A document executed outside the Philippines, in order to be recognized for legal purposes in the Philippines, must be either acknowledged or authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.

An acknowledgement is when the person executing the document signs the document in the presence of an Embassy or consular officer and declares it to be his true and voluntary act and deed (i.e. Special Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Sworn Statements, etc). Forms or templates may be downloaded at http://abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph/sample-sites/form-downloads  or may be requested from the Notarials / Authentication Counter;

An authentication is when the signature of a recognized UAE government official, usually the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.  Generally, documents requiring authentication are corporate acts or judicial acts or when the individuals executing documents cannot appear and sign at the Philippine Embassy.

Step 1:             Prepare the following requirements:

Ø Document to be notarized or authenticated;  Forms or templates may be downloaded at http://abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph/sample-sites/form-downloads or may be requested from the Notarials / Authentication Counter;

Ø      One (1) Photocopy of passport per document to be notarized or authenticated;

Ø      Labor contracts must be verified first by the Philippine Labor Office (POLO);

Ø      Birth certificates and marriage contracts must be stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ø      For affidavits of support and guarantee, please prepare photocopies of the passports as well.

Ø      Personal appearance is required for notarization of documents.

Ø      Fee 100 AED per document. 

Ø      Certificates of residency and unemployment for travel tax exemption are free.

Step 2:            Get a queuing number from the doorman for the Notarials / Authentication Counter before entering the Consular Section.

Step 3:             Wait for your number to be called or to appear on the board.

Step 4:             Submit your documents at Counter B.

For Notarial Services:  The executor of the document signs the original and duplicate in the presence of the Consular officer/staff. The executor must present a copy of his passport as well as the passport or any Philippine government-issued identification card of the person authorized.

For Authentication Services: The document (i.e. birth certificates, marriage contracts, agreements etc) must be duly authenticated or must be stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 5:             Upon initial evaluation, you will be given a claim stub. Proceed to the cashier to pay. 

Step 6:          Bring your claim stub and pick up your documents after 3 or 5 days (for documents requiring the Embassy’s red ribbon) from Sundays through Thursdays.