Does the UAE accept the Apostille? Legalisation explained

Published 8 November 2026 · 5 min read

An Apostille is a single certificate that makes a public document valid in every other country that has signed the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. Where it applies, it replaces the longer chain of embassy legalisation.

The UAE's status, from the official source

The Hague Conference on Private International Law keeps the authoritative list of member states. Its status table, updated on 30 June 2026 with 130 contracting parties, does not list the United Arab Emirates or Egypt.

Some websites claim the UAE joined in 2021 or 2023. Those claims contradict the official table, and you should not rely on them when preparing documents.

What this means in practice

• A foreign document with an Apostille still needs legalisation by the UAE embassy or consulate in the issuing country, and then attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A UAE document going abroad still follows the destination country's legalisation route, unless that country has its own arrangement.

The legalisation chain for documents coming to the UAE

1. Issuing authority, or a notary where required.
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country.
3. UAE embassy or consulate in that country.
4. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Where translation fits in

If the document is not in Arabic or English, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks for a legally certified translation. Translating at the right point in the chain avoids having to repeat steps.