Setting up in a UAE free zone has become a top choice for Australian companies looking to expand into the Gulf. With benefits like 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax in some zones, and simplified repatriation of profits, free zones provide an attractive launchpad for international operations.
In fact, the UAE is home to over 40 free zones, and by 2024, more than 60,000 foreign-owned companies were registered in these zones, including a growing number of Australian firms.
However, what many new entrants overlook is a critical requirement: attestation of Australian business documents. Whether registering a new entity or opening a branch, UAE free zones require legalised copies of key business documents—ensuring they are verified and valid under UAE law. Missing or improperly legalised documents can cause costly registration delays or even rejection of your application.
Why Attestation Is Mandatory in UAE Free Zones
Unlike countries that are part of The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents, the UAE is not a signatory. This means that documents issued in Australia—such as a company’s constitution, certificate of incorporation, or board resolutions—must undergo a multi-step attestation process before they can be accepted in the UAE.
Each UAE free zone authority (such as DMCC, JAFZA, or RAKEZ) demands that foreign documents be fully attested to ensure authenticity and compliance with UAE regulations. This legalisation process acts as a form of cross-border due diligence, preventing fraud and confirming that foreign entities are legitimate.
Commonly Required Documents for Australian Businesses
To register in a UAE free zone, Australian companies are often asked to submit:
- Certificate of Incorporation – Proof the company exists under Australian law.
- Company’s Constitution – Previously known as the memorandum and articles of association; outlines internal governance.
- Board Resolution – Authorising the formation of a UAE entity or appointment of representatives.
- Power of Attorney (POA) – Enabling a nominated individual to handle formalities on behalf of the company.
Passport copies and shareholder IDs – Verified identification of the individuals involved.
The Legalisation Process Explained
For documents issued in Australia to be valid in the UAE, they must go through the following four steps:
- Notarisation by an Australian Notary Public
Documents must first be notarised, with a Notarial Certificate verifying their authenticity and origin. - Authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT then confirms the notary’s credentials and the validity of the documents. - Attestation by the UAE Embassy in Canberra
The embassy ensures the document complies with UAE standards for business and regulatory use. - Final Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Once in the UAE, MOFA may require a final verification before accepting the documents for registration.
Skipping any of these steps or submitting incomplete files can lead to rejections, delays in acquiring your business licence, or denied access to banking and visa services.
| Why Timing and Accuracy MatterAttestation isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about getting it right the first time. Delays in document processing can mean missing out on market opportunities, jeopardising partnerships, or having to redo the entire registration process. Most UAE free zones impose strict timelines for document submission, and errors in legalisation can lead to frustrating repeat submissions. |
Authentifier Handles It All—So You Don’t Have To
Setting up in a UAE free zone is exciting—but navigating the attestation maze doesn’t have to be stressful. Authentifier offers a seamless, end-to-end service for Australian businesses entering the UAE.
From notarisation and DFAT authentication to embassy and MOFA attestation, our experts ensure your documents are processed quickly and accurately—usually within one week. With an experienced team, transparent pricing, and free progress updates, Authentifier helps you focus on your business while we manage the compliance.
Start your UAE journey with the confidence of complete legal compliance—trust Authentifier to get your business documents attested fast, professionally, and without the hassle.
