Oct 02, 2025

When moving abroad, applying for a family visa, or enrolling children in schools, one of the most important documents you’ll need to legalize is your USA birth certificate. In the UAE and other GCC countries, authorities require foreign documents to undergo a multi-step process of attestation, legalization, and authentication before they are officially accepted.

This guide explains everything you need to know about US birth certificate attestation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE—including requirements, procedures, costs, processing time, and authorities involved.

Why Do You Need to Attest a US Birth Certificate?

Birth certificates are essential for a wide range of purposes in the UAE and GCC, such as:

  • Applying for a family/dependent/spouse visa
  • School or university admission
  • Marriage registration in the UAE
  • Immigration and residency visa applications
  • Child visa or newborn visa stamping
  • Obtaining the UAE Golden Visa or other long-term permits

Without proper attestation/legalization, your US-issued birth certificate will not be recognized by UAE immigration or government departments.

Understanding the Terminology: Apostille, Attestation, Legalization

  • Apostille (USA) – Issued by the Secretary of State for documents to be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
  • Attestation (UAE/GCC) – Verification by embassies and foreign ministries for countries that are not part of the Apostille agreement (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.).
  • Legalization – A broader term covering both apostille and embassy attestation.

Since the UAE is not part of the Hague Convention, apostille alone is not enough—your US birth certificate must go through the full attestation chain.

Step-by-Step Process for USA Birth Certificate Attestation (for UAE)

The procedure involves both US-based and UAE-based authorities:

1. Notarization (County or State Level)

Your original US birth certificate (or a certified copy) must be notarized by a Notary Public in the state where it was issued.

2. Secretary of State Authentication

The notarized document is then authenticated by the Secretary of State office in the issuing state.

3. US Department of State (Washington DC)

After state authentication, the document is submitted to the US Department of State for federal authentication.

4. UAE Embassy in Washington DC

The authenticated document is legalized at the UAE Embassy in Washington DC.

5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in UAE

Finally, once the document arrives in the UAE, it must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) to complete the process.

Processing Time

  • Standard attestation: 2–4 weeks (depending on state and embassy processing times).
  • Express/urgent services: 7–10 business days (via attestation agencies).

Costs & Fees

The fees vary depending on the services required:

  • Notary & State Authentication: $50–$150 (varies by state)
  • US Department of State: $20 per document (approx.)
  • UAE Embassy Washington DC: $45–$60 per document
  • MOFA Attestation (UAE): AED 150 per document
  • Service Agency Fees: AED 300–800 (depending on urgency and courier charges)

💡 Tip: Always request a detailed quotation from a trusted attestation agency in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to avoid hidden charges.

Documents Required

  • Original or certified copy of US birth certificate
  • Passport copy of the certificate holder (and parent’s passport for minors)
  • Valid UAE residence visa / Emirates ID (if applying within UAE)
  • Authorization letter (if applying via an agency)

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By addressing these, you can see how important it is to cover both process and intent-based information for individuals searching online.

Where to Get US Birth Certificate Attestation in Dubai & UAE

You can handle the process yourself by coordinating with US and UAE authorities, but it is time-consuming and complicated. Most people prefer to use professional attestation service providers in Dubai who:

  • Collect documents from your location
  • Handle state, federal, and embassy steps in the US
  • Deliver attested documents directly to your UAE address
  • Offer urgent / express attestation services

Final Thoughts

Attesting and legalizing a USA birth certificate for UAE may seem complex, but with the right guidance, the process can be straightforward. Whether it’s for a family visa, school admission, marriage registration, or Golden Visa, ensuring your documents are correctly attested saves you from delays and rejections.

👉 If you need professional help with US birth certificate attestation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the UAE, reach out to a trusted attestation agency for smooth and hassle-free processing.