In a significant step toward modernising document legalisation, the UAE has officially launched digital attestation for certificates issued in the UK, effective from February 24, 2025. This shift, initiated by the UAE Embassy in London and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), replaces the traditional ink-stamp process with UAE digital attestation that speeds up and secures the entire attestation process.
Whether you’re planning to work, study, start a business, or relocate to the UAE, this digital upgrade simplifies the process of legalising your UK-issued documents. From Apostille verification to UAE certificate attestation, everything is now faster, more transparent, and accessible, all from the comfort of your home.
Let’s explore what this means for you.
What Is UAE Attestation?
UAE attestation ensures your official documents are verified and legally recognized in the United Arab Emirates. This process confirms that a UK-issued document is authentic and valid for use in the United Arab Emirates for legal, educational, and commercial purposes.
Under the new system, UK documents are first apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and then digitally attested by the UAE Embassy in London in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
What Is UAE Digital Attestation?
UAE Digital attestation is a modern paperless authentication method. Rather than applying physical stamps or seals, authorities now issue a digitally certified PDF, which can be verified online through MoFA’s secure platform.
Key features include:
- Entirely digital process via MoFA’s online portal
- Fast turnaround (typically 2–3 working days)
- Legally recognised digital attestation certificate
- Secure online verification
This move not only improves efficiency but also aligns with international standards of secure document verification.
UAE Embassy Attestation – Accepted Documents
The UAE Embassy in London accepts a wide range of personal and commercial documents, including:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Academic transcripts and degrees
- Power of attorney and legal documents
- Company formation certificates
- Commercial agreements
The embassy does not accept bundled documents (e.g., multiple certificates Apostilled together). You must Apostille and submit each document separately.
UAE Certificate Attestation Process: How UK Documents Are Digitally Attested
Follow these steps to complete UAE digital attestation using the new digital platform:
Step 1: Your document must obtain a paper apostille from the FCDO. The UAE Embassy doesn’t accept digital apostilles.
>Step 2: We submit the apostilled physical document to the UAE Embassy.
>Step 3: The embassy scans the document and creates a PDF.
>Step 4: Attestation is applied to the scanned copy.
>Step 5: You receive the attested PDF by email, and the original document (with just the apostille) is returned by post.
How to Verify a Digitally Attested Document
Once you receive your UAE digital attestation, you can verify it easily:
- Go to the official online portal
- Enter the attestation reference number and issue date.
- Instantly confirm the document’s authenticity with apostille online verification.
This feature eliminates the need to visit embassies or present physical documents for verification, which is especially useful for remote or urgent applications.
Rejected Submissions: What to Know
If your documents do not meet the UAE Embassy attestation guidelines, your application will be rejected. Common reasons include:
- Bundled Apostilles
- Incomplete solicitor certification
- Submitting laminated or foreign-issued documents without proper legalisation
In such cases:
- The attestation fee will be refunded
- The service/delivery fee is non-refundable
- You can resubmit once the documents meet the requirements.
Digital Attestation: A Game-Changer for UAE-Bound Professionals
Digital attestation has made attestation in the UAE simpler, quicker, and more reliable than ever. No more waiting in line at embassies, running after stamps, or sending documents from one nation to another. With digital workflows, real-time status tracking, and secure online verification of apostilles, the UAE has set a new standard for document authentication.
Whether you’re applying for a visa, starting a job, launching a company, or signing contracts in the UAE, having properly attested documents is crucial. And now, the entire Attestation Process for the UAE, from UK legalisation to UAE certificate attestation, can be completed in a matter of days, not weeks.
Helpline Group, Your Partner for the Latest UAE Digital Attestation Process
As the UAE embraces digital transformation in document legalisation, the Helpline Group is here to help you stay ahead. We offer complete support for the latest UAE attestation process. Helpline Group, with over 25 years of experience and offices across the UK and GCC, attests your documents correctly, verifies them online, and prepares them for official use in the UAE.
Stay compliant. Stay secure. Let Helpline Group handle your UAE certificate attestation with accuracy and speed.