Difference Between Attestation, Legalization, Notarization, and Apostille for UAE Documents

When preparing documents for use in the UAE, many people search for: “What is the difference between attestation, legalization, notarization, and apostille?”

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Using the wrong process can result in document rejection, delays, or visa refusal.

This guide clearly explains the difference between attestation vs legalization UAE, notarization, and apostille, with simple examples so you know exactly what your UAE documents require.

What Is Document Attestation in UAE?

Attestation is the process of verifying a document’s authenticity so it can be legally accepted in the UAE. It involves multiple government authorities and is mandatory for documents issued outside the UAE.

Attestation Is Required For:

• Employment visas

• Family visas

• Education & equivalency

• Legal and government use

Example:

A marriage certificate issued in India must be attested before it is accepted in the UAE.

What Is Document Legalization?

Legalization is a broader term that refers to the entire process of making a foreign document legally valid in another country.

In the UAE context:

• Attestation = a part of legalization

• Legalization includes notarization, embassy attestation, and MOFA attestation

Simple Explanation:

Legalization is the journey. Attestation is one of the steps.

Attestation vs Legalization UAE (Clear Difference)

Aspect	Attestation	Legalization
Meaning	Verification of authenticity	Full process of legal acceptance
Scope	One or more official stamps	End-to-end validation
Used in UAE	Yes	Yes
Includes MOFA	Yes	Yes

Most people searching “attestation vs legalization UAE” actually need full legalization.

What Is Notarization?

Notarization is the first level of verification, usually done in the country where the document was issued.

Notarization Confirms:

• Signature authenticity

• Identity of the signer

• Document format

Important:

Notarization alone is NOT sufficient for UAE use.

Example:

A notarized degree certificate still needs:

• Ministry attestation

• UAE Embassy attestation

• MOFA UAE attestation

Notarization vs Attestation (Key Difference)

Feature	Notarization	Attestation
Done by	Notary Public	Government authorities
Legal validity in UAE	No	Yes
Scope	Basic verification	Full authenticity

What Is Apostille?

An apostille is a simplified document legalization method used between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Key Point:

UAE is NOT part of the Apostille Convention

So What Does This Mean?

• Apostille documents are NOT valid for UAE

• UAE requires full attestation/legalization

Apostille UAE – Common Misconception

Many users search “apostille UAE”, but:

Apostille is not accepted in UAE

UAE requires attestation + MOFA legalization

If your document has an apostille, it will still need UAE attestation to be accepted.

Apostille vs Attestation UAE (Quick Comparison)

Factor	Apostille	Attestation
Valid in UAE	No	Yes
Convention-based	Yes (Hague)	No
MOFA required	No	Yes
Used for UAE visas	No	Yes

Which Process Do UAE Documents Actually Need?

For UAE use, documents generally require:

Notarization (home country)

Home country ministry attestation

UAE Embassy attestation

MOFA attestation UAE

Apostille alone is never sufficient for UAE.

Common Google Questions Answered

Is apostille accepted in UAE?

No. UAE does not accept apostille documents.

Is legalization same as attestation?

No. Legalization includes attestation and other steps.

Do UAE documents need notarization?

Yes, notarization is usually the first step before attestation.

Amazon Attestation Quick Contacts (CLEAR CTA)

Mobile: +971 54 582 0984

DIP – Dubai: +971 4 330 0011

Dubai Al Barsha: +971 4 252 8846

Ajman: +971 6 740 3110

Abu Dhabi: +971 2 673 3099

Sharjah: +971 6 743 2756

Al Ain: +971 528 669 504

Email: info@mofauae.com

Working Hours (UAE)

Monday – Friday: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Saturday: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Final Summary (Snippet-Optimized)

Attestation = verification for UAE use

Legalization = full acceptance process

Notarization = initial validation only

Apostille = NOT valid in UAE

For UAE documents, attestation and MOFA legalization are mandatory.

Contact Amazon Attestation Services for accurate, compliant, and fast document attestation in UAE.