The UAE has strict requirements for foreign documents, and completing the process correctly will save you time, stress, and potential delays in your visa or residency application.
This guide breaks down the essential documents you may need, why notarisation matters, and how the full UK to UAE legalisation chain works.
Why Notarisation Is Required
Dubai authorities require foreign documents to be authenticated to ensure they are genuine and legally valid. For UK documents, this typically involves three steps:
- Notarisation – A UK notary public certifies the document or witnesses your signature.
- Apostille (FCDO Legalisation) – The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirms the notary’s authority by issuing an apostille. For more information on apostilles – see our article on the subject by clicking here .
- UAE Embassy Attestation – The UAE Embassy in London verifies the apostilled document before it can be used in Dubai.
Documents for use in the UAE must be notarised, then apostilled and finally attested by the UAE Embassy. The process can take approximately 4 weeks to complete although the exact timeframes tend to vary based on how busy the UAE Embassy is.
Common Documents That Require Notarisation for Dubai
Depending on your purpose for relocating, you may need some or all of the following:
1. Educational Certificates
Often required for:
- Employment visas
- Professional licensing
- Skills verification
These may include degrees, diplomas, transcripts, or professional qualifications. They typically require notarisation before apostille and UAE attestation.
2. Employment Documents
- Job offer letters
- Employment contracts
- Reference letters
Some employers request notarised, apostilled and legalised documents to support visa applications.
3. Personal Status Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
These are commonly required for family visas, school admissions, or proof of identity. These documents often need to be notarised, apostilled and legalised at the UAE Embassy.
4. Police Clearance Certificate
A UK police clearance certificate (ACRO) is often required for residency applications. It often requires notarisation, apostille and legalisation at the UAE Embassy.
5. Powers of Attorney
If you need someone to act on your behalf in Dubai (for example to handle your visa application) or in the UK (for example to manage your affairs here once you leave), a notarised, apostilled and legalised power of attorney is essential.
6. Commercial Documents (for business relocation)
- Articles of association
- Board resolutions
- Certificates of incorporation
Commercial documents also require notarisation, apostille and legalisation at the UAE Embassy.
The Notarisation, Apostille and UAE Legalisation Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Notarisation
A UK notary public will:
- Verify your identity
- Certify copies of documents (as required)
- Witness signatures (as required)
- Prepare notarial certificates
This step ensures the document is authentic and ready for government verification.
Step 2: Apostille by the FCDO
The FCDO confirms the notary’s authority by issuing an apostille.
Documents for the UAE must be apostilled before embassy attestation.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation
The UAE Embassy in London reviews the apostilled document and applies its official stamp. It is essential that each document to be legalised has been separately notarised and apostilled. The UAE Embassy will reject any form of bundling of documents together.
Additional Considerations
Translations
If your documents are not in English or Arabic, certified translations may be required. Some UAE authorities request Arabic translations after attestation.
Digital vs. Paper Documents
Some UK documents are now issued electronically. Check whether the UAE will accept digital versions or if a notarised hard copy is required.
Using a Professional Service
Given the multi step process, many people choose to use a specialist notary firm such as Apex Notaries to manage:
- Notarisation
- Apostille
- Embassy attestation
- Courier handling
This can significantly reduce delays and administrative errors.
Final Thoughts
Notarising and legalising documents for use in Dubai is a structured but manageable process when you understand the steps involved. Whether you’re moving for work, business, or family reasons, ensuring your paperwork is correctly prepared will make your transition to life in the UAE much smoother.
We at Apex Notaries have been assisting clients moving from the UK to Dubai and elsewhere for over 15 years and have a very clear understanding of the requirements and steps required to be completed to make the process as smooth as possible for our clients.
For more information please contact us via the form below