Articles of Incorporation Legalization for Use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Articles of Incorporation are foundational corporate documents that officially establish a company’s legal existence in the United States.
When a U.S. corporation plans to operate, invest, or open a branch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), these Articles must be authenticated and legalized to be accepted by UAE authorities for commercial, legal, or financial purposes.
Legalization through the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. ensures the document’s authenticity and confirms that it meets the UAE’s requirements for corporate registration and verification.
Legalization Process
Before the Articles of Incorporation can be used in the UAE, they must undergo the following steps to confirm authenticity:
Notarization – The document must be properly signed and notarized in the United States.
State Certification – The Secretary of State certifies the notary’s signature and seal.
Federal Authentication – The U.S. Department of State authenticates the state certification (if required).
Chamber Certification – The U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce applies its official certification.
Embassy Legalization – The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. finalizes the process by legalizing the document for official use in the UAE.
This multi-level authentication ensures that the Articles of Incorporation are legally recognized by UAE ministries, banks, and business authorities.
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 |
What Are Articles of Incorporation?
Articles of Incorporation are the legal documents filed to form a corporation in the United States. They define the company’s name, purpose, ownership, structure, and registered location, and are issued by the Secretary of State.
When conducting business in the UAE, these legalized Articles serve as verified proof of corporate formation and legal existence, required for numerous official transactions.
When Articles of Incorporation Legalization Is Required in the UAE
Legalized Articles of Incorporation are commonly required for:
Registering or establishing a company branch in the UAE
Opening a corporate bank account
Participating in UAE government or private sector tenders
Submitting corporate documents to free zone or mainland authorities
Verifying company formation for regulatory or licensing purposes
Proper legalization ensures that the Articles are officially recognized and accepted by UAE ministries, banks, and commercial institutions.
How to Submit
Applicants can submit documents by mail or through an authorized service provider. Each submission must include:
The original notarized Articles of Incorporation or a certified copy
A cover note specifying the document’s intended use in the UAE
A prepaid, trackable return envelope for secure document delivery
Important Notes
Only U.S.-issued and notarized documents are accepted.
Photocopies or uncertified digital versions cannot be legalized.
Processing times may vary depending on state and federal authentication schedules.
Start Legalizing Your Articles of Incorporation Today
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. provides complete legalization services for U.S. corporate documents, including Articles of Incorporation.
Through proper notarization, certification, and embassy legalization, your documents will be ready for official use in the UAE for business, registration, or investment purposes.