The process of legalizing documents in the UAE is an important step for those planning to move to this country. Learn about the procedure for legalizing documents in the UAE, the necessary steps, the documents that need to be legalized, the time it takes, and important details to consider.

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In today’s interconnected world, the need to legalize documents to ensure their validity and international recognition has become increasingly important. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a thriving business hub and global destination, is no exception. Understanding the process of document legalization in the UAE is crucial for anyone dealing with official matters, whether for employment, business or personal purposes.

This article provides a detailed guide to document legalization in the UAE, outlining which documents require legalization, the steps involved, the timeframes and important points to keep in mind.

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What is document legalization in the UAE?

Document legalization in the UAE is a standard legal procedure that ensures the legality of personal or corporate official documents for use in other countries. This service is one of the most common, since it is practically impossible to confirm the legitimacy of various certificates, diplomas, certificates, certificates and orders in any other way.

How is document legalization carried out in the world?

The procedures for mutual recognition of documents at the international level are regulated by the Hague Convention on Apostille, which was signed on October 5, 1961.

However, the UAE has not joined this agreement, so the country operates a different legalization system that does not involve the use of an apostille. An alternative option is a consular visa, which is not always convenient.

What documents do not require legalization in the UAE?

Not all documents require legalization in the UAE, the procedure is not required for:

- Personal passport - foreign and domestic;

- Any documents confirming identity (passport, ID card, etc.);

- Driver's license.

- Government documents: Documents such as UAE ID cards, national passports and residence visas are already recognized by the UAE authorities and do not require further legalization.

- Internal documents: Documents that are used exclusively in the UAE, such as local business contracts, internal company documents or personal correspondence.

However, in certain cases (such as when registering a marriage or completing other legal procedures), a notarized translation of these documents may be required.

Documents that need to be legalized in the UAE

- Educational documents

Diplomas, degrees, transcripts, certificates and other academic records often need to be legalized, especially if they will be used for employment or further education in the UAE or abroad.

- Business documents

If you are starting a business or entering into commercial agreements in the UAE, documents such as contracts, business registration documents, financial statements and powers of attorney will need to be legalized.

- Personal Documents

Personal documents such as marriage, divorce, birth and adoption certificates require legalization if they are to be used for official purposes (e.g. residency applications, visas or legal matters in the UAE).

- Notarized Documents

Any documents that have been notarized in the UAE or abroad may require additional legalization, especially if they are to be used in a jurisdiction outside the country.

- Medical Certificates

Medical records and certificates used for immigration, employment or medical treatment may require legalization.

Key Steps to Legalizing a Document in the UAE

The process of legalizing a document in the UAE involves several steps. These steps ensure that the document is authentic and recognized by both local authorities and international organizations. The process typically involves the following steps:

Stage 1 – Notarization (if required)

Before a document can be legalized, it must be notarized. Notarization is the process of officially certifying the authenticity of a document. For example, powers of attorney, contracts, and affidavits may require notarization.

Stage 2 – UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation

After notarization, the document must be authenticated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This step authenticates the document for use in the country and abroad.

Documents issued outside the UAE must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of origin before being brought to the UAE for further legalization.

Step 3 – Attestation at the Consular Office

For foreign documents (such as educational certificates, birth certificates or legal documents), the next step is to have them attested by the embassy of the country of origin in the UAE. This ensures that the document is officially recognized by the country of origin and confirms its authenticity.

Step 4 – Final Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Once the document has been attested by the foreign embassy, ​​it must be returned to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for final attestation. This confirms that the document is legally valid for use in the UAE.

In some cases, the final attestation is carried out by the UAE embassy in the country of origin or the country’s consulate in the UAE.

Step 5 – Legalization by local authorities (if required)

Some documents, particularly those related to business, may require additional legalization by local authorities or specific UAE government departments. For example, if you are setting up a company, commercial documents may need to be approved by the Dubai Department of Economy or the relevant local authority.

How long does it take to legalise documents in the UAE?

The time frame for legalising documents in the UAE can vary depending on the type of document, its country of origin and the speed of processing each stage. In general, here is a rough timeline:

- Notarisation: This can be done within one to two days at a notary’s office.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Attestation: This can take 3-5 working days, depending on the type of document and whether it is a local or foreign document.

- Embassy Attestation: If the document originates from outside the UAE, the attestation at the embassy can take 5-7 working days.

- Final MFA Attestation: Once the embassy has legalised the document, the final attestation at the MFA can take 2-3 working days.

In general, the entire process of legalizing a document in the UAE can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the document and the speed of the various government agencies.

What else should you know about legalizing documents in the UAE?

- Number of copies

It is often better to legalize multiple copies of a document if you expect to need them for different purposes (for example, for business, obtaining visas, or personal matters).

- Language

Documents drawn up in foreign languages ​​(other than Arabic or English) may require translation into Arabic or English before legalization. The translation itself may also require notarization.

- Validity of the document

Once legalized, the document is usually valid for a limited period of time (for example, 6 months to 1 year), so it is important to ensure that the document is used within the specified period of time.

- Special cases for certain countries

Some countries, such as the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, have special agreements with the UAE that allow for simplified legalization procedures for certain documents or are exempt from it altogether.

Legalization of documents in the UAE is an important process for conducting any legal procedures abroad. Whether you are a businessman, student or expat, ensuring that your documents are properly legalized is crucial for finding employment in the UAE, starting a business or processing immigration documents.

Given the complexity of the legalization process, especially when dealing with foreign documents, we recommend that you seek the advice of a migration lawyer before the procedure. Experts can help you go through the entire process, following all the necessary steps, avoiding potential delays or complications. With their experience, you can be sure that your documents meet all legal requirements, and cooperation will save you time and effort.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to make the process of legalizing documents in the UAE more efficient and less stressful.

Reminder! In March 2025, Dubai introduced new changes to the 2-year work visa, simplifying the process of obtaining a work permit for foreign professionals. We have already told you about the changes that have occurred in the work visa system in Dubai in 2025, about new opportunities for foreign workers and the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a permit.

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