FBI Background Check Legalization for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

An FBI Background Check is an official document issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that outlines an individual’s criminal record—or confirms the absence of one—within the United States.

For individuals seeking employment, residency, visa sponsorship, or security clearance in the United Arab Emirates, this federal document must undergo authentication and legalization by the UAE Embassy to be officially recognized by UAE governmental and private entities.

Why Legalization of an FBI Background Check Is Required

UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), require that all U.S.-issued criminal background documents be authenticated and legalized through the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C.

Legalization confirms that:

  • The FBI background report is authentic and issued by a recognized U.S. federal authority.

  • The document’s seals and signatures have been verified by the U.S. Department of State.

  • The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates attests to the document’s authenticity for official use in the UAE.

Without proper legalization, the background check cannot be accepted for visa issuance, employment verification, or residency processing in the UAE.

UAE Legalization Process for FBI Background Checks

The legalization of an FBI Background Check for the UAE involves a multi-step process to ensure authenticity and compliance with UAE regulations:

  1. Obtain the FBI Background Report
     Request the report directly from the FBI or an authorized Channeler. Ensure that it includes the official FBI seal and the signature of the approving officer.

  2. Authentication by the U.S. Department of State
     The original background check must be authenticated by the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Legalization by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
 Once federally authenticated, the document is submitted to the Embassy of the UAE for legalization. This final step certifies the document for use within the United Arab Emirates.

Federal Documents Processing Time & Fees.

Service Fees Processing Time
Service fee $100 -
Maryland notary, court and state fees $15 1
U.S. Department of State fee $20 9
Embassy of UAE fee $700 8
Total $835 18 business days

When a Legalized FBI Background Check Is Required in the UAE

A legalized FBI Background Check is commonly required for:

  • Employment in UAE government or private sector organizations

  • Work permit and residency visa applications

  • Security clearance or licensing in regulated industries

  • Immigration procedures or family visa sponsorship

  • Legal verification or court-related documentation

Ensuring the FBI report is properly legalized prevents administrative delays and ensures compliance with UAE documentation standards.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following:

  • Original FBI Background Check (hard copy or digitally certified version)

  • Completed Service Request Form specifying the UAE as the destination country

  • Check or Money Order payable to the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce for all applicable fees

  • Prepaid Return Envelope with tracking (FedEx, DHL, UPS, or USPS)

All submitted documents must be original, complete, and contain verifiable seals and signatures.

Important Notes

  • Only FBI-issued background reports are accepted for UAE legalization.

  • Documents must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State prior to UAE Embassy submission.

  • Photocopies, scanned versions, or uncertified prints are not accepted.

The Embassy reserves the right to reject incomplete or altered submissions.