Step-by-Step Guide: DFA Apostille for UAE Visa

If you're planning to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work, business, or family purposes and your documents were issued in the Philippines, one crucial step you cannot skip is obtaining a DFA Apostille. This process is essential to legalize your documents and have them accepted by UAE authorities for visa processing.

In this blog, we break down the DFA Apostille process into simple, actionable steps so you can complete your UAE visa application with confidence and peace of mind.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that authenticates the origin of a public document. It replaces the need for embassy legalization in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, which includes the UAE.

Once your documents are apostilled by the DFA, they are recognized as legal and valid in the UAE, provided they are correctly processed and meet all requirements.

Which Documents Require Apostille for UAE?

You’ll need an apostille for the following document types:

🔹 Personal Documents:

• Birth Certificate (PSA)

• Marriage Certificate (PSA)

• Death Certificate

• NBI Clearance

• Medical Certificate

• Police Clearance

🔹 Educational Documents:

• Diploma or Degree Certificate

• Transcript of Records

• Certificate of Enrollment or Graduation

• CHED or DepEd authentication (for older documents)

🔹 Legal and Commercial Documents:

• Power of Attorney

• Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

• Affidavits

• Business or Trade Documents

  
  

Why Apostille is Required for UAE Visa

UAE authorities will not accept foreign-issued documents unless they are properly authenticated. The DFA apostille ensures that your document is official, tamper-free, and legally recognized in the UAE for:

• Employment Visa Processing

• Family Sponsorship

• Marriage Registration

• University Enrollment

• Business Registration

Step-by-Step DFA Apostille Process for UAE

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Original document (e.g. PSA birth certificate, diploma)

• Valid ID of applicant

• Authorization letter (if using a representative)

Make sure documents are clear, complete, and recently issued.

Step 2: Book Your DFA Apostille Appointment

• Visit the DFA Apostille Online Appointment System at www.apostille.dfa.gov.ph

• Choose a DFA branch near you (e.g., DFA Aseana, Pampanga, Cebu)

• Select a schedule and fill in your details

Step 3: Pay the Processing Fee

• Standard Apostille Fee: PHP 100 per document

• Express Processing (same day or next day): PHP 200 (if available)

• Payment is made at the DFA cashier during your appointment

Step 4: Submit Your Documents to DFA

• Bring your confirmed appointment slip, ID, and documents

• Submit at the counter and receive your claim stub with the release date

Step 5: Claim Your Apostilled Documents

• Claim on the scheduled release date OR

• Opt for courier delivery (LBC, DHL, etc.)

🇦🇪 What to Do After DFA Apostille for UAE

After you receive your apostilled documents, you may still need:

• Arabic Translation by a certified translator in UAE

• MOFA Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Optional: Embassy verification (only if requested for certain visa types)

  
  

💡 Tip: If you're already in the UAE, you can send your apostilled documents to a trusted attestation agency like Amazon Attestation Services for final MOFA legalization and translation.

Amazon Attestation – Trusted UAE Partner for Apostille and MOFA

We help Filipino expats and professionals in the UAE complete their document legalization with ease.

Our Services Include:

• Arabic legal translation

• MOFA Attestation (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)

• Power of Attorney attestation

• Family visa document support

• Pickup and delivery anywhere in the UAE

📞 WhatsApp: +971 545820984 Offices: Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Ajman

🎯 Final Checklist for UAE Visa Apostille

✅ Documents are PSA or original copies

✅ Pre-attested or verified by relevant agencies (CHED/DepEd)

✅ DFA Apostille completed

✅ Arabic translation (if needed)

✅ MOFA attestation in UAE

Final Thoughts

Getting a DFA Apostille for your UAE visa doesn’t need to be complicated. With proper preparation, the right documents, and support from professional services, you can get everything legalized smoothly and on time.

Let Amazon Attestation and Translation Services help you complete the final steps — so you can focus on the exciting part: your new journey to the UAE.