US Citizens Moving to Dubai
Document Authentication & Translation Guide
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:
- Apostille from your US State Secretary of State
- UAE Embassy Attestation in Washington D.C. (or use IVF Global as intermediary)
- MOFA Attestation once you're 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
Important: 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 don't 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. This is required for documents to be accepted by:
- UAE Courts (for marriage, divorce, custody)
- Immigration (ICP/GDRFA for residency visas)
- Ministry of Human Resources (for work permits)
- Banks (for account opening, loans)
- Schools (for enrollment)
- Real estate (DLD for property purchase)
MOFA Attestation Details
| Where: | MOFA offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates |
| Time: | 1-3 business days (standard) | Same day (express) |
| Cost: | AED 150-200 per document |
| Requirements: | Original document with apostille + UAE Embassy stamp |
We can handle MOFA attestation for you. Send us your attested documents after they arrive in UAE, and we'll 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
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 for Marriage Documents
- Single Status Certificate: The US doesn't issue these officially. You'll 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. Don't wait until the last minute.
- Multiple Copies: Get at least 2 original attested copies — one for the court, one for your records.
Employment Visa & 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).
Required Documents for Work Visa
| Document | Attestation Required | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| University Degree / Diploma | Apostille → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Arabic (MOJ) |
| Professional License (Medical, Engineering, etc.) | Apostille → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Arabic (MOJ) |
| Experience Letter (from previous employer) | Notarized → Apostille → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Arabic (MOJ) |
| Police Clearance (Good Conduct Certificate) | Apostille (Dept of State for FBI) → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Arabic (MOJ) |
FBI Background Check Process
Get Fingerprinted
Visit an FBI-approved channeler (like Identogo) or local police station to get fingerprinted on the FD-258 card.
Submit to FBI
Send fingerprints to FBI CJIS Division. Processing takes 12-14 weeks by mail or 3-5 days through approved channelers.
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.
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 & Dependent Visas
Sponsoring family members for UAE residency requires attested personal documents. Here's what you'll need:
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 (degrees, investment proofs, professional licenses) require the full attestation chain.
View Golden Visa Translation ServicesComplete Document Checklist
Before Leaving the US
- Obtain original documents (birth, marriage, degrees)
- Get apostille from relevant state(s)
- Request FBI background check (if needed for work)
- Get federal apostille for FBI report
- Submit all documents to IVF Global for UAE Embassy attestation
- Track shipment and receive attested documents
- Make copies of everything
After Arriving in UAE
- Submit documents for MOFA attestation
- Collect MOFA-attested documents
- Get MOJ-certified Arabic translations
- Submit to relevant authority (court, immigration, MOHRE)
- Keep originals safe — you may need them again
Realistic Timeline
Week 1-2
Obtain original documents + State apostille
Week 2-3
IVF Global / UAE Embassy attestation
Week 3-4
Documents arrive in UAE
Week 4
MOFA attestation (1-3 days)
Week 4
Arabic translation (same day - 24 hours)
Ready!
Documents ready for submission
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:
Questions about your specific situation? We're happy to advise — no obligation.