Documents That Need to Be Attested for Business Setup, Bank Accounts, Tenders, and Visa Purposes in the UAE
Setting up a business or conducting official transactions in the UAE requires legal verification of documents. One crucial step is document attestation, which authenticates the documents for use by UAE authorities. Whether you’re starting a company, opening a bank account, bidding for tenders, or applying for visas, certain documents must be attested to be legally valid.
In this blog, we break down which documents need to be attested and why.
1. Documents Required for Business Setup in the UAE
When establishing a business, attestation confirms that your documents are authentic and accepted by UAE government authorities.
Key Documents to Be Attested:
- Certificate of Incorporation (if opening a branch or subsidiary)
- Trade License (for existing companies expanding to UAE)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Board Resolution authorizing the company formation or branch office
- Power of Attorney (POA) granting authority to sign on behalf of the company
- Chamber of Commerce Certificate from the home country
- Shareholder/Partnership Agreement
Why: These documents are required by UAE free zones and mainland authorities to verify the legal standing of your business before granting a new license.
2. Documents Required for Corporate Bank Account Opening
Banks in the UAE have strict compliance regulations, and they require attested documents to verify a company’s legitimacy.
Key Documents to Be Attested:
- Trade License (valid)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution authorizing the bank account opening
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
- Attested Passport Copies of owners and shareholders
- Certificate of Good Standing (for foreign companies)
- Chamber of Commerce Certificate
Why: Banks must ensure that the company is legally registered, compliant with UAE laws, and authorized to operate before opening an account.
3. Documents Required for Government Tenders and Contracts
Participating in government tenders or signing high-value contracts requires attested documents to prove the company’s credibility.
Key Documents to Be Attested:
- Trade License
- Company Registration Certificate
- Chamber of Commerce Certificate
- Board Resolution authorizing tender participation
- MOA & AOA
- Financial Statements / Auditor’s Report (attested for the last 2–3 years)
- ISO or Quality Certificates (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney for the authorized signatory
Why: Tendering authorities require verified company details to ensure legitimacy before awarding projects.
4. Documents Required for Visa Purposes (Employment & Investor/Partner Visas)
Attested documents are necessary for all visa categories, from employment to investor visas and family sponsorships.
Key Documents to Be Attested:
- For Employment Visa Applications:
- Educational Certificates (degrees, diplomas, transcripts – attested by UAE Embassy and MOFAIC)
- For Investor/Partner Visa Applications:
- Trade License
- MOA & AOA
- Board Resolution
- Power of Attorney
- For Family Sponsorships:
- Marriage Certificate (attested)
- Birth Certificates (attested)
- Educational Certificates (if spouse is applying for employment)
Why: UAE immigration and labor departments require attested documents for all visa-related applications to ensure authenticity.
What Is Document Attestation?
Document attestation is the process of verifying and stamping documents by authorized authorities to confirm their authenticity. For foreign documents to be used in the UAE, the attestation process includes:
- Attestation in the country of origin:
- Notary Public
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent)
- UAE Embassy in the home country
- Final Attestation in the UAE:
- MOFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
Why Is Attestation Important?
- Validates your documents for official use in the UAE
- Mandatory for business, banking, immigration, and tender processes
- Prevents fraud and ensures transparency
- Required by UAE courts and government bodies
How Quick Attestation Can Help
Attesting documents from multiple authorities can be time-consuming and complex. Quick Attestation simplifies the process with end-to-end support:
- All Document Types Covered: Educational, personal, and commercial documents
- Express Services: Same-day and priority options available
- Doorstep Pickup & Delivery: Hassle-free collection and delivery of documents
- Real-Time Updates: Stay informed at every step
- Affordable Pricing: Transparent fees with no hidden charges
Get Your Documents Attested Easily and Quickly!
Whether you’re setting up a business, opening a bank account, participating in a tender, or applying for a visa, Quick Attestation is your trusted partner for document attestation in the UAE.
