In today’s globalized business landscape, companies often need to present their corporate documents to authorities outside their country of origin — whether for opening a branch, setting up a new company, or entering into international trade contracts.
Among these documents, the Certificate of Incorporation is one of the most important. To make it legally valid in another country, especially in the UAE, it must go through a document attestation process — culminating in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation.
This blog provides an in-depth guide to understanding what a Certificate of Incorporation is, why it needs attestation, the step-by-step process, required documents, and how Best Attestation can handle the entire process within 24 hours.
What Is a Certificate of Incorporation?
A Certificate of Incorporation is an official document issued by the registrar or company authority in your country (e.g., Companies House in the UK, Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India, or Delaware Division of Corporations in the USA).
It legally confirms that:
- Your business entity has been registered with the relevant authority
- The company exists as a legal entity
- It includes the company name, registration number, date of incorporation, and type of business structure (LLC, PLC, etc.)
Essentially, this certificate acts as your company’s birth certificate — it’s proof of your organization’s legal existence.
Why Attestation of Certificate of Incorporation Is Required
If your company intends to do business in the UAE — such as:
- Opening a branch or subsidiary
- Participating in a tender or contract
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Entering into international trade agreements
- Registering for tax or VAT purposes
You’ll be required to submit attested corporate documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation.
Attestation ensures that the document is genuine, issued by a legitimate authority, and recognized by UAE government bodies such as:
- Ministry of Economy
- Free Zone Authorities (like DMCC, DAFZA, or IFZA)
- UAE Banks
- UAE Embassies abroad
Without attestation, foreign company documents are not legally accepted in the UAE.
Step-by-Step Process for Certificate of Incorporation Attestation
The process depends on where the document was originally issued. Below is the general legalization chain:
Step 1: Notarization in the Country of Origin
- The document must first be notarized by a registered notary public.
- This confirms that the Certificate of Incorporation is genuine and issued by a recognized authority.
Step 2: Attestation by the Chamber of Commerce or Registrar
- Some countries require Chamber of Commerce attestation or verification from the issuing registrar (e.g., Companies House, MCA, or Secretary of State).
- This step validates that the business is registered and operational.
Step 3: Attestation by the Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The document must then be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its equivalent in the issuing country.
- This is the government-level verification confirming that the previous signatures and seals are authentic.
Step 4: Attestation by the UAE Embassy in the Issuing Country
- Once the home-country MOFA attestation is complete, the document must be taken to the UAE Embassy or Consulate for attestation.
- This step certifies that the UAE recognizes the document as valid and ready for final attestation.
Step 5: MOFA Attestation in the UAE
- After the document arrives in the UAE, it undergoes final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC).
- This confirms that the Certificate of Incorporation is now legally recognized in the UAE.
- You can apply via the MOFAIC portal or through a professional attestation service like Best Attestation.
Documents Required for Certificate of Incorporation Attestation
To ensure smooth processing, prepare the following:
- Original Certificate of Incorporation (unlaminated and untampered)
- Copy of the Company Trade License (if applicable)
- Passport copies of directors/shareholders (for identity verification)
- Power of Attorney (if a representative handles the process)
- Supporting corporate documents (e.g., Memorandum of Association, Board Resolution)
- Payment receipt for attestation fees
Attestation Fees and Processing Time
- Home Country Attestations: Varies by country (approx. USD 20–150)
- UAE Embassy Attestation: AED 150–250 per document (approx.)
- MOFA Attestation (UAE): AED 150 per document
- Processing Time:
- Standard: 3–5 working days
- Express: Within 24 hours with Best Attestation’s fast-track service
Fees and timelines depend on document origin and courier options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting laminated or scanned copies — MOFA requires originals
- Missing prior steps (e.g., home-country or embassy attestation)
- Using incorrect document type in MOFAIC portal
- Inconsistent company names between documents
- Not attaching translations if the document is not in English or Arabic
- Waiting until the last minute — embassy slots and courier delays can affect timelines
Why Choose Best Attestation for Corporate Document Legalization
Handling attestation for corporate documents can be time-consuming, especially with multiple government offices and international steps.
That’s where Best Attestation simplifies the process.
Our Services Include:
- Complete assistance from notarization to MOFA attestation
- Embassy coordination and courier handling
- Certified translations (Arabic and English)
- Document pickup and delivery across UAE
- 24-hour express service for urgent business needs
With years of experience handling corporate document legalization, we ensure your Certificate of Incorporation is attested accurately, efficiently, and legally — saving your team valuable time.
Benefits of Attesting Your Certificate of Incorporation
Once attested, your Certificate of Incorporation becomes:
- Legally recognized by UAE government entities and financial institutions
- Valid for company registration or branch setup in UAE free zones
- Accepted by banks, immigration authorities, and legal departments
- Proof of your company’s authenticity and credibility in the UAE
Conclusion
Attesting your Certificate of Incorporation is a crucial step toward expanding your business operations in the UAE. It verifies your company’s legitimacy and allows seamless integration into Dubai’s fast-growing business ecosystem.
The process may seem complex — but with the right partner, it can be quick, compliant, and stress-free.
Best Attestation offers comprehensive Certificate of Incorporation attestation services, ensuring:
- Proper legalization in both the home country and UAE
- Certified translations and embassy coordination
- Delivery within 24 hours, guaranteed accuracy, and end-to-end support
