The Articles of Association (AOA) is a legal document that outlines a company’s internal rules, governance structure, and shareholder responsibilities. When setting up a branch, subsidiary, or joint venture in the UAE, or engaging in legal or financial transactions involving foreign entities, it is mandatory to attest the AOA if it was issued outside the UAE.
Why Is AOA Attestation Required?
Attesting your Articles of Association is essential for:
- Company formation or expansion in mainland or free zones
- Registering a foreign parent company with UAE authorities
- Opening corporate bank accounts in the UAE
- Participating in tenders, partnerships, or legal disputes
- Verifying business structure and shareholder rights
Documents Required for AOA Attestation
To initiate the AOA attestation process, you will typically need:
- Original Articles of Association (AOA)
- Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
- Valid passport copy of company representative
- Power of Attorney (POA) (if someone is acting on behalf of the company)
- Company cover letter or application (if required by the embassy or MOFA)
Optional: Legal translation if the AOA is not in English or Arabic.
Who Needs This Service?
AOA attestation is essential for:
- Foreign companies establishing a branch or subsidiary in the UAE
- Entrepreneurs forming free zone or mainland companies with foreign shareholders
- Businesses entering into legal or governmental contracts in the UAE
- Companies opening corporate bank accounts
- Law firms or consultants submitting corporate documents on behalf of clients
AOA Attestation Process (For Foreign-Issued Documents)
- Notarization in Country of Origin
- The AOA is first notarized by a local notary or authorized legal body.
- Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
- The home government’s foreign affairs department certifies the document.
- UAE Embassy Attestation in the Home Country
- The UAE consulate verifies the AOA and applies its seal.
- MOFA Attestation in the UAE
- Final legalization step by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in the UAE.
For UAE-Issued AOA
If the AOA is drafted in the UAE but needs to be submitted to authorities abroad, MOFA attestation and translation (if required) will be necessary.
Processing Time:
- Standard Service: 7–12 working days
- Express Service: 3–5 working days (subject to availability and country of origin)
Best Attestation – Fast, Reliable, & Nationwide Service
Best Attestation provides complete AOA attestation services across all seven Emirates:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
We handle the full process, offer free document pickup and delivery, and provide certified legal translation services if needed.
📞 Call us at +971 55 854 2916 or book online for a hassle-free experience.
What is the Articles of Association (AOA)?
The AOA is a legal document that governs how a company is run, including shareholder roles, director powers, and internal rules.
Why do I need to attest my AOA in the UAE?
Attestation validates the document for official use in the UAE—required for business registration, bank accounts, licensing, and legal matters.
How long does AOA attestation take?
Typically 7 to 12 working days, depending on the issuing country and processing speed (standard or express).
Is attestation required for UAE-issued AOA?
It depends on where the document will be used. For international use or certain UAE government bodies, MOFA attestation may still be required.
Can I get my AOA translated as part of the service?
Absolutely. We offer certified legal translation from English to Arabic (or vice versa) if requested by UAE authorities.
