Australia Document Attestation UAE — DFAT Apostille Guide (2026)

Australia and the Hague Apostille Convention

Australia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1995, which simplifies the document legalization process significantly. Instead of requiring authentication by multiple government departments and embassy attestation, Australian documents receive a single apostille certificate from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This apostille is recognized internationally, including by the UAE. For UAE-bound documents, the process is: DFAT apostille followed by MOFA attestation. No embassy attestation step is needed. This makes Australian document attestation one of the faster processes compared to non-Hague countries.

Step-by-Step Apostille and Attestation Process

Follow these steps to legalize Australian documents for UAE use.

1. 1Prepare your document — Ensure the original document is issued by a recognized Australian authority. For educational documents, the university or educational institution issues the certificate. For personal documents (birth, marriage), the relevant state registry issues them.
2. 2Apply for DFAT apostille — Submit your document to DFAT either by mail or through their online portal. You can apply through the DFAT Apostille and Authentication service. Processing: 5-10 business days by mail, expedited options available.
3. 3MOFA attestation in UAE — Once you receive the apostilled document, submit it for MOFA attestation in the UAE. Standard: AED 40, 2-3 business days. Express: AED 150, 1 business day.

Common Australian Documents for UAE Use

Australian nationals and former residents commonly attest these documents for UAE purposes.

• -University degrees and TAFE certificates — for employment and visa applications
• -Birth certificates — state-issued, for family visa and school enrollment
• -Marriage certificates — for spouse visa sponsorship
• -Australian Federal Police (AFP) check — for employment in regulated sectors
• -Driver license translation — not attestation, but certified translation for UAE license conversion
• -Corporate documents — ASIC extracts, company constitutions for business setup

Processing Timeline and Tips

The total process takes 2 to 4 weeks — faster than most non-Hague countries. DFAT processing is 5 to 10 business days by mail. MOFA attestation adds 2 to 3 business days. One important tip for Australians: DFAT requires documents to be originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If your original document is with an employer or university, request a certified copy before starting. For Australians already in Dubai, the DFAT apostille can be applied for remotely by mailing documents to Australia. Alternatively, a family member or friend in Australia can submit on your behalf with a signed authorization. AttestExpress handles the MOFA stage with doorstep service across Dubai once your apostilled documents arrive.