority in the document’s home country. A UAE apostille on a UAE document is now accepted in most countries without further authentication.
Attestation is the older, multi-step process still required for countries that have not joined the Hague Convention. It involves notarisation → home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy in that country → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Common Documents Requiring Attestation/Apostille for UAE Business
- Educational certificates (for visa applications)
- Marriage certificates (for family visa sponsorship)
- Power of Attorney documents
- Certificates of Incorporation (for foreign companies establishing UAE subsidiaries)
- Company resolutions and board minutes
UAE Apostille Process (for UAE-issued documents)
Since October 2021, UAE documents can receive an apostille directly from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) online portal at mofa.gov.ae. The apostille is valid for countries that have joined the Hague Convention. Cost: AED 150 per document. Processing: 1–3 working days.
Foreign Document Attestation for UAE Use
| Step | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notarisation | Notary public in home country |
| 2 | Home country MFA attestation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs in home country |
| 3 | UAE Embassy attestation | UAE Embassy in home country |
| 4 | UAE MOFA attestation | mofa.gov.ae or MOFA service centre in UAE |