Question 1

Can I use just an apostille for the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. An FCDO apostille stamp alone will not be accepted. The UAE Embassy must also attest the document after the FCDO step.

Question 2

What does the new digital UAE Embassy attestation actually look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a PDF issued and emailed by the UAE Embassy in London containing a scan of your apostilled document plus the embassy's digital attestation, which UAE recipients can verify electronically. Your original paper document is returned to you by courier with the paper FCDO apostille still attached — the embassy does not stamp the paper original under the new service.

Question 3

Do I still need to take the document to MOFA in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. The UAE Embassy's digital attestation replaces the in-country MOFA step. Recipients in the UAE — your employer, government department or institution — verify the digital attestation electronically using the details on the PDF.

Question 4

Why is the paper document not stamped by the embassy?

Accepted Answer

Under the new digital service, the UAE Embassy attests the scan rather than the paper. This is a recent change and may briefly cause confusion for recipients in the UAE who are expecting an embassy ink stamp. If asked, point them to the digital attestation PDF — that is the official UAE Embassy attestation under the current process.

Question 5

Do all my documents need solicitor certification first?

Accepted Answer

Government-issued documents such as birth and marriage certificates, and court orders go directly to the FCDO. Privately-issued documents — degree certificates, bank statements, powers of attorney — require solicitor certification first. We identify which category applies to your documents when you place your order.

Question 6

What if I have both personal and company documents?

Accepted Answer

You can include multiple documents in a single order. Each document carries its own tier, so you can mix personal and company tiers within the same application.

Question 7

Will I receive tracking updates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will receive email notifications when we receive your originals, when they are submitted to the FCDO, when the UAE Embassy step is complete, and when your paper document is dispatched back to you. The digital attestation PDF is emailed to you as soon as the embassy releases it.

Question 8

Is the price per document or per order?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is per document. You can see the per-document price for each service tier on this page, and the checkout will total them before payment.

Legalise UK documents for the United Arab Emirates