US Citizens Moving to Dubai

Everything American expats need to know about getting US documents ready for marriage, work visas, and residency in the UAE. From apostilles to MOFA attestation — simplified.

The Short Version

US documents going to Dubai typically need 3 steps:

1. Apostille from your US State Secretary of State
2. UAE Embassy Attestation in Washington D.C. (or use IVF Global as intermediary)
3. MOFA Attestation once you are in UAE + Arabic Translation (MOJ-certified)

Total timeline: 2-4 weeks if you plan ahead. Rush options available.

Step 1: US Apostille

An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. The US is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies document legalization between member countries.

Where to Get a US Apostille

Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where your document was issued:

• Birth/Marriage Certificates: State where the event occurred
• Degrees/Diplomas: State where the institution is located
• FBI Background Check: US Department of State (federal level)
• Court Documents: State where the court is located

The UAE is NOT a Hague Convention member. This means a US apostille alone is not sufficient — you still need UAE Embassy attestation. However, the apostille is the required first step.

Common Apostille Processing Times

Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Some accept walk-in same-day service.

Step 2: UAE Embassy Attestation (IVF Global)

After your document has a US apostille, it must be attested by the UAE Embassy in Washington D.C. This confirms the apostille is genuine and the document can be used in the UAE.

What is IVF Global?

IVF Global Services is the official outsourcing partner of the UAE Embassy for document attestation. Instead of dealing with the embassy directly, most people use IVF Global because:

• They accept documents by mail (you do not need to visit D.C.)
• Online tracking and status updates
• Faster processing than direct embassy submission
• They handle both the apostille verification and embassy attestation

IVF Global Website: ivfrelo.com Processing Time: 3-5 business days (standard) | 24-48 hours (express) Cost: Approximately $50-75 per document + return shipping

Documents IVF Global Processes

Personal: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, single status affidavits

Educational: University degrees, college diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, teaching certificates

Employment: FBI background checks, state police clearances, employment letters, experience certificates, professional references

Commercial: Company registration, articles of incorporation, Power of Attorney, board resolutions, financial statements

Step 3: MOFA Attestation in UAE

Once your documents arrive in the UAE with the US apostille and UAE Embassy attestation, the final step is MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation.

We can handle MOFA attestation for you. Send us your attested documents after they arrive in UAE, and we will submit, track, and collect them on your behalf.

Step 4: Arabic Translation (MOJ-Certified)

All English documents used in UAE government offices, courts, or official proceedings must be translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) certified translator. This is the final step before your documents are ready for use.

Why MOJ Certification Matters

Not all translations are accepted by UAE authorities. Only translations completed by MOJ-registered legal translators carry the official stamp and registration number required for:

• Court filings and legal proceedings
• Visa and residency applications
• Marriage registration at UAE courts
• Company formation and commercial licenses
• Property registration at DLD

Our Translation Service

• 60-Minute Draft — First draft ready within an hour for standard documents
• MOJ Certified — Official stamp and registration number included
• WhatsApp Workflow — Send documents, receive quotes instantly
• Delivery Included — Digital delivery + physical copies couriered

Getting Married in Dubai (US Citizen)

Getting married in the UAE as an American requires specific documentation depending on the type of ceremony.

Muslim Marriage (Sharia Court)

Documents Needed:

• Passport copies (both parties)
• Emirates ID (if resident)
• Entry stamp or visa copy
• Single Status Certificate / Certificate of No Impediment — apostilled, UAE Embassy attested, MOFA attested, Arabic translated
• Conversion certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decree (if previously married) — same attestation chain
• Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)

Where: Dubai Courts (Personal Status)

Non-Muslim Marriage

Documents Needed:

• Passport copies (both parties)
• Emirates ID (if resident)
• Birth certificates — apostilled, attested, translated
• Single Status Affidavit — from US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Dubai
• Proof of residence or visa
• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)

Where: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (for civil marriages), licensed churches, or Dubai Courts

Pro Tips:

• Single Status Certificate: The US does not issue these officially. You will need a notarized affidavit from the US Embassy ($50) or get one notarized in the US, then apostilled.
• Start Early: The full attestation chain takes 2-4 weeks.
• Multiple Copies: Get at least 2 original attested copies — one for the court, one for your records.

Employment Visa and Work Permit (US Citizen)

Employers in the UAE require attested educational and professional documents to process your work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE).

FBI Background Check Process

1. Get Fingerprinted — Visit an FBI-approved channeler (like Identogo) or local police station to get fingerprinted on the FD-258 card.
2. Submit to FBI — Send fingerprints to FBI CJIS Division. Processing takes 12-14 weeks by mail or 3-5 days through approved channelers.
3. Apostille (US Dept of State) — FBI reports require federal apostille from the US Department of State Office of Authentications (not state-level). Takes 4-6 weeks.
4. UAE Embassy → MOFA → Translation — Complete the attestation chain and get Arabic translation.

Time-Sensitive: FBI background checks are typically valid for 3-6 months for UAE immigration purposes. Plan your timeline accordingly.

Family Residency and Dependent Visas

Spouse Visa

• Marriage certificate (attested + translated)
• Passport copies
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and visa
• Salary certificate or employment contract
• Tenancy contract (Ejari)

Children’s Visa

• Birth certificate (attested + translated)
• Passport copies
• Parents’ marriage certificate
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and visa
• Salary certificate

Parents’ Visa

• Sponsor’s birth certificate (attested + translated)
• Parent’s passport copies
• Relationship proof
• Minimum salary requirement (AED 20,000+)
• Health insurance

Golden Visa (10-Year Residency)

US citizens may qualify for UAE Golden Visa through:

• Investment: AED 2M+ property or business investment
• Specialized Talent: Scientists, doctors, engineers, artists
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners with approved projects
• Outstanding Students: Top graduates from UAE or international universities

All supporting documents require the full attestation chain. See our Golden Visa Translation Services.

Realistic Timeline

Need it faster? Express options available at each step. FBI background checks are the biggest bottleneck — start these first if you need one for work.

We Handle the UAE Side

Once your documents arrive in Dubai with US apostille and UAE Embassy attestation, we take care of MOFA attestation, MOJ Arabic translation, pickup and delivery, and same-day options.

Send your documents via WhatsApp or get a written quote. Questions about your specific situation? We are happy to advise — no obligation.