UAE Document Legalisation for UK Clients: The Complete Guide to Notarisation, Apostille and UAE Embassy Attestation in London

If you are based in the United Kingdom and need to use a UK document in the United Arab Emirates, the document will usually require: 

• Notarisation by an English Notary 

• Apostille certification by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 

• UAE Embassy legalisation in London 

• Final UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation 

This process is commonly referred to as: 

• UAE document legalisation 

• UAE embassy attestation 

• UAE notarisation 

• Apostille for UAE documents 

• Legalising UK documents for Dubai or Abu Dhabi 

At Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers, we assist individuals, international investors, property owners, companies, and high-net-worth families with the notarisation and legalisation of UK documents for use throughout the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates. 

Our office is centrally located at Fox Court, 14 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8HN. 

What Is UAE Document Legalisation? 

UAE document legalisation is the formal international authentication process that confirms a UK document is genuine and legally valid for use in the UAE. 

UAE authorities generally require confirmation that: 

• The signature is authentic 

• The document was properly executed 

• The individual signing had legal capacity 

• The company signing had proper authority 

• The document originates from a recognised UK legal authority 

Without proper legalisation, UK documents are frequently rejected in the UAE. 

Why Do UK Documents Need a Notary for UAE Use? 

In England and Wales, a Notary is a specialist lawyer appointed by the Court of Faculties and authorised to practise law throughout England and Wales. 

The Notary acts as an internationally recognised authentication officer. 

For UAE use, the Notary may: 

• Witness signatures 

• Verify identity 

• Confirm legal capacity 

• Authenticate corporate authority 

• Certify copies 

• Prepare notarial certificates 

• Verify company records 

• Arrange Apostille and embassy legalisation 

UAE authorities place significant reliance upon the notarial authentication process. 

Common UK Documents Legalised for Use in Dubai and the UAE 

We regularly assist with: 

• UAE Powers of Attorney 

• Dubai property Powers of Attorney 

• Passport certified copies 

• Birth Certificates 

• Marriage Certificates 

• Degree Certificates 

• Educational Certificates 

• ACRO Police Certificates 

• Company incorporation documents 

• Board Resolutions 

• Commercial contracts 

• Companies House documents 

• Affidavits and declarations 

• Probate documents 

• Trust and estate documentation 

Step-by-Step Procedure for UAE Legalisation from the UK 

Step 1 – Review and Preparation of the Document 

The first stage is reviewing the document to determine the correct legalisation procedure. 

Different documents require different treatment. 

For example: 

• Original certificates may not require notarisation before Apostille 

• Powers of Attorney usually require notarisation 

• Company documents often require director authority verification 

• Commercial documents may require additional corporate evidence 

At Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers, we first review the document to ensure it complies with UAE legalisation requirements before proceeding. 

Step 2 – Notarisation by an English Notary 

The document is then notarised by an English Notary. 

The Notary may: 

• Witness the signature 

• Verify passport and proof of address 

• Confirm mental capacity 

• Verify company authority 

• Prepare a formal notarial certificate 

• Certify copies of original documents 

For companies, additional checks may include: 

• Companies House verification 

• Board minutes 

• Director authority 

• Shareholder authority 

• Corporate resolutions 

This stage is particularly important for UAE corporate and property matters. 

Step 3 – UK Apostille by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 

After notarisation, the document is submitted to the: 

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 

The FCDO issues an Apostille certificate confirming: 

• The Notary’s signature is genuine 

• The Notary is properly authorised in England and Wales 

The Apostille is attached to the document and forms part of the international authentication chain. 

When arranged through an experienced Notary, UK Apostille processing is typically completed within approximately 2 working days. 

This is one of the key advantages of using a specialist notary firm experienced in international legalisation work. 

Step 4 – UAE Embassy Legalisation in London 

After Apostille certification, the document is usually submitted to: 

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London 

The UAE Embassy verifies: 

• The UK Apostille 

• The notarial authentication 

• The authenticity chain 

This stage is commonly called: 

• UAE Embassy attestation 

• UAE Embassy stamping 

• UAE Embassy legalisation 

On average, UAE Embassy legalisation takes approximately 5 working days, although this may vary depending on: 

• The document type 

• Embassy processing volumes 

• Commercial or personal classification 

• Supporting documentation requirements 

Commercial documents often attract substantially higher embassy fees than personal documents. 

Step 5 – UAE MOFA Attestation 

After the document arrives in the UAE, final authentication is frequently required from: 

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

This is known as: 

• MOFA attestation 

• MOFA stamping 

• UAE Ministry legalisation 

This final stage is often required before the document can be used with: 

• UAE banks 

• Dubai Land Department 

• UAE courts 

• Immigration authorities 

• Free Zones 

• UAE government authorities 

UAE Powers of Attorney – One of the Most Common UAE Legalisation Requests 

One of the most common legalisation requests involves UAE Powers of Attorney. 

These are frequently required for: 

• Buying property in Dubai 

• Selling UAE property remotely 

• Corporate representation 

• Banking matters 

• Litigation 

• Family matters 

• Business transactions 

UAE authorities are often extremely strict regarding: 

• Wording 

• Signature formalities 

• Arabic translation 

• Identity verification 

• Legalisation sequence 

Incorrectly prepared UAE Powers of Attorney are frequently rejected. 

This can cause: 

• Delays 

• Failed property transactions 

• Banking issues 

• Additional legal costs 

Arabic Translation Requirements 

Certain documents must also be translated into Arabic. 

Depending on the receiving authority: 

• The translation may require certification 

• The translation may need legalisation 

• UAE-approved translators may be required 

This is particularly common for: 

• Powers of Attorney 

• Court documents 

• Commercial agreements 

• Personal status documents 

How Long Does UAE Document Legalisation Take? 

Typical timescales are: 

• Notarisation: same day or next day 

• UK Apostille: approximately 2 working days through a Notary 

• UAE Embassy legalisation: approximately 5 working days on average 

• UAE MOFA attestation: additional processing time in the UAE 

Urgent processing may sometimes be available. 

Common Mistakes That Cause UAE Document Rejection 

Documents are commonly rejected because: 

• Incorrect notarial wording was used 

• Names do not exactly match passports 

• Signatures were incomplete 

• Company authority was not properly evidenced 

• The document was incorrectly translated 

• The wrong legalisation sequence was followed 

• Embassy requirements were misunderstood 

International legalisation work requires precision and experience. 

UAE Notary and Apostille Services in Central London 

Staple Inn Notaries and International Lawyers provides: 

• UAE document legalisation 

• Notary services for Dubai and the UAE 

• Apostille services 

• UAE Embassy attestation 

• UAE Powers of Attorney 

• Corporate legalisation 

• Certified copies 

• Cross-border private client legal services 

We regularly assist: 

• UAE property investors 

• International companies 

• Business owners 

• Families 

• Professionals relocating to Dubai 

• High-net-worth individuals with UAE interests 

Our office is located at: 

Fox Court 

14 Gray’s Inn Road 

London WC1X 8HN 

Appointments are available: 

• In person 

• By prior arrangement remotely where permitted 

• For urgent and same-day matters 

About Sheikh Najam TEP 

Sheikh Najam is a Central London Notary and STEP-qualified Private Wealth Lawyer advising UK and international clients on cross-border legal matters involving the UAE, including international notarisation, UAE property transactions, trusts, estate planning, corporate matters, and international legalisation procedures. 

His practice focuses on: 

• International notarisation 

• UAE legalisation and embassy attestation 

• Cross-border estate and succession planning 

• International corporate structuring 

• Trusts and private wealth 

• International dispute prevention and resolution 

For appointments and enquiries: 

• Website: International Notary UK 

• Online Booking: Calendly Appointment Page 

• Telephone: +44 20 3488 4195