United Arab Emirates · Consular Legalization
UAE Document Legalization for California Documents
The UAE is not a Hague Apostille country, so a California apostille is not accepted. California documents need consular legalization: California Secretary of State authentication, then UAE Embassy/Consulate legalization, then MOFAIC attestation inside the UAE.
Documents we legalize for the UAE
Birth & marriage certificates
California vital records for UAE family visas, sponsorship, and residency.
Degrees & transcripts
University diplomas and transcripts for UAE employment and equivalency.
Power of attorney
POAs for UAE property, banking, and company matters.
Single-status & no-objection letters
Affidavits and NOCs required by UAE authorities.
Corporate & commercial documents
Certificates of good standing, articles, board resolutions, and contracts.
Background checks
Note: FBI/federal documents follow the federal authentication route, not the California Secretary of State.
How UAE legalization works
- Document Check ($45, credited). We confirm your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and ready for the UAE before anything is filed.
- Notarization (if needed). Private documents (POAs, affidavits, NOCs) are notarized first; public records usually are not.
- California Secretary of State authentication ($175/document). The state authenticates the official signature — this replaces the apostille for non-Hague UAE.
- UAE Embassy/Consulate legalization + MOFAIC attestation. The document is legalized by the UAE Embassy/Consulate, then attested by MOFAIC inside the UAE. Authority fees are quoted per case.
UAE legalization — FAQ
Does the UAE accept a California apostille?
No. The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille is not accepted. California documents require consular legalization: Secretary of State authentication, UAE Embassy/Consulate legalization, then MOFAIC attestation in the UAE.
What is the legalization process for a California document used in the UAE?
First the California Secretary of State authenticates the document, then the UAE Embassy or Consulate legalizes it, and finally MOFAIC attests it inside the UAE. We manage the California steps and coordinate the embassy stage.
How much does UAE legalization cost?
The California Secretary of State authentication is $175 per document. UAE Embassy/Consulate and MOFAIC fees are set by those authorities and are quoted per case; the $45 Document Check is credited toward your service.
Can you legalize UAE-bound degrees and transcripts?
Yes. University degrees and transcripts are among the most common documents legalized for UAE employment, residency, and credential equivalency.
Do my documents need an Arabic translation?
Many UAE authorities require a certified Arabic translation, which is typically completed and attested in the UAE. We advise on a per-document basis before you commit.
How long does UAE legalization take?
California Secretary of State authentication is typically next business day. UAE Embassy/Consulate and MOFAIC timelines vary by document and are confirmed before dispatch.
The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; California documents require consular legalization. Embassy/Consulate and MOFAIC procedures and fees are set by those authorities and may change — we confirm current requirements before dispatch.
Related routes & tools
Document Check — $45
Credited 100% to your apostille service.
Pricing & state fees
$20 + $6 SOS fees and service ranges.
How it works
The full California apostille process.
Processing times
Direct from SOS published timelines.
Same-day filing
In-person Sacramento counter.
Apostille by mail
When timing is flexible.
Sacramento SOS counter
Address, hours, payment, walk-in.
Which documents qualify
Eligible California document types.
Birth certificate
Most common citizenship document.
Marriage certificate
For spousal and civil filings.
Diploma & transcripts
Credential recognition abroad.
Power of attorney
Property and legal matters abroad.
Federal / FBI route
U.S. Dept of State authentication.
Non-Hague legalization
Consular route when apostille won’t work.
All countries
Destination routing hub.
Apostille guide
The full pillar overview.
Talk to a specialist
Phone, email, form.