Destination: United Arab Emirates
Singapore Documents for the UAE — Embassy Attestation, Step by Step
The United Arab Emirates is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a Singapore document for Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate needs more than an apostille. It goes through a notary (for private documents), the Singapore Academy of Law, and then the UAE Embassy in Singapore. We handle every step and do the embassy queue for you.
Last updated 1 October 2026
- Apostille accepted?
- No
- Route
- Notary + SAL + UAE Embassy
- UAE Embassy
- 3–5 working days after SAL
- In the UAE
- MOFA, 1–3 business days
Why the UAE still needs embassy legalisation
Countries inside the Apostille Convention accept SAL’s apostille on its own. The UAE is outside it, so it relies on its own embassy to confirm Singapore’s authentication. Without the UAE Embassy’s stamp, UAE employers, free zones and ministries will usually reject the document. How embassy attestation works.
Attesting a degree for a UAE job
A UAE employment visa often requires an attested degree. The usual route for a Singapore degree:
-
1
Certified true copy
By a notary public in Singapore.
-
2
SAL
Authentication by the Singapore Academy of Law.
-
3
UAE Embassy
Attestation by the UAE Embassy in Singapore.
-
4
In the UAE
Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), usually 1–3 business days, arranged by you or your employer.
Some employers also ask for transcripts or a letter from the university. Send us their list. Certified copies.
Company documents for UAE business
Setting up in a free zone or on the mainland, registering a branch, bidding for tenders or appointing a local agent usually needs certificates of incorporation and good standing, board resolutions, and powers of attorney — all attested through the same chain. Corporate documents · Power of attorney
The step in the UAE after the embassy
Final step happens in the UAE
UAE Embassy attestation in Singapore usually takes 3–5 working days after SAL legalisation. Final UAE MOFA attestation is done in the UAE — usually 1–3 business days, through a MOFA service centre or the MOFA app, arranged by you, your employer or a typing centre. We courier the document to whoever will complete it.
Timeline and cost for the UAE
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Notarisation (certified copy or signing) | During the visit or pickup |
| SAL authentication | 1–3 working days |
| UAE Embassy attestation in Singapore | 3–5 working days after SAL |
| Express courier to the UAE | 2–3 working days |
| UAE MOFA attestation (in the UAE) | 1–3 business days |
| Whole degree chain, Singapore to UAE MOFA | Usually 7–15 working days |
UAE Embassy attestation in Singapore usually takes 3–5 working days after SAL legalisation. Final UAE MOFA attestation is done in the UAE.
- Fees: official notary and SAL fees + UAE Embassy fee at cost + our embassy add-on from S$79 per document — pricing
Typical express courier time; customs or remote areas may take longer.
Last updated: 1 October 2026. Rules change; we confirm the route for your document before quoting.
Questions about the UAE
Is an apostille enough for Dubai?
Can you attest a degree from a university outside Singapore?
My job starts next week. Is that enough time?
Attested for the UAE, without the queue.
Degree or company papers — notary, SAL and UAE Embassy handled for you.