Agency Agreement Legalization for Use in the UAE

An Agency Agreement is a contract that authorizes a representative to act on behalf of a company in commercial or operational matters. When an Agency Agreement executed in the United States is intended for use in the United Arab Emirates, it must undergo legalization to verify its authenticity and ensure it is legally recognized by UAE authorities, banks, free zones, and private entities. Legalization confirms that the document was properly signed, notarized, and certified according to U.S. and UAE regulations.

When This Document Is Required

Agency Agreements are commonly requested for:

• Appointing a local agent or distributor in the UAE
  
  

• Authorizing an individual or entity to conduct business on behalf of a U.S. company
  
  

• Registering a company or branch in the UAE
  
  

• Supporting commercial licensing and business setup applications
  
  

• Confirming representative authority for signing corporate contracts
  
  

• Establishing authorization for customs or logistics operations
  
  

Required Document Standards

To be eligible for legalization, the Agency Agreement must meet the following requirements:

• The Agreement must be signed with a wet-ink signature. Digital or electronic signatures are not accepted.
  
  

• The signer’s printed or typed name must appear beneath the signature.
  
  

• The signature must be notarized by a commissioned notary public.
  Online notarizations are not accepted.
  
  

• The UAE Embassy accepts Secretary of State certifications from any U.S. state.
  
  

• Standard processing includes State of Maryland certification, unless the applicant chooses to certify the document in their own state before submission.
  
  

• Authentication by the U.S. Department of State is typically not required for business documents, but may be added upon request.
  
  

Legalization Process

The legalization confirms the origin and authority behind the document. The process generally includes:

1. Notarization
   The authorized signatory signs the Agency Agreement before a commissioned notary public using a wet-ink signature.
   
   

2. State Certification
   The notarization is authenticated by the Secretary of State. This certifies the notary’s authority and signature.
   
   

3. U.S. Department of State Authentication (If Requested)
   While not always required for corporate documents, this step can be completed for applicants who require federal-level authentication.
   
   

4. UAE Embassy Legalization
   The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. reviews and legalizes the document, confirming its validity for official use in the UAE.
   
   

5. Final Attestation in the UAE (If Needed)
   Certain institutions in the UAE may require final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   
   

Why Legalization Is Necessary

Legalization ensures the Agency Agreement is:

• Officially recognized by UAE authorities and regulatory bodies
  
  

• Valid for business licensing, representation, and contract execution
  
  

• Accepted by banks, free zones, customs authorities, and corporate registries
  
  

• Protected against fraud or unauthorized signature disputes
  
  

Without legalization, the Agency Agreement may not be accepted for any official or commercial purpose in the UAE.

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on state certification procedures, embassy workload, and whether federal authentication is requested. Standard and expedited handling options may be available based on applicant requirements.

How We Assist

The UAE Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. facilitates the complete legalization process for Agency Agreements. Support includes:

• Reviewing document formatting and signature compliance
  
  

• Coordinating notarization and state-level certification
  
  

• Managing optional U.S. Department of State authentication
  
  

• Submitting documents to the UAE Embassy for legalization
  
  

• Providing secure document handling and courier support
  
  

Our role is to ensure the document is processed correctly for acceptance in the United Arab Emirates.

FAQs

Why must the Agency Agreement be signed with a wet-ink signature?
The UAE Embassy does not accept electronic or digital signatures. A wet-ink signature ensures authenticity and verifiable execution.

Does the Agreement require notarization before legalization?
Yes. The signature must be notarized by a commissioned notary public. Online notarizations are not accepted.

Is U.S. Department of State authentication required?
Not typically. Corporate documents are generally accepted with state certification and UAE Embassy legalization. Federal authentication may be added upon request.

Can I use my own Secretary of State for certification?
Yes. Applicants may obtain certification in their own state before submitting the document. Otherwise, standard processing includes certification through the State of Maryland.

Who performs the legalization in the United States?
The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. is responsible for legalizing U.S. documents for use in the UAE.

Is final attestation required once the document reaches the UAE?
Some institutions, such as banks or governmental departments, may require final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.