Apostille vs Attestation: What’s the Difference in the UAE?
Understanding the Legalization Process in the UAE
In any country, international move, study, or business activities require the legalisation of documents. There are two terms, such as Apostille and attestation, that many people confuse, but assume they’re the same thing.
In the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to the fact that the Apostille Convention Hague does not apply to the country, completion of documents is done in stages and through an attestation process. In this article, I will describe the differences between Apostille and Attestation, their objectives, as well as the complete processes for each.
Apostille vs Attestation: Key Differences
What Is Apostille?
An Apostille is a type of document certification used among countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on an official document, allowing it to be recognized in other member countries without additional legalization.
Common Uses of Apostille
- Studying abroad in a Hague Convention country
- Working or immigrating to Europe, the UK, or the USA
- Registering businesses or marriages overseas
- Presenting birth or educational documents internationally
Example
If you have a degree from Dubai and you want to use it in France (a Hague member), the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can issue an Apostille certificate to make it valid there.
What Is Attestation?
Attestation is the process of verifying a document through multiple authorities to confirm its authenticity for use in countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar, or Kuwait.
The attestation process ensures that a document issued abroad (for example, in India, Pakistan, or the UK) is recognized as legally valid in the UAE.
Why the UAE Does Not Accept Apostille Alone
Since the UAE is not a Hague member, an Apostille certificate by itself is not sufficient for document use within the Emirates. Documents must undergo the standard attestation chain to ensure recognition by UAE government bodies, employers, schools, and courts.
Step-by-Step Process for Documents Issued Outside the UAE
- Local Authentication
Get your document notarized or verified by the relevant local authority (e.g., a notary public, university, or chamber of commerce). - Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Attestation
The document must then be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its equivalent authority. - UAE Embassy / Consulate Attestation
Submit your authenticated document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country. - UAE MOFA Attestation (Final Step)
Once in the UAE, the MOFAIC attests the document to confirm its full legal validity.
Step-by-Step Process for Documents Issued in the UAE (for Use Abroad)
- Notarization by Local Authority or Court
The document must first be certified locally. - MOFAIC Attestation
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms authenticity. - Apostille Issuance (if destination is a Hague Country)
The Apostille certificate is then attached, making the document valid abroad.
Documents That Require Apostille or Attestation
- Educational Certificates (Degrees, Diplomas, Transcripts)
- Personal Certificates (Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death)
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs)
- Commercial Documents (Contracts, Trade Licenses, Invoices, Powers of Attorney)
- Medical and Legal Certificates
Costs and Timelines
- MOFA Attestation Fees: approx. AED 150 (personal) – AED 2,000 (commercial)
- Embassy Attestation Fees: vary by country and document type
- Processing Time: 3 – 10 working days for UAE attestation; 1 – 3 weeks for foreign documents
Why Choose Attestation Office UAE
✔ Licensed private company – not a government authority
✔ Offices in
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman
✔ Fast, secure, and reliable service
✔ Full support for Apostille & Attestation processes
✔ Pickup and delivery options available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Apostille documents in the UAE?
No. The UAE does not accept Apostille certificates alone; documents must be fully attested through embassy and MOFA channels.
2. Who issues Apostilles in the UAE?
The UAE
MOFAIC issues Apostilles for UAE-origin documents used in Hague member countries.
3. How long is attestation valid?
Once completed, attestation remains valid unless the document itself expires or is re-issued.
4. Can I get both Apostille and Attestation?
Yes. Some documents require both when used across different jurisdictions.
Get Professional Help Today
If you need Apostille or Attestation for your personal, educational, or business documents, contact Attestation Office UAE.
📍 Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Ajman
Call +971 4 330 0011
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