Agency Agreement Legalization for UAE
Agency Agreements executed in the United States must be fully legalized before they can be used in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This process ensures that the document is officially recognized by UAE authorities, ministries, and legal institutions for business representation, distribution rights, or partnership arrangements.
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. facilitates the authentication and legalization of Agency Agreements for U.S. companies and individuals seeking to establish or formalize business relations in the UAE.
What is an Agency Agreement?
An Agency Agreement is a legally binding contract authorizing one party (the agent) to act on behalf of another (the principal) in commercial or legal matters. These agreements typically define:
The scope of authority granted to the agent
The rights and obligations of both parties
Duration and termination clauses
Compensation, commission, or fee arrangements
When such a document is intended for use in the UAE, legalization confirms its authenticity and compliance with both U.S. and UAE legal standards.
Legalization Process
Before submission to the Embassy of the UAE, the document must undergo the following steps:
Notarization – The Agency Agreement must be signed and notarized by a licensed notary public in the United States.
State Certification – The notarized document must be certified by the Secretary of State in the issuing state.
Federal Authentication – The U.S. Department of State authenticates the certified document (if required).
Chamber of Commerce Certification – Verification by a recognized U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Embassy Legalization – The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. applies the final legalization seal, confirming the document’s validity for use in the UAE.
This process ensures that the Agency Agreement is accepted by UAE authorities as an official and legally enforceable document.
Notarized Company Document Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $80 | - |
| Maryland notary, court and state fees | $15 | 1 |
| Embassy of UAE fee | $700 | 8 |
| Total | $795 | 9 business days |
When Legalization Is Required
Legalization of an Agency Agreement is typically required when:
Registering an official business relationship in the UAE
Participating in government or private sector tenders
Appointing local representatives or distributors
Entering into joint ventures, franchise, or agency partnerships
Submitting documents to UAE courts or ministries
Importance of Proper Legalization
Proper legalization ensures that:
The signatures and seals on the document are verified as authentic
The document has been certified through all required U.S. and Embassy channels
UAE authorities can officially recognize the document as valid and enforceable
Failure to legalize the Agency Agreement may result in delays, rejection, or inapplicability of the agreement in the UAE.
How to Submit Your Agency Agreement
To begin the legalization process, please prepare and send the following:
The original notarized Agency Agreement
Any related supporting documentation (if applicable)
A completed Service Request Form clearly indicating “United Arab Emirates” as the destination country
Payment via check or money order made payable to the authorized processing entity
A prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking (FedEx, DHL, UPS, or USPS)
For faster service, applicants may send a digital copy of the document for preliminary review before mailing the original.