UAE trade license attestation for use abroad is what a UAE company needs when a foreign registry, bank, ministry or customs office asks for proof that the company exists. The license, MOA or invoice is attested digitally by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and then, in most cases, legalized by the destination country's embassy in the UAE. Wordcraft runs this outbound chain for mainland and free zone companies.
Why Foreign Registries and Banks Ask for UAE Trade License Attestation
- Registering a branch or subsidiary abroad, where the foreign registry wants proof of the UAE parent.
- Opening a bank account overseas in the name of the UAE company.
- Tenders and supplier registration with foreign governments and large buyers.
- Agency and distribution agreements that must be registered in the partner's country.
- Customs clearance of goods exported from the UAE.
This page is about documents leaving the UAE. Bringing a foreign company's papers into the UAE is covered under certificate of incorporation attestation, and personal UAE documents going overseas under UAE document attestation for abroad.
UAE Company Documents We Attest for Overseas Use
- Trade license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), another emirate's economic department or a free zone authority.
- Memorandum and articles of association, with every amendment.
- Certificate of incorporation or registration for free zone companies.
- Board resolutions and company powers of attorney; see board resolution attestation.
- Tax registration certificate from the Federal Tax Authority, when a foreign body asks for it.
Certification Before MOFA, Then Digital Attestation
Depending on the emirate and the document, DET, the free zone or the chamber of commerce may first certify it. MOFA then attests it through its MOFA attestation service: applications go through the MOFA website or app with UAE PASS, and UAE digital documents that carry a QR code or reference number can be attested online. The result is an electronic attestation the foreign authority can verify itself. Our MOFA attestation page explains the process in more detail.
Invoices and Certificates of Origin Follow a Separate Track
Commercial invoices and certificates of origin for exported goods go through MOFA's dedicated commercial-document service (eDAS), not the route used for licenses and corporate papers. The chamber of commerce or the relevant authority issues the certificate of origin, and the destination country's embassy may then legalize it if its customs rules call for that. We tell you which track your shipment documents need before you submit.
The Destination Embassy Step
Most countries want their own embassy or consulate in the UAE to legalize the MOFA-attested document. Every mission sets its own submission rules, and some work through appointed service centers. A few countries skip the embassy step and accept the MOFA attestation directly. Our embassy attestation in Dubai page explains how we handle foreign missions.
Translation for the Country Receiving Your Documents
UAE licenses and MOAs are often in Arabic or bilingual, and the foreign authority may want them in English or its own language, sometimes before the embassy will stamp them. We prepare certified translations in 150+ languages; our MOJ-certified legal translators prepare the Arabic version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UAE trade license be apostilled?
No. The UAE has not signed the Hague Apostille Convention, so there is no UAE apostille. The license is attested by MOFA and, where the country requires it, legalized by that country's embassy.
Do free zone licenses follow the same route?
Broadly yes, although the first certification usually comes from the free zone authority rather than DET. We confirm it for your free zone.
Is MOFA attestation of company documents digital?
Yes. MOFA issues the attestation electronically, and the receiving authority can check it online.
Do all countries require embassy legalization after MOFA?
Most do, a few do not. We check the destination's current rule before you pay.
Can several company documents for one country go together?
Yes. A license, MOA and board resolution for the same destination are usually attested as one batch.
How long does trade license attestation take?
It varies with the certification step and the embassy concerned. The quote states the expected timing for your documents.
Last updated: September 2026
