Guide for Document Attestation For Dubai via UAE Embassy Ottawa

Planning a move, job, or business trip to Dubai? Then you’ve probably heard you’ll need your Canadian documents attested before they’ll be accepted in the UAE. That means everything from your university degree to your birth certificate needs to go through a few official steps to be recognized overseas.

Here’s the key thing to know: the UAE only has one working embassy in Canada, and it’s in Ottawa. The former Toronto embassy is permanently closed. So, whether you need a United Arab Emirates visa, consular help, or document attestation, Ottawa is your go-to. The UAE embassy in Canada handles all the paperwork required to legalize your documents in the UAE. And yes, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) may also need to review your documents, depending on the type.

Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the attestation process, what to send, where to send it, and how to make the whole thing faster and easier. If you need help getting your documents ready, our team specializes in expediting the legalization process and ensuring your paperwork meets all the standards required by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Ottawa. Check out our UAE Embassy Attestation page for more details and support to get you across the finish line.

Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at [email protected].

Understanding General Information of Document Attestation for the United Arab Emirates

What Is Document Attestation?

Attestation is the official process that confirms documents—such as diplomas, birth certificates, and employment records—are valid and issued by legitimate authorities. The UAE uses this verification method to ensure all foreign paperwork is trustworthy before acceptance.

In Canada, this process usually has two parts: authentication and legalization. Authentication is done by Global Affairs Canada or provincial competent authorities. They check that your document is real and that the person who signed it holds recognized authority. Legalization is done by the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. They review the authenticated document and grant the final approval for use in Dubai. Together, these steps ensure your documents are ready for official recognition abroad.

Why Is Attestation Required for Dubai?

Dubai has rules to ensure that all official documents are real and trustworthy. That’s why they require this formal verification process. It’s designed to confirm that documents from another country—like Canada—are genuine and legally issued.

You’ll need approved documents for many important situations. If you’re moving to Dubai for a new job, your employer may ask for your diploma or work history to be validated. Students heading to school institutions in Dubai will likely need attested academic transcripts or degrees. Personal matters—like applying for a residence visa, sponsoring a family member, or getting married—can require verified paperwork. This is a crucial step to avoid delays or rejections.

Step-by-Step Attestation and Legalization Process via the Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Ottawa

Step 1: Authentication by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) or Provincial Competent Authority

Global Affairs Canada (or provincial competent authority) must authenticate Canadian documents intended for use in Dubai before their utilization. The signature and seal are verified as authentic. You must submit the original document or a certified copy to GAC, or you can deliver it in person if you are in Ottawa. Upon successful authentication, GAC issues a certificate or stamp that signifies an official review.

GAC can verify many types of documents, including diplomas, transcripts, birth and marriage certificates, police checks, and legal paperwork. The process generally takes about 15 to 20 business days but may extend during peak seasons such as spring and summer. To avoid setbacks, confirm that your document is signed by an authorized individual, such as a notary public, commissioner of oaths, lawyer, or school registrar, recognized by Global Affairs Canada. Ensure you add a request form already filled out, the address where you want your package shipped, and a prepaid return envelope with tracking included.

Step 2: Attestation by the UAE Embassy in Ottawa

Once your documents are authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, the next step is to send them to the UAE Embassy in Ottawa for attestation. You can do this by mail or by dropping them off in person if you’re nearby. The embassy does not accept email submissions. Make sure everything is neat, complete, and clearly labelled.

Document-Specific Attestation Guidelines

Educational Documents

If you’re planning to use your educational certificates like a degree, diploma, or transcript—in Dubai, the UAE Embassy in Ottawa needs to make sure everything is official. These documents must first be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada (or provincial competent authority). After that, they go to the UAE Embassy Canada for the final attestation step. It’s essential that your documents are clean, clear, and not damaged or altered in any way.

For transcripts, the embassy has a strict rule: they must come directly from your school in a sealed envelope. You can’t open it or send it yourself. This helps the embassy trust that your school records are real and haven’t been changed. Before you start the process, call or email your school to ask them to send the transcript straight to the embassy with all the correct details.

Personal Documents

If you’re going to live or work in Dubai, you may need to show personal documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, police certificate, or a power of attorney. These documents help prove your identity, family relationships, or legal agreements. Before the UAE will accept them, they must be attested, which means they go through a special process to show they’re real.

These documents must be issued in Canada to be accepted by Global Affairs Canada (or provincial competent authority) and the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. If your document was made in another country, you must follow that country’s attestation steps instead. Make sure the documents are clear, complete, and not damaged. Once Global Affairs Canada (or provincial competent authority) authenticates them, they can be sent to the UAE Embassy for final approval.

Commercial Documents

If you’re doing business in Dubai and need to use Canadian documents—like business licenses, contracts, corporate documents, or company registration documents—they must be attested just like personal or school documents. This proves the documents are official and accepted by the UAE government.

The UAE Embassy in Ottawa has special rules for commercial and corporate documents, so it’s important to check their website before you start. They’ll tell you what documents are accepted and how they should be prepared. These documents must be issued in Canada and first go through authentication by Global Affairs Canada. After that, you can send them to the embassy with the proper forms and fees for attestation.

Translation and Language Requirements

If your documents are not in English or Arabic, you’ll need to get them translated before they can be attested. The UAE only accepts documents in those two languages, so this step is very important. A regular translation won’t work—you need a certified translation to make sure it’s official and accurate.

To get a certified translation, use a professional translator or translation service in Canada. They should give you a signed and stamped certificate that says the translation is correct. Make sure to include both the original document and the certified translation when sending your documents for authentication and attestation. The UAE Embassy may not accept translations done outside of Canada or by unverified sources.

Processing Times

The attestation process for using Canadian documents in Dubai involves two main steps: authentication by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and legalization by the UAE Embassy in Ottawa.

As of April 2025, GAC’s processing time is typically 15–20 business days, excluding mailing time to and from their office. The embassy usually processes documents within 3–5 business days after receiving them. Considering both processing and mailing times, you should plan for the entire process to take approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

To facilitate an efficient process, verify all requirements, include all requisite documents, and consider employing a dependable courier service for mailing.

Tips for a Smooth Attestation Process

Start with the latest information
Check the official websites for both Global Affairs Canada (or provincial competent authority) and the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. Their guidelines can change, so make sure you’re following the most up-to-date steps.
Get your documents ready
Make sure your documents are complete, clean, and signed by the correct people—like a notary public or a school official.
Stay organized
Keep copies of everything you send. Use a tracked mail service so your documents don’t get lost in the mail.
Avoid common mistakes
- Don’t send documents without the correct signature or stamp.
- Don’t forget your prepaid return envelope.
- Make sure you include the correct payment.
Double-check before mailing
Don’t assume the process is the same as last year. Always read the current instructions on the embassy’s website. Taking a few extra minutes now can save you weeks of delay later.

If you’re uncertain about navigating the attestation process on your own, professional guidance can make all the difference. Our team has extensive experience with document authentication and legalization through the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. We’ve assisted thousands of Canadians in preparing their documents for official use in the UAE and are available to support you at each step. To learn more, please visit our UAE Embassy Attestation page.

Do You Need Assistance Authenticating Documents Issued in Canada? The Legalization Service Center Can Help!

The Legalization Service Centre is here to provide support at every stage of the process for those seeking to apostille or authenticate documents in Canada. We optimize the process to guarantee the accurate authentication of your documents for international purposes.