Legalization & Attestation

Complete Guide: Legalization & Attestation in the UAE (2025)

What Is Legalization & Attestation?

In the UAE, legalization and attestation are formal validation processes that ensure your documents—whether issued inside or outside the country—are recognized as official and authentic by UAE authorities, employers, educational institutions, and banks.

Why It’s Important

• Mandatory for visa applications, employment, company setup, degree recognition, and marriage/birth registrations
• Prevents delays or rejections due to unverified documents
• Establishes legal integrity and trustworthiness in official and cross-border transactions

Types of Documents Covered

• Educational Certificates (diplomas, degrees)
• Personal Documents (marriage/birth certificates, police clearance, powers of attorney)
• Corporate Documents (MOA, board resolutions, contracts, invoices)

Step-by-Step Process for Legalization & Attestation

1. Notarization (if applicable)
   Document is first notarized at a recognized notary public or licensing authority.
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
   Local documents are stamped by UAE MOFA; foreign documents often require notarization at their origin before MOFA approval.
3. Embassy or Consulate Attestation
   If the document is from abroad, it must be attested by both the originating country’s ministry and the UAE embassy/consulate there.
4. UAE Embassy / Consulate in UAE
   For some foreign docs, an additional stamp from the UAE embassy in the issuing country may be needed.
5. Final Ministry Stamp
   Depending on usage, the UAE MOFA stamps the document again after embassy attestation to complete legalization.
6. Translation Certification (if needed)
   Non-English or Arabic documents may require certified translation, which is also attested.

Estimated Timeline for Legalization & Attestation

Total Estimated Time

3 to 14 working days, depending on the document type, country of origin, and urgency of service.

Estimated Fees for Legalization & Attestation

The cost of legalization and attestation services varies depending on the type of document, country of issuance, and number of steps involved—such as notarization, embassy verification, certified translation, and MOFA stamping.

For an accurate quotation tailored to your specific needs,
please contact Brightlink Consultancy directly.

Our team will provide a detailed cost breakdown and guide you through the entire process with transparency and efficiency.

Common Scenarios

• Recognizing foreign academic degrees for UAE employment
• Submitting marriage or birth certificates for immigration
• Notarizing power of attorney for legal or property matters
• Validating corporate documents (e.g., board resolutions) for business setup

How Brightlink Consultancy Can Help

Brightlink offers full-service support, including:

• Notarization assistance
• Coordination with MOFA and UAE ministries
• Embassy and consulate liaison both locally and abroad
• Certified translation and typing in English and Arabic
• Multi-step tracking and delivery
• Guidance on document-specific requirements and best practices

Conslusion:

Attested and legalized documents are the backbone of any official or legal process in the UAE. Whether you need them for visas, business, education, or legal matters, Brightlink Consultancy ensures your documents are authenticated accurately and swiftly, giving you confidence and credibility.

📞 Need your documents attested? Contact Brightlink Consultancy for fast, professional legalization services.