Personal Documents Legalization for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Personal documents issued in the United States must be authenticated and legalized before they can be officially recognized by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. This process ensures that vital records, certificates, and letters issued in the U.S. are valid for purposes such as employment, family registration, education, or residency in the UAE.
Overview of the Legalization Process
All personal documents must first be certified by the local Secretary of State to include the official seal of the issuing state. The certified document is then authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and finally legalized by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
This sequence verifies the signature and seal of the issuing authority, confirming that the document is genuine and eligible for recognition by UAE government entities.
Authorized service providers, such as the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce, facilitate this multi-step process efficiently, ensuring full compliance with UAE MOFA legalization requirements.
Types of Personal Documents
The following personal documents commonly require legalization for use in the UAE:
Birth Certificates – Required for registering birth, nationality, or family status with UAE authorities. See Birth Certificate Legalization
Marriage Certificates or Licenses – Needed for family visa, dependent sponsorship, or personal status documentation. See Marriage Certificate Legalization
Single Status or No Record of Marriage Certificates – Used to verify unmarried status for marriage registration in the UAE. See Single Status Certificate Legalization
Divorce Certificates or Decrees – For updating marital records or resolving family matters abroad. See Divorce Certificate Legalization
Death Certificates – For estate or family record procedures in the UAE. See Death Certificate Legalization
Educational Certificates, Diplomas, and Transcripts – Required for employment or professional licensing. See Educational Certificate Legalization
Teacher Credentials – For verification prior to teaching positions in the UAE. See Teacher Credential Legalization
Medical Letters or Health Certificates – For verifying medical fitness before employment or residency. See Medical Certificate Legalization
Affidavits and Personal Declarations – Used for legal or administrative confirmations. See Affidavit Legalization
Power of Attorney (POA) – Authorizes representatives to act on behalf of an individual in the UAE. See POA Legalization
Court Records and Criminal Records – Required for immigration, employment, or legal verification. See Court & Criminal Record Legalization
Local Police Background Checks – Used for security clearance or residency applications. See Police Background Check Legalization
Social Security Administration Letters – For benefit or identity verification. See SSA Letter Legalization
Permission to Travel Documents – For minors or individuals traveling under guardianship. See Travel Permission Legalization
Personal Document Legalization Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $100 | - |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 | 9 |
| Embassy of UAE fee | $140 | 8 |
| Total | $260 | 17 business days |
How to Submit Personal Documents
Applicants may submit documents by mail or through an authorized service provider. Each document must be accompanied by a note specifying that legalization is required for use in the UAE.
A prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking is recommended for faster delivery.
Important Notes
All personal documents must be issued in the United States and properly certified by the Secretary of State.
Photocopies or scanned versions are not accepted unless specifically authorized.
Processing times may vary depending on state and embassy workload.
UAE residents and passport holders must include a copy of their passport when submitting personal documents.