UAE UAE Embassy Attestation for Employment – Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE
If you plan to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other UAE cities, your employer will usually require a legalised UK employment reference letter. In many cases, they will also request legalised degree certificates or transcripts.
For this reason, you must complete the correct UK–UAE legalisation process before submitting documents for a job offer, work visa, or onboarding.
This guide explains the exact, employer-accepted route, updated for the UAE electronic legalisation system introduced in 2025.
Why UAE Employers Require Legalised Employment Reference Letters
UAE employers follow strict verification rules. This is especially true for:
- multinational companies
- government or semi-government entities
- regulated professions
Therefore, employers often require candidates to submit officially legalised documents, including:
- employment reference letters
- degree certificates and academic transcripts
- professional qualification documents
If you submit documents without proper legalisation, employers may reject them. As a result, your job offer, visa process, or start date may be delayed.
Important Update: UAE Electronic Legalisation System (2025)
Since 24 February 2025, the UAE Embassy in London and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs have replaced paper embassy stamps with a mandatory electronic legalisation system.
Instead of physical stamps, the Embassy now issues secure electronic PDFs.
Because of this change:
- paper attestations are no longer issued
- each document receives its own electronic file
- employers verify documents online, not manually
What Is UAE Electronic Legalisation?
UAE electronic legalisation replaces traditional embassy stamping.
After approval, the Embassy issues a verifiable electronic PDF. Each PDF includes a unique reference number. Employers and authorities can then verify the document online through the official MoFA system.
As a result, the process is faster. However, checks are also stricter.
Which Employment Documents Require Legalisation?
Employment Reference Letters
Employers usually request reference letters that confirm:
- employer name
- job title
- employment dates
- job responsibilities
These letters often form part of visa sponsorship or background checks.
Academic Documents
UAE employers frequently request:
- degree certificates
- diplomas
- academic transcripts
Each academic document must be legalised separately. Therefore, you cannot submit bundled documents.
Step-by-Step: UK Employment Reference Letter Apostille for UAE
To avoid rejection, you must follow the exact order below.
Step 1: UK Solicitor or Notary Certification
A UK solicitor or notary public certifies the employment reference letter or academic document.
Step 2: UK Apostille (FCDO)
Next, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office applies a UK Apostille to the certified document.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Submission (London)
After that, the Apostilled document is submitted to the UAE Embassy in London.
Step 4: UAE Electronic Legalisation
The Embassy and MoFA complete electronic legalisation and issue a secure PDF.
Step 5: Document Delivery
Finally, you receive the electronically legalised PDF for employment or visa use.
Processing Time for Employment Documents
In most cases:
- processing takes 5–8 working days
- public holidays, Ramadan, and Eid are excluded
However, timelines may vary depending on document type and Embassy workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic PDFs accepted by UAE employers?
Yes. UAE employers and immigration authorities fully accept electronically legalised PDFs.
Can I legalise multiple reference letters together?
No. Each document must be processed individually.
Can non-UK degrees be legalised in the UK?
Only in limited cases. First, the issuing country must authenticate the document. Only then can it enter the UK legalisation route.
Is a UK Apostille alone sufficient for the UAE?
No. The UAE does not accept Apostille-only documents for employment. UAE Embassy and MoFA legalisation is required.
Why Correct Legalisation Matters
The electronic system simplifies verification. However, it also increases technical checks.
Documents may be rejected if they are:
- not solicitor-certified
- incorrectly Apostilled
- submitted as bundled files
- issued in the wrong jurisdiction
Because of this, mistakes often cause delays to job offers, visa approvals, or employment start dates.
UK Employment Reference Letter Legalisation Support for UAE
Ginkgo Advisory Limited provides end-to-end support for professionals preparing to work in the UAE.
Our services include:
- UK solicitor certification
- UK FCDO Apostille
- UAE Embassy submission
- delivery of electronically legalised PDFs
We support employment documentation for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all UAE emirates, with a strong focus on accuracy, speed, and employer acceptance.
Contact Us
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167-169 Great Portland Street, 5/F, London
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