Corporate Documents Legalization for UAE

Corporate documents issued in the United States must be properly authenticated and legalized before they can be accepted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. This process ensures that U.S.-based business and commercial records are officially recognized for use in the UAE for company registration, contracts, licensing, or other corporate purposes.

The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. facilitates the complete legalization process for corporate documents, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations and official recognition for all business purposes.

Overview of the Legalization Process

All U.S. corporate documents must undergo a series of certifications before final legalization by the UAE Embassy. This includes:

  1. Notarization – Documents must be signed and notarized by an authorized notary public.

  2. State Authentication – The notary’s signature or document certification is verified by the Secretary of State.

  3. U.S. Department of State Verification – Federal verification to confirm authenticity.

  4. UAE Embassy Legalization – Final approval and authentication for official use in the UAE.

This multi-step process guarantees that your corporate documents are valid and recognized by UAE authorities.

Types of Corporate Documents

The following U.S.-issued business and company records are most commonly legalized for use in the UAE:

  • Articles of Incorporation / Articles of Organization

  • Certificate of Formation / Certificate of Status

  • Certificate of Existence / Certificate of Good Standing

  • Certificate of Registration / Certificate of Amendments

  • Certificate of Merger / Certificate of Incumbency

  • Certificate of Analysis / ISO Certificate / Ingredient Certificate

  • Bylaws and Operating Agreements / Business Letters / Affidavits

  • Board Resolution / Power of Attorney (POA) / Assignments

  • Agency Agreements / Letter of Authorization / Commercial Agreements and Contracts

Each document must be signed and notarized before submission for authentication.

Legalization Requirements

  • All corporate documents must be signed and notarized.

  • Certified true copies must be issued or verified by the company’s registered agent, attorney, or notary public.

  • Each document must clearly indicate its intended use in the UAE.

  • Digital or photocopied signatures are not accepted.

A prepaid return envelope with tracking is recommended for mail submissions.

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

How to Submit Corporate Documents

Applicants may submit their corporate documents by mail or through an authorized legalization service provider. Each package must include:

  1. Original or certified copies of the corporate documents

  2. A completed Service Request Form clearly stating UAE as the destination country

  3. Payment via check or money order for total fees

  4. Prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number (FedEx, DHL, UPS, or USPS)

Once received, the UAE Embassy will handle all required certifications — from state-level verification to Department of State authentication, ending with final legalization by the embassy.

Important Notes

  • Only corporate documents issued within the United States are accepted.

  • Photocopies or notarized copies are not valid unless specifically authorized.

  • Incomplete documents or missing signatures will delay processing.

For detailed guidance or large-volume business requests, applicants should contact the embassy or an authorized legalization provider.