Guide to the legalisation of documents in the United Arab Emirates

Oracle
25 March 2024
11.41 am

An Introduction to the Legalisation of Documents

If you are considering moving to Dubai or setting up your business there, you will need to make careful preparations, particularly with regard to the legalisation of your documents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this article, we will guide you through the process of legalising your essential documents in the UAE.

In the United Arab Emirates, the government requires that all essential documents, such as educational certificates and professional records, be authenticated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to comply with this requirement could hinder your immigration process and jeopardise your employment or business opportunities.

Types of documents requiring certification in the UAE:

University degrees and certificates
Academic transcripts
Constitutional documents such as articles of association, extracts and resolutions of the directors and owners
Marriage certificates
Birth and divorce certificates
Commercial agreements and contracts
Fingerprints

The process of legalising documents

The specific procedure varies depending on the origin of the document, whether it was issued domestically or abroad. Below, we outline the necessary steps for each scenario:

For documents issued abroad:

Notarisation : Each document must be certified by a notary.
Educational materials : University qualifications must be approved by the Ministry of Education.
Approval from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs : Finally, certification must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.

For documents issued in the UAE:

Translation : Documents must be translated into English or Arabic and certified by the issuing authority.
Approval from the Foreign Office : Certification is required from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Consular endorsement : Translated documents must also be certified by their respective consular offices.

Timeframes and costs for the legalisation of documents

The process of legalising documents in the UAE usually takes between 5 and 7 days. It is important to factor in this legalisation period when planning your move, as you may face delays, complications and additional costs if your documents are not properly certified.

Although the official certification fees are comparatively lower for individuals than for businesses, it is important to note that these costs can add up. It is therefore essential to set aside a budget for legalisation fees when preparing to move to the UAE or expand your business there.

Your turnkey solution for the legalisation of documents

At Horacle Consulting, our team understands the challenges that individuals and businesses face when moving to a new country. We are here to help you with the legalisation process, ensuring that all your documents are properly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Contact us today for expert advice and guidance on how to legalise your essential documents to ensure a smooth transition to the United Arab Emirates.