The UAE is not part of the Apostille Convention, so an apostille is refused there. A New Zealand document first needs authentication by DIA, then attestation by the UAE Embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). We prepare the document, get the DIA authentication, and lodge the UAE Embassy and MOFA stages for you Allow about 3–5 weeks from when we have your document, or 2–3 weeks with our urgent service. Quoted all in, including the UAE fees. Already living in the UAE? We handle everything without you coming back to New Zealand.
What we attest for the UAE
| What it's for | NZ document | What we take care of |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer, teaching licence or degree recognition | Degree certificate, sometimes the transcript | Check whether it needs a notary first, then DIA authentication, UAE Embassy and MOFA attestation |
| Sponsoring a spouse on your residence visa | NZ marriage certificate | Order a new BDM certificate, then take it through all three stages |
| Children's residence visas and school enrolment | Children's NZ birth certificates | Order and attest each certificate so the family file matches |
| Employer or licensing checks | NZ police certificate (criminal record) | Request the record for you, then authenticate and attest it |
| Company set-up or acting for someone | Power of attorney, company documents | Book a Notary Public, then authenticate and attest |
Your employer, school or the UAE authority sets the final list. Send us what they asked for and we match it.
Already living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Many New Zealanders in the UAE only find out about the attestation when their employer, the visa office or a school asks for it. You don't need to fly home or find someone to run errands in New Zealand.
- We order new NZ birth and marriage certificates directly, as an approved BDM Online organisation
- We request your NZ police certificate on your signed authority
- You sign our online authority form from the UAE, and we act for you in New Zealand
- The finished, attested documents go to you or your sponsor, wherever you are
If your degree certificate is with you in the UAE, tell us. We'll explain the simplest way to get it to us, or whether a university-issued document can be used instead.
How it works with us
- Send us the UAE requestEmployer email, visa list or school form.
- We get the right originalNew BDM certificate, notary or police record.
- DIA authenticationThe New Zealand stage, lodged by us.
- UAE Embassy + MOFABoth UAE stages, lodged through the official channel.
- Ready for the UAEAttested document sent to you or your sponsor.
How long it takes
Allow about 3–5 weeks from the day we have your document to the finished attestation. With our urgent service, it's usually 2–3 weeks. A new BDM certificate or a degree that needs a notary first adds a few days at the start. Tell us your start date or visa deadline when you ask for a quote, and we'll tell you straight away if it's tight.
What it costs
| Service | All in |
|---|---|
| NZ certificate, DIA authentication, UAE Embassy and MOFA attestation | Quoted all in, including all government and UAE fees |
| Degree that needs a notarised copy first, then all stages | Quoted all in, including the notary |
| NZ police certificate requested for you | NZ$35, attestation extra |
| Several family documents at once | One quote for the whole set |
| Courier to you or to the UAE | Added to your quote |
Every UAE quote includes GST, the DIA fee and the UAE Embassy and MOFA fees, so there are no separate bills. For a family move, we quote the degree, marriage and birth certificates together. See pricing.
Why an apostille gets refused in the UAE
An apostille only works between countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. The UAE has never joined it. A New Zealand document with an apostille, including an e-apostille, has no standing with UAE immigration, ministries or employers. It has to go through document authentication and then the two UAE attestations.
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes we see. People pay for an apostille, post it to Dubai, and find out weeks later it has to be done again.
Degrees: the document that causes most delays
UAE employers, especially schools and universities, nearly always ask for an attested degree. A New Zealand degree certificate can't always go straight to DIA. Depending on the university and the document, it may need a Notary Public first, or a letter from the university. We check yours before anything is lodged, so it isn't rejected halfway through the chain.
Some employers also ask for the transcript, or for an equivalency certificate issued in the UAE. Tell us what your employer listed and we prepare the New Zealand side to match.
Mistakes that cost weeks
- Getting an apostille or e-apostille instead of authentication
- Sending the wedding-day certificate instead of a BDM marriage certificate
- A laminated certificate. It can't be attested
- Lodging a degree that needed a notarised copy first
- Names on the degree, passport and visa paperwork that don't match
We prepare and lodge New Zealand documents for UAE use. Visa, employment and licensing decisions are made by the UAE authorities and your sponsor.
Frequently asked questions
Does the UAE accept an apostille from New Zealand?
No. The UAE is not part of the Apostille Convention. NZ documents need DIA authentication, then UAE Embassy attestation and UAE MOFA attestation.
What are the steps for UAE attestation from New Zealand?
Three stages, in order: DIA authentication in New Zealand, attestation by the UAE Embassy, then attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We handle all three.
How long does UAE attestation from New Zealand take?
Allow about 3–5 weeks from when we have your document, or 2–3 weeks with our urgent service. Ordering a new certificate or a notary appointment adds a few days at the start.
I already live in the UAE. Can you still help?
Yes. We order NZ certificates, request your police certificate and act on your signed authority, so you don't need to be in New Zealand.
Do I need to send my documents to the UAE for MOFA attestation?
No. We lodge the UAE Embassy and MOFA stages for you through the Embassy's official attestation channel.
Which documents do UAE employers usually ask for?
Most often an attested degree certificate. For family visas, attested marriage and children's birth certificates. Your employer or sponsor sets the final list.
How much does UAE attestation cost?
We quote all in, including GST, the DIA fee and the UAE Embassy and MOFA fees. Family sets are quoted together, before anything starts.
Can you order a new NZ certificate for UAE attestation?
Yes. We are an approved BDM Online organisation, so we order the right NZ birth or marriage certificate and take it through all three stages.
Sources
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.