Apostille for a certified passport copy: what gulf countries require
Gulf countries have specific requirements for apostilled passport copies that go beyond what most other destinations ask for. Because the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and others outside the Hague Apostille Convention require embassy attestation on top of the apostille - and because some Gulf authorities specifically require notarisation rather than solicitor certification - getting the preparation wrong at the outset means repeating the process from the beginning.
Why the original passport cannot be submitted
An apostille is a physical paper certificate that the FCDO attaches to the back of the document. A UK solicitor or Notary Public must inspect the original passport, produce a certified paper copy, and apply their wet-ink signature and official stamp. The FCDO authenticates that signature, seal or stamp. The apostille is attached to the certified copy.
Solicitor or Notary Public: the Gulf distinction
For most destinations worldwide, a solicitor-certified apostilled passport copy is accepted. In the Gulf, this is not always the case. The UAE, Qatar and other Gulf authorities frequently specify notarisation by a Notary Public rather than solicitor certification. A Notary Public carries a higher level of internationally recognised standing for document legalisation purposes. If the receiving authority in the Gulf has specified notarisation, a solicitor-certified copy will be rejected even if it has been apostilled. Always confirm which level of certification the receiving authority requires before instructing.
The three-stage UAE process
For UAE use, the apostilled passport copy must go through three stages. First, the FCDO apostille. Second, UAE Embassy digital attestation in London - which since early 2025 is processed electronically with no physical stamps, taking approximately eight to ten working days. Third, MOFA digital attestation in the UAE, which issues a secure PDF as the final authentication. Each stage must complete before the next can begin.
Saudi Arabia: now a Hague member
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2022. For most document types, an FCDO apostille is now the final step for Saudi use - embassy attestation through the Saudi Embassy in London is no longer routinely required. However, individual Saudi employers, institutions or government bodies may still request additional attestation for specific documents. Confirm with the receiving authority before assuming the apostille alone is sufficient.
Start early
Between the solicitor or notary appointment, FCDO processing and embassy attestation where required, the full process for a Gulf-destined passport copy can take four to six weeks. Call our team on +44 203 957 9800 to confirm the exact requirements for your Gulf destination and manage the process.