FBI Background Check for the UAE

Authentication, not an apostille

For the UAE, an FBI Identity History Summary is first authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, which confirms the FBI official’s signature. The authenticated report then goes through the UAE’s legalization and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation process, which is now completed digitally. The result is accepted by UAE employers and authorities for employment visas and residency. See UAE Document Attestation and Digital MoFA Legalization.

Who needs it

Professionals relocating for employment, teachers, physicians and nurses applying for licenses, and family members sponsored for residency are commonly asked for an attested FBI background check. Physicians often also need attested licenses and diplomas; see Physician License Apostille for Practice Abroad.

How we handle it

1. Request your FBI Identity History Summary with your fingerprints, directly from the FBI or through an FBI-approved channeler. We process the authentication, not the background check itself.
2. Upload a scan for review so we can confirm the report is the FBI-issued version the U.S. Department of State will accept.
3. Send us the original.
4. U.S. Department of State authentication, hand-carried by our DC Satellite Office.
5. UAE legalization and attestation, completed through the UAE’s current process.
6. Arabic translation, if required, added to the same order.
7. We return the documents with tracking.

Timing

Authentication and attestation take longer than an apostille, and timing depends on the UAE process at the time you apply. We give you an estimate before we start, and we can plan the order of your other documents, such as diplomas and marriage certificates, so they are ready together.