Document Attestation in the UAE: A Simple Guide for Your New Business Setup
When setting up a business in the UAE, whether opting for a mainland formation, a free zone setup, or an offshore structure, one of the most important and often overlooked steps is document attestation.
If you are looking to relocate your business or start a subsidiary in the UAE, without proper document attestation, key processes such as business registration and company formation in the UAE can face delays or even be rejected by authorities.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of document attestation in the UAE, ensuring a smooth company incorporation journey, whether for foreign investments, subsidiary formation, or expanding your business presence with confidence.
What is Document Attestation in the UAE?
Document attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of official documents to ensure they are accepted as legally valid in the UAE.
For new business owners, it’s a mandatory requirement for documents such as:
- Identification documents of shareholders and directors
- Board resolutions and powers of attorney
- Company incorporation and related legal documents of the parent company from your home country
- Educational certificates (if the license requires specific qualifications)
In short, attestation confirms that your documents are valid and recognized by UAE authorities, whether for mainland formation or free zone setup.
Why is Document Attestation Important for Business Setup?
When going through company formation in the UAE, several government departments, free zone authorities, and banks require attested documents for:
- Business Registration Approval – Ensures your application meets UAE legal requirements.
- License Issuance – Particularly important for regulated activities.
- Visa Processing – For investors, partners, and employees.
- Bank Account Opening – Most UAE banks require attested company and shareholder documents.
Document Attestation in Subsidiary Formation
If you are establishing a subsidiary company in the UAE, document attestation becomes even more critical. This is because a subsidiary is directly linked to a parent company registered overseas, and UAE authorities must confirm that:
- The parent company legally exists and is active in its home jurisdiction.
- The parent company’s corporate documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Share Certificates) are genuine.
- The board resolution approving the establishment of the subsidiary is legitimate.
Without attestation, your subsidiary formation application will not be processed, as the UAE government will have no legal proof of your parent company’s standing. This ensures transparency, prevents fraud, and maintains the integrity of the business registration system.
Types of Documents That Require Attestation
Depending on your chosen jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), you may need to attest the company’s legal documents, for example -
- Corporate Documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Share Certificates
- Board Resolutions
- Power of Attorneys (if any)
- Incumbency Certificate/Good Standing Certificate
- Other business contracts
- Personal Documents:
- Educational or professional certificates
- Birth certificate (in case of dependent visas)
- Marriage certificate (in case of dependent visas)
The UAE Document Attestation Process
The attestation process varies depending on the country of origin, but typically involves:
- Notarization in the Home Country – The document is notarized by a certified public notary.
- Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country) – Confirms that the notary is recognized by the government.
- Attestation by the UAE Embassy (Home Country) – Certifies that the document will be recognized in the UAE.
- Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – The final step for acceptance within the UAE.
For certain free zone setup, mainland formation, or subsidiary formation cases, translations into Arabic may also be required before submission.
How Long Does the Process Take?
On average, the attestation process can take 15–20 working days, depending on:
- The type of document.
- The country of origin.
- The urgency of your application.
It’s advisable to begin document attestation early in your business registration process to avoid delays in company formation in the UAE.
How CLA Emirates Can Help with Document Attestation?
At CLA Emirates, we understand that document attestation can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for entrepreneurs navigating company formation in the UAE for the first time. Our team offers:
- Complete Coordination – Handling all stages of attestation, from notarization in the home country to MOFA approval in the UAE.
- Tailored Solutions – Advising on specific attestation requirements for mainland formation, free zone setup, or subsidiary formation.
- End-to-End Business Setup Support – Beyond attestation, we assist with every step of business registration and license acquisition.
- Time Efficiency – Using our established networks to expedite processing and avoid unnecessary delays.
By entrusting CLA Emirates with your attestation needs, you ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your business growth.
