US apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in each state for state-issued documents, or by the US Department of State for federal documents. Processing times and procedures vary by state. Our partners handle submissions across all 50 states.
Apostille Services in Dubai
Hague Convention Authentication
The Hague Apostille Convention simplifies international document authentication between member countries. Instead of lengthy embassy chains, a single apostille certificate makes documents valid across 120+ member countries.
Critical: UAE Is Not a Hague Member. Documents from Hague-member countries destined for UAE use still require embassy attestation after the apostille. A UK birth certificate with FCDO apostille can be used directly in Australia—but for UAE, it must still go through UAE Embassy London and then MOFA Dubai.
Documents That Can Be Apostilled
- Vital Records Birth, marriage certificates
- Educational Degrees, transcripts, diplomas
- Corporate Certificates of incorporation
- Police Clearance Background checks
Processing By Country
| Country | Authority | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Secretary of State | 3-5 days (state) |
| United Kingdom | FCDO | 2-5 days |
| Australia | DFAT | 5-10 days |
| India | MEA | Variable |
For UAE Use
Apostille is step one. Then: UAE Embassy attestation in origin country, followed by MOFA in UAE. After that, Arabic translation for government submissions. We coordinate the entire process.
Hague Convention Simplified international authentication
120+ Countries Apostille accepted between member nations
3-7 Days Typical apostille processing
First Step UAE still requires embassy + MOFA attestation
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Apostille Process
1
Document Assessment
We verify your document type and confirm whether apostille or traditional attestation is the appropriate route for your destination country.
2
Notarization (if needed)
Some documents require notarization before apostille. We coordinate notary services or advise on requirements.
3
Apostille Application
Documents submitted to the designated competent authority in the issuing country for apostille certification.
4
Delivery
Apostilled documents shipped to Dubai or your preferred location, ready for use in any Hague Convention country.
Apostille by Country
UK apostilles are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Solicitor-certified copies and notarized documents can be apostilled. We coordinate FCDO submissions for all UK document types.
Australian apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Documents must be original or certified copies from authorized persons. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Each EU member state has designated competent authorities for apostille issuance. We coordinate apostilles from Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and other EU countries through local partners.
India has been a Hague Convention member since July 2005. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). For documents going to another Hague country, an MEA apostille is typically sufficient. For UAE use, additional embassy attestation is required since UAE is not a Hague member.
Apostille vs Embassy Attestation
Apostille is typically faster—one step versus multiple embassy visits. A US apostille takes days; traditional attestation through UAE Embassy can take weeks.
Apostille is generally less expensive due to fewer steps and handling points. Embassy attestation involves fees at multiple stages plus courier costs between offices.
Apostille is a single certificate attached to your document. Embassy attestation requires navigating foreign ministry, embassy, and MOFA procedures with different requirements at each step.
Both routes result in documents accepted for UAE use. The key difference is which route applies—determined by whether countries are Hague Convention members.
Understanding Apostille for UAE-Bound Documents
The UAE and the Hague Apostille Convention
The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This fundamental fact shapes every apostille-related decision for documents destined for UAE use. While apostilles streamline authentication between Hague member countries, they represent only the first step—not the complete solution—for UAE-bound documents.
Many clients assume that an apostille from their home country will be sufficient for UAE authorities. This misunderstanding leads to rejected documents, delayed processes, and additional costs. We help you understand the complete pathway before you begin.
How Apostille Works for UAE Documents
When your document originates from a Hague Convention member country and is destined for UAE use, the process typically follows this sequence:
- Step 1 - Apostille in origin country: Your document receives an apostille from the competent authority in the issuing country (Secretary of State in US, FCDO in UK, MEA in India, etc.)
- Step 2 - UAE Embassy attestation: The apostilled document goes to the UAE Embassy in the origin country for attestation
- Step 3 - MOFA attestation in UAE: Upon arrival in UAE, the document receives final attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC/MOFA)
- Step 4 - Translation if required: MOJ-certified Arabic translation for government submissions
The apostille simplifies Step 1 by replacing the traditional foreign ministry attestation in your home country. However, Steps 2-4 remain necessary for UAE acceptance.
Country-Specific Apostille Processes
United States: Apostilles are issued at the state level by each Secretary of State for documents originating in that state. Federal documents require US Department of State apostille. Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on the state. We coordinate submissions across all 50 states through local partners.
United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issues apostilles for UK documents. Solicitor-certified copies and notarized documents can be apostilled. Standard processing takes 2-5 business days. Premium same-day service is available at additional cost.
India: India joined the Hague Convention in July 2005. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues apostilles through regional offices. For documents going to another Hague member country, the MEA apostille is typically sufficient. For UAE use, additional attestation remains required since UAE is not a Hague member. See our India attestation guide for details.
Canada: Canada recently joined the Hague Convention in January 2024. Global Affairs Canada now issues apostilles for federal documents. Provincial documents follow province-specific procedures. This new status simplifies authentication for Canadian documents, though UAE Embassy and MOFA steps remain required.
Australia: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) handles apostilles. Documents must be originals or properly certified copies. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
When Apostille Is Not Available
Documents from non-Hague countries follow the traditional attestation chain without the apostille step:
- Pakistan: Documents require notarization, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy (Islamabad or Karachi), then MOFA in UAE
- Egypt: Documents go through Egyptian Foreign Ministry, UAE Embassy in Cairo, then MOFA in UAE
- Bangladesh: Recently joined Hague Convention in March 2025, changing the process for new documents
- Lebanon, Jordan, Syria: Traditional chain through respective foreign ministries and UAE Embassies
Document Types and Apostille
Most public documents can receive apostilles, but requirements vary:
- Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, death): Issued by government authorities, directly eligible for apostille
- Educational credentials: Degrees, transcripts, and certificates from accredited institutions
- Court documents: Judgments, orders, and official court records
- Notarized documents: Private documents that have been notarized can then receive apostille on the notarization
- Corporate documents: Company formation documents, resolutions, and certificates of good standing
Common Apostille Mistakes
We regularly encounter documents where the apostille process went wrong:
- Wrong competent authority: Document apostilled by incorrect office (e.g., wrong state, wrong federal agency)
- Expired apostille: Some countries require apostilles obtained within specific timeframes
- Copy vs. original confusion: Apostille on a copy when the original was required, or vice versa
- Missing underlying document: Apostille certificate present but the actual document is missing
- Incomplete chain: Apostille obtained but subsequent attestation steps skipped
Our pre-validation review catches these issues before they cause delays in UAE.
Apostille and Translation Sequencing
For UAE-bound documents, translation should occur after the complete attestation chain is finished. The translation reflects not just the original document but also the authentication marks—apostille certificate, embassy stamps, and MOFA attestation. This complete translation gives UAE authorities confidence in the document's authenticity.
We coordinate the complete process: apostille in origin country, attestation steps, and final certified translation in Dubai.
Complete Attestation Services
Need help with the full attestation chain? Visit our main attestation services page or country-specific guides for India, Pakistan, and other common origin countries. We handle everything from origin country apostille to final MOFA stamp in UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a simplified form of document authentication used between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead of the lengthy embassy legalization chain, a single apostille certificate from the issuing country makes the document valid in all other member countries. The apostille confirms the document signature and seal are genuine.
Is the UAE a member of the Hague Apostille Convention?
No. The UAE is not currently a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means documents from Hague-member countries (US, UK, India, Australia, etc.) may be apostilled in the issuing country, but still require UAE Embassy attestation and MOFA attestation for UAE use. The apostille simplifies authentication in the origin country but does not eliminate the UAE legalisation chain.
When should I use apostille vs traditional attestation?
Use apostille when both the issuing country AND destination country are Hague Convention members. Since the UAE is not a Hague member, documents from Hague countries still require the full chain: apostille in origin country, UAE Embassy attestation, then MOFA attestation in UAE. The apostille simplifies the first step but does not eliminate embassy requirements for UAE use. We advise on the correct route for your specific situation.
Which documents can be apostilled?
Most public documents can be apostilled: birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational credentials, court documents, notarized documents, and government-issued certificates. Private documents (like commercial contracts) typically need notarization first, then the notarized document can be apostilled.
How long does apostille take?
Processing time varies by country. US apostilles typically take 3-5 business days (longer for federal documents). UK apostilles take 2-5 days through FCDO. Australian apostilles take 5-10 days through DFAT. We provide realistic timelines based on current processing speeds in each country.
Do apostilled documents need translation?
For UAE use, yes. While the apostille authenticates the document, UAE government entities and courts require Arabic translation. The translation should be done after apostille so it reflects the authenticated document. We coordinate both apostille and subsequent MOJ-certified translation.
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