Expanding your business operations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. With over 70,000 new companies registered in UAE free zones in 2024 alone—a 12% increase compared to 2023—businesses are increasingly capitalising on the region’s opportunities.
However, operating in the UAE requires Australian businesses to meet specific legal requirements, including attesting their Australian commercial licenses. This process ensures your documents are recognised as valid by UAE authorities, enabling smooth business operations.
Why the UAE is a Top Choice for Australian Businesses?The UAE’s business landscape continues to thrive in 2024, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reaching $25 billion—marking a 9% year-on-year increase. Free zones such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) reported a surge in registrations, driven by incentives like 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax for specified activities, and streamlined business setup processes. |
Why Attesting Australian Commercial Licenses is Essential
The UAE is not a member of The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents, which makes document attestation mandatory for legal recognition. Without attested commercial licenses, businesses may face delays in securing approvals, leasing office spaces, or obtaining operational permits.
Attestation verifies the authenticity of your license for UAE government agencies, ensuring compliance with their regulations and allowing your business to integrate seamlessly into the local ecosystem.
Step 1: Obtain a Notarised Copy of Your Commercial License
Start by securing your original Australian commercial license or a notarised copy. A notary public in Australia authenticates the document and issues a Notarial Certificate, confirming its validity. This notarisation forms the foundation for the subsequent attestation process.
Step 2: Authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Next, your notarised document must be authenticated by DFAT. This involves verifying the notary’s seal and signature. DFAT issues an authentication certificate, which is required before submitting the document for embassy attestation.
Step 3: Attestation by the UAE Embassy
After DFAT authentication, the document is submitted to the UAE Embassy for attestation. The embassy verifies the document to ensure it meets UAE standards. Once attested, your commercial license is legally valid for use in the UAE.
Step 4: Legalisation in the UAE
Upon arriving in the UAE, some documents may require additional legalisation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This final step ensures that your document is fully accepted by all relevant UAE authorities.

Act Now for Seamless Business Expansion
With thousands of document attestations processed annually in Australia, the demand for reliable services is growing. Avoid unnecessary setbacks and ensure your commercial licenses are ready for use in the UAE.
Contact Authentifier today to start your attestation process. Trust their expertise to help you leverage UAE’s dynamic opportunities while focusing on what truly matters—your business success.