Document attestation between the UAE and Syria is a multi-step process involving three government authorities in each country. Business documents (MOA, board resolutions) and personal documents (passports, certificates, degrees) must follow a specific attestation chain. This guide covers the complete 2026 process.
Personal Docs
Birth, marriage, degree certificates need MOFA plus Syrian embassy attestation.
Business Docs
MOA, CR, board resolutions need notarization, MOFA, and embassy attestation.
Processing
Full attestation chain: 3-4 weeks. Express service available: 2 weeks.
UAE Attestation Chain
| Step | Authority | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Notarization | UAE Notary Public | AED 100-200 | 1 day |
| 2. MOFA Attestation | UAE MOFA | AED 150/doc | 2-3 days |
| 3. Syrian Embassy | Syrian Embassy Abu Dhabi | AED 500-800 | 5-7 days |
| 4. Translation | Licensed Translator | SYP 50,000 | 1-2 days |
Syrian Attestation
Once documents arrive in Syria: Ministry of Foreign Affairs verification, Ministry of Justice certification (if for legal use), and relevant ministry approval. For company registration, the Ministry of Internal Trade is the final authority.
⚠️ Important: Documents expire after 6 months from UAE MOFA attestation date. Submit to Syrian authorities within this window to avoid re-attestation.
Document Types
Educational
Degree certificates need UAE MOFA, Syrian Embassy, and Syrian Ministry of Higher Education equivalency.
Personal Status
Marriage and birth certificates. Follow same chain. May need Ministry of Justice for family court matters.
Commercial
MOA, board resolutions, powers of attorney. Need Chamber of Commerce certification after MOFA.
ℹ️ Note: The Syrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi requires original documents plus two photocopy sets. Some documents need pre-translation to Arabic.
Timelines & Costs
Standard: 3-4 weeks, AED 1,500-2,500 per set. Express: 2 weeks, AED 2,500-4,000 per set. Bulk discounts for 5+ document sets.
✅ Tip: Start attestation early. Many UAE investors wait until the last minute. Vesta Solutions manages end-to-end attestation for clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attest without visiting Abu Dhabi?
Yes. PRO service companies handle everything. Courier originals to their office and receive attested copies back.
Non-English/Arabic documents?
Translate to Arabic or English first by certified translator. The translation must be notarized before attestation.
How long is attestation valid?
Commercial documents within 6 months are accepted. Some agencies require re-attestation if older than 3 months.
Resources
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Laila Al-Hassan (ليلى الحسن)
Senior Content Strategist. Based in Damascus with 8 years experience in Syrian business content and market analysis.
