Certificate attestation is an essential process for validating the authenticity of Personal, Educational, and Professional documents when living, working, or studying in a foreign country. In Dubai, this procedure is particularly important for expatriates as it ensures that documents issued abroad are recognized as valid and legal by UAE authorities. Whether you are applying for a job, seeking admission to a school or university, or applying for a residency visa, attestation of certificates is a mandatory requirement.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the certificate attestation process in Dubai to ensure that your documents are accepted by UAE authorities without any complications.
Types of Certificates/Documents that require Certificate Attestation in Dubai
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the types of documents that generally require attestation:
- Educational Certificates:
- High School Diplomas
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Master’s Degrees
- Professional Certifications
- Personal Certificates:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Commercial Documents:
- Power of Attorney
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Articles of Incorporation
Documents
Bring the original certificates along with any UAE Embassy attestation and supporting documents for Certificate attestation process in Dubai.
Requirements for Certificate Attestation in Dubai
- Employment
- Visa Applications
- Education
- Work Allowance
- Migration
- Trading
- Business Expansion
Step-by-Step Guide to Certificate Attestation in Dubai
Step 1: Document Preparation
The first step is to prepare the original certificates that require attestation/authentication. Ensure that the documents are issued by authorized institutions and are free of any alterations or errors.
Step 2: Notarization in Home Country
For documents belonging outside the UAE, the first stage of attestation begins in the country where the document originated. Here’s the process:
- Notarization by Local Authority
- Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent)
- Attestation by UAE Embassy or Consulate
Step 3: Attestation by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in Dubai
After the UAE Embassy in your home country attests the document, it must be further attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is a critical step to authenticate the document for use in Dubai.
Step 4: Attestation by Dubai Authorities (If required)
In some cases, further attestation by local authorities in Dubai is required. For example:
Ministry of Education: If you are submitting educational certificates for employment or study purposes.
Ministry of Justice: If the documents involves legal matters like power of attorney or contracts.
*After MOFA attestation, contact the relevant Ministry in Dubai for any additional attestations.
Fees
The fees for Dubai attestation vary depending on the type of document, usually ranging from AED 150 to AED 200 per document.
Time Frame
The process can take 7-8 working days, but express services may be available for urgent cases.
Certificate attestation is a critical process for anyone planning to live, work, or study in Dubai. Following this step-by-step guide ensures that your documents are properly authenticated and accepted by the authorities in the UAE. There are numerous professional Attestation companies in Dubai that offer end-to-end certificate attestation services for a fee. These agencies can help expedite the process, especially for people who do not have time to follow each step themselves. They provide proper guidelines and assistance of each phase of attestation to help you navigate the process efficiently and avoid delays in your application.
By adhering to the requirements outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth attestation process and transition to living or working in Dubai.
