Commercial Documents Legalization for UAE

Commercial export documents issued in the United States must be properly authenticated and legalized before they are accepted by authorities or business entities in the United Arab Emirates. This process ensures that trade-related paperwork, such as invoices and certificates of origin, are valid for customs clearance, business registration, and commercial transactions in the UAE.

Overview of the Legalization Process

All commercial documents must first be signed, notarized, and certified by a U.S. Chamber of Commerce before they are eligible for embassy legalization. The UAE Embassy provides expedited legalization services, including processing of all embassy fees through the MOFA electronic payment gateway.

Final legalization by the Embassy of the UAE ensures that commercial documents are officially recognized and valid for use within the UAE.

Types of Commercial Documents

The following commercial documents are commonly processed for legalization for use in the UAE:

  • Commercial Invoice (CI) – Confirms the sale and value of exported goods.

  • Certificate of Origin (CO) – Verifies the country of manufacture for goods exported to the UAE.

  • Packing List – Details shipment contents, dimensions, and weights for customs clearance.

  • Halal Certificates and Bills of Lading – Used when required for import compliance and trade verification.

Note: Both Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice are required for any export shipment to the UAE.

Commercial Export Documents Processing Time & Fees.

Service Fees Processing Time
Service fee $180 -
Maryland notary, court and state fees $30 1
U.S. Department of State fee $40 9
Chamber of commerce fee $70 1
Embassy of UAE for Commercial Invoice $45 8
Embassy of UAE for Certificate Of Origin $45 -
Total $410 19 business days

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Ensure all commercial documents are signed and notarized before submission.

  2. Obtain certification from a U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

  3. Submit documents to the UAE Embassy in the United States for final legalization.

  4. The Embassy processes the documents and verifies authenticity through MOFA’s electronic system.

  5. Return of legalized documents is completed securely by mail or courier.

How to Submit Commercial Documents

Applicants may submit documents by mail or via an authorized courier service. Each submission should clearly specify that legalization is required for use in the UAE. Including a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number is strongly recommended.

Important Notes

  • Only original or notarized copies of commercial documents are accepted.

  • Processing time is 6 business days per document.

  • The UAE Embassy charges no additional legalization fee beyond the listed fees.

  • Incomplete or unsigned documents will be returned without processing