Certificate of Status Legalization
A Certificate of Status is an official document issued by a U.S. state authority confirming that a company is duly registered, active, and in compliance with state regulations. For business activities in the United Arab Emirates, this document must be legalized by the UAE Embassy to be recognized by local governmental and commercial entities. Legalization ensures that the document’s origin, authenticity, and signatures are verified through the appropriate U.S. and UAE authorities.
When It’s Required
Legalization of a Certificate of Status is commonly required for U.S.-registered companies intending to conduct business or enter into official transactions within the UAE. Typical cases include:
Establishing a branch or subsidiary in the UAE.
Participating in government or private sector tenders.
Opening bank accounts or completing financial compliance procedures.
Registering trademarks, patents, or commercial licenses in the UAE.
Submitting company documentation to UAE courts or ministries.
Legalization Process
Before a Certificate of Status can be legalized by the UAE Embassy, it must complete the following authentication stages:
Notarization: The Certificate of Status must first be notarized by a licensed Notary Public in the United States.
State Authentication: The notarized document must then be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
U.S. Department of State Authentication: Once state authentication is complete, the document must be certified by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
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 |
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following items for processing:
Original notarized Certificate of Status.
One clear copy of the Certificate of Status.
Copy of the company’s valid registration or incorporation certificate.
Applicant’s photo identification or authorization letter (if submitted on behalf of the company).
Completed legalization request form.
Proof of payment for applicable fees.
Important Notes or Conditions
Only Certificates of Status issued by official U.S. state authorities are eligible for legalization.
The document must bear the original signature and seal of the issuing authority.
Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
The Embassy reserves the right to verify authenticity or request additional documentation if necessary.