Korean Documents for United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates joined the Hague Apostille Convention on June 19, 2024, making MOFA apostille the correct certification for Korean documents submitted to UAE authorities — no legalization at the UAE Embassy in Seoul is required for documents issued after that date. Arabic translation remains required by most UAE government bodies, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Dubai Land Department (DLD), and Free Zone authorities (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA). The UAE is home to a significant Korean business community with Samsung Gulf Electronics, LG Gulf, Hyundai, and KOTRA Dubai operating in the region. Whether you are processing an Employment Visa, a 10-year Golden Visa, establishing a mainland LLC with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a Free Zone entity, registering a property at the DLD, or applying for KHDA or ADEC teacher licensing, our specialists handle apostille and certified Arabic translation from Korea.

Requirements & key facts

UAE joined the Hague Convention on June 19, 2024 — MOFA apostille is now valid; no UAE Embassy legalization required

Arabic translation is required by UAE government authorities including ICP, MOHRE, DLD, and most Free Zone registries

Employment visa applicants must submit apostilled Korean academic credentials and criminal background checks with certified Arabic translation

Golden Visa (10-year) categories include property investors (AED 2M+), entrepreneurs, specialized talent, and outstanding graduates

Mainland LLC company registration via DED requires apostilled Korean corporate documents; Free Zone setups (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA) have separate requirements by free zone authority

Dubai Land Department (DLD) requires Arabic-translated and apostilled Korean documents for property transactions

Teacher licensing through KHDA (Dubai) and ADEC (Abu Dhabi) requires apostilled Korean diplomas, transcripts, and criminal background checks

Processing time: MOFA apostille 3–10 business days; express processing available

Apostille guides by document type

Step-by-step instructions for each Korean document you need apostilled for United Arab Emirates.

Birth Certificate Diploma Academic Transcript Marriage Certificate Criminal Background Check Power of Attorney Family Register Corporate Registration

Available services for United Arab Emirates

Apostille Certified Translation Notarization

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need UAE Embassy legalization for my Korean documents, or is apostille enough?

Since the UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention on June 19, 2024, MOFA apostille is the correct certification for Korean documents used in the UAE. Embassy legalization at the UAE Embassy in Seoul is no longer required. However, most UAE authorities still require a certified Arabic translation alongside the apostilled original.

What Korean documents do I need for a UAE Employment Visa?

UAE Employment Visa applications typically require an apostilled Korean degree certificate (학위증/졸업증명서) and, for regulated professions, apostilled transcripts and a criminal background check (범죄경력조회서) — all with certified Arabic translation. Document requirements vary by employer and Free Zone vs. mainland sponsorship.

What is required for a UAE Golden Visa using Korean documents?

The UAE Golden Visa (10-year residence) for specialized talent requires apostilled Korean academic credentials (degree and transcripts) with certified Arabic translation. Property investor applicants need apostilled Korean identity documents. Your sponsoring UAE authority will confirm the exact document checklist.

What Korean documents does DED require to register a mainland LLC in the UAE?

A mainland LLC registered via the Department of Economic Development (DED) requires passport copies and, for Korean shareholder corporate entities, apostilled Korean corporate registration certificates (법인등기부등본) with certified Arabic translation. Free Zone requirements vary by authority.