Starting a business and moving to the UAE 
About legalization of documents
Document legalization is the confirmation of the authenticity of official documents issued outside the UAE,
so that they are legally valid in the country. Simply put, a document issued in Kazakhstan, Russia,
or any other country will not be accepted by UAE government authorities without undergoing the legalization procedure.
Why is legalization necessary?
- the document was actually issued by an official body;
- the signatures and seals are valid and recognized abroad;
- it can be used in courts, banks, consulates, the Free Zone, and ministries of the UAE.
- open a company or bank account;
- apply for an investor, employee, or family member visa;
- get married, have a diploma recognized, receive an inheritance;
- verify business and financial documents with government agencies.
Where is legalization required?
- Company registration and filing of corporate documents in the Free Zone;
- Bank account opening and compliance checks;
- Verification of diplomas and qualifications (for licenses and visas);
- Registration of powers of attorney, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and inheritance certificates;
- Tax and legal audits in the UAE.
What documents are subject to legalization?
These documents confirm personal status and family relationships. Legalization is required for visa applications, marriage registration, family reunification, or official recognition of life events in the UAE.
Educational and professional documents are legalized for admission to universities, employment, qualification confirmation, or obtaining professional licenses in the Emirates.
Such documents are required for work, study, visa applications, or starting a business. Legalization confirms to UAE government authorities that the individual has no criminal record.
These documents grant the right to legal representation in the Emirates, manage property, sign contracts, and conduct business. Legalization ensures their official legal validity within the country.
These documents are used for business registration, opening bank accounts, and conducting commercial activities. Legalization ensures their official recognition by government agencies, partners, and contractors.
Property title deeds, purchase and sale agreements, and lease agreements are legalized to officially confirm property rights, conduct transactions, and obtain a residence visa through the investor program.
Legalization of documents issued in the UAE for use in other countries
Authorization at the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
The first step in the process is confirmation of the document’s authenticity with the Ministry of Justice. This
procedure is necessary for the document to be officially recognized as valid and compliant with UAE laws. Without this step, further legalization is not possible.
Authorization at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC)
After confirmation at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), the document is transferred to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). MOFAIC confirms that the document is recognized by UAE authorities and can be used for further legalization.
Legalization at the Consulate of the Required Country
The document, certified in the UAE, is sent to the consulate or embassy of the country where it will be used. The consulate verifies the correct formatting, compliance with standards, and
confirms the legal validity of the document in its country.
Translation into the required language (if necessary)
For use abroad, a document may require translation into the official language of the
country. We provide professional, notarized translations to ensure the document has full
legal force and is recognized by official authorities.
How does document legalization work (stages)?
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1Notarization in the country of document issuance The first step is to have the document authenticated by a notary in the country where it was issued. This ensures that the document is officially recognized and complies with the laws of the source country.
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Legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this country After notarization, the document is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country for official confirmation of its validity. This allows the UAE consulate to accept the document for further legalization.2
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3Legalization at the UAE Consulate At this stage, the UAE consulate or embassy will verify the document, certify its authenticity, and confirm its suitability for use in the Emirates.
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Translation into Arabic with notarization The document is translated into Arabic (or another required language) and then notarized. This is a mandatory step for official recognition of the document in the UAE.4
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5Final approval by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) The final step is certification of the document by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after which it is fully prepared for use by government agencies, banks, educational institutions, or for business purposes within the UAE.
Common mistakes when legalizing documents
Attempt to use an apostille instead of consular legalization
Many people mistakenly believe that an apostille issued abroad is valid in the UAE. In fact, the Emirates is not a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, so apostilles are not recognized there. Attempting to use such a document will result in a refusal by government
authorities.
Submitting scans instead of originals
Authorities require original documents for certification.
Using only scans or copies may cause delays or result in rejection of the application.
Lack of Arabic Translation
Documents without an official translation into Arabic (or the language of the destination country) will not be accepted. This is one of the most common reasons for delays in legalization.
Damaged or Expired Documents
Documents with damage, deletions, corrections, or expired documents are often rejected by legalization authorities. Therefore, it is important to provide only clean and valid originals.
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