As the UAE continues to attract foreign investors with business-friendly regulations, tax incentives, and access to regional markets, Australian businesses are increasingly pursuing expansion into the Emirates. However, entering the UAE market isn’t just a matter of business opportunity—it also involves strict compliance with local administrative procedures.
One critical requirement when setting up or altering business structures in the UAE is the submission of attested board resolutions. These documents authorise key actions such as appointing representatives, opening bank accounts, or establishing a local presence. For Australian companies, attesting board resolutions for UAE use means navigating a multi-step legalisation process, starting in Australia and ending in the Emirates.
Attestation of Board Resolutions in the UAE
Board resolutions are formal declarations made by a company’s directors to authorise decisions and assign responsibility. In the UAE, these documents are required when applying for:
- Commercial or trade licences
- Setting up a mainland or free zone entity
- Appointing a General Manager or Power of Attorney holder
- Changing shareholders or authorised signatories
- Opening corporate bank accounts
Since these resolutions are foreign-issued, UAE authorities must confirm their authenticity through legalisation. This process validates the document’s origin, signature, and content, ensuring it holds legal standing in the UAE.
| The UAE Is Not a Signatory to the Apostille ConventionUnlike countries that participate in The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents, the UAE does not accept Apostilles. Instead, Australian companies must follow a more detailed embassy attestation route to get their board resolutions recognised in the UAE. |
Step-by-Step Process: How to Legalise Australian Board Resolutions for UAE
1. Notarisation by an Australian Notary Public
The board resolution must first be notarised by a registered Australian Notary Public. This process involves adding a Notarial Certificate that confirms the authenticity of the resolution and its signatures.
2. Authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Once notarised, the document must be submitted to DFAT, which authenticates the notary’s signature and seal. DFAT ensures that the notarial act is legitimate and correctly performed under Australian law.
3. Attestation by the UAE Embassy in Canberra
After DFAT authentication, the board resolution must be attested by the UAE Embassy in Canberra. Embassy officials review the document for completeness, proper formatting, and compliance with UAE standards.
Skipping or mismanaging any of these steps can lead to rejected applications, business delays, or added costs due to resubmission.
Common Issues Faced by Australian Companies
- Outdated Resolutions: Authorities may reject resolutions not passed within a recent time frame.
- Missing POAs or IDs: Supporting documentation such as Power of Attorney letters or shareholder passports must often accompany the board resolution.
- Incorrect Language or Format: Some authorities may require translations or specific document wording.
Authentifier: Helping You Avoid Attestation Delays
For Australian companies expanding into the UAE, time is of the essence. That’s why many businesses rely on Authentifier to handle their document attestation needs. With a team of experienced Australian Notary Publics and attestation professionals, Authentifier ensures your board resolutions are notarised, authenticated by DFAT, and submitted to the UAE Embassy accurately and on time.
Our services include:
- Fast-track legalisation (usually within 1 week)
- End-to-end handling of all legalisation steps
- Easy online ordering system
- Free progress tracking reports
- Cost-effective fees with no compromise on service quality
With Authentifier, your documents are submitted correctly the first time—saving your business both time and money. Whether you’re forming a new entity or updating operational control in the UAE, let Authentifier ensure your board resolutions are fully compliant and ready for use.
Call now for further assistance.
