Business Expansion to the Middle East? Commercial Document Attestation for Indian Entrepreneurs
If you’re an Indian business owner planning to expand to the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.), there’s one critical step you can’t ignore—commercial document attestation.
Without attested documents:
- Your company registration gets rejected
- You can’t open a bank account
- Business licenses won’t be approved
This guide explains everything Indian entrepreneurs need for smooth Middle East expansion.
Why is Commercial Attestation Mandatory?
Middle Eastern governments require verified proof that your:
- Company documents are genuine
- Financial records are authentic
- Authority letters (like Power of Attorney) are legally valid
Without attestation, you cannot:
- Register a branch/subsidiary
- Sign contracts
- Apply for trade licenses
Which Documents Need Attestation?
Document Required For
Certificate of Incorporation Company registration
Memorandum of Association (MOA) Legal business operations
Articles of Association (AOA) Shareholder agreements
Board Resolution Authorizing company decisions
Power of Attorney (POA) Appointing local representatives
GST/Tax Registration Financial compliance
Note: Some countries (like UAE) also require translation to Arabic.
Step-by-Step Attestation Process
Step 1: Notary Attestation (1-2 Days)
- A local notary verifies documents.
- Cost: ₹500–1,000 per document
Step 2: Chamber of Commerce Attestation (3-5 Days)
- Indian trade body (e.g., ICC, FICCI) verifies commercial papers.
Step 3: MEA Attestation (2-4 Days)
- Ministry of External Affairs (Delhi) provides final Indian approval.
Step 4: Embassy Attestation (5-10 Days)
- The Middle East embassy (UAE, Saudi, etc.) gives the final stamp.
Total Time: 10-20 days (Urgent: 5-7 days)
5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated documents (must be recent)
- Missing notary/Chamber of Commerce attestation
- Name mismatch (company name must match everywhere)
- Last-minute applications (start 2 months before)
- Choosing unverified agents (check MEA-recognized providers)
2025 Commercial Attestation Fees
Document Normal Fee (₹) Urgent Fee (₹)
Certificate of Incorporation 8,000–12,000 15,000–20,000
MOA/AOA 10,000–15,000 18,000–25,000
Power of Attorney 6,000–9,000 12,000–16,000
GST Certificate 5,000–8,000 10,000–14,000
Pro Tip: Some agencies offer bulk discounts for multiple documents.
FAQs – Middle East Business Attestation
Q1. Can I attest documents after reaching the Middle East?
No! Must be done in India before visa application.
Q2. Do all partners/directors need to sign?
Yes, for MOA/POA, all authorized signatories must verify.
Q3. Is Arabic translation required?
Yes for UAE/Saudi (cost: ₹500–1,000 per page).
Q4. How long is attestation valid?
Most documents don’t expire, but some countries require renewals.
Q5. Can my Dubai agent handle attestation?
No, Indian documents must be attested in India first.
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