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UAE Attestation of UK Documents: The Process (2026)

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Recently, we’ve had a few clients calling us confused about the UAE attestation of UK documents. They’ve been told one thing, looked it up online, and been told another. It’s no one’s fault and there’s a simple reason for it – last year, in 2025, the UAE updated their attestation process. There’s a lot of outdated information floating around.

I thought I’d do everyone a favour and write an up-to-date guide on the UAE attestation process for UK documents to help clear up some of the confusion. I’m writing this in January 2026, and as of me writing it all of the information in it is correct and up-to-date. I hope it helps!

An image of a sunny Dubai cityscape. Palm trees are in the foreground. For UAE Attestation of UK Documents blog.

What changed in 2025?

Previously, the process was done with physical stamps on your documents. After being processed in the UK, the document had to be sent to the UAE where it was processed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This had to take place in the UAE.

Then, on February 24th 2025, the UAE updated their attestation service. There were two particularly significant changes that impacted how things work:

  • The process became predominantly digitised
  • The MOFA step must now be completed at the UAE Consulate in London

UAE attestation of UK documents NOW (as of 2026)

Here’s how the system works now:

  1. Your (physical) document gets certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public
  2. It’s sent to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for an Apostille
  3. This apostilled document is sent to the UAE Consulate in London.
  4. Here, it’s digitally attested by both the Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
  5. You’re sent a digital copy, attested, that’s valid for use in the UAE!

The estimated processing time, as of January 2026, is 5-8 working days, though it can take longer if further verification is needed. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and also that there’s likely to be delays around UAE public holidays such as Ramadan and Eid, too.

Attest your documents now

Keep in mind that you can’t bundle documents for the UAE, either. There’s one exception to this – a Certificate of Incorporation & a Certificate of Corporation on Change of Name may be bundled if they’re for the same company.

sparkling dubai skyscrapers reflect water night

What about non-UK documents?

Generally speaking, the UAE Consulate in London won’t accept foreign documents (documents that weren’t issued in the UK). They need to be certified and apostilled in their country of origin.

There are some exceptions. Documents from Iceland, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man) can be attested by the UAE Consulate in London after they’ve been apostilled in their territory of origin.

And that’s about all you need to know! We know it’s quite complicated, but that’s just how document attestation is. That’s exactly why people get us to do it for them rather than attempting it themselves. If you’re worrying about getting things wrong, don’t worry – we can take care of the entire process for you – just get in touch with our friendly team of specialists.

You can give us a call directly on +44 (0) 330 088 1142, send us a message via WhatsApp on mobile, use our live chat system, or e-mail us at sales@vitalconsular.com.

Attest my documents for me
top view dubai 1

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Declan Ramsden
Declan Ramsden

Declan is a Content Creator at Vital Consular. He studied English Literature for 4 years before joining the company. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to retro music and reading classic novels – particularly Charles Dickens!

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