Certificate Attestation
Certificate attestation is a mandatory and multi-step process of verifying the authenticity of documents issued in one country for legal use in another. For individuals moving to Dubai for work, residency, or education, having their documents attested is a non-negotiable requirement by the UAE government. This process ensures that documents like educational degrees, marriage certificates, and birth certificates are legitimate and not forged.
Who Needs Attestation?
Attestation is required for anyone who needs to use a foreign-issued document in the UAE for various purposes, including:
- Employment Visa: Attested educational degrees are essential to secure a work permit and a job in the UAE.
- Family Visa: Marriage certificates and birth certificates must be attested to sponsor a spouse and children.
- School/University Admission: For enrolling children in schools or pursuing higher education, attested academic transcripts and certificates are required.
- Legal Procedures: Documents like power of attorney or inheritance certificates must be attested for legal and financial transactions.
The Multi-Stage Process:
The attestation process for documents originating outside the UAE is a chain of verification that involves authorities in both the home country and the UAE. While the exact steps may vary by country, the general process includes:
- Notary Public Attestation (Home Country): The process typically begins with the notarization of the document. A notary public verifies the signature and seal on the document, confirming its authenticity.
- Home Government Department Attestation (Home Country): The document is then attested by a relevant government department. For educational documents, this is usually the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). For personal documents, it's often the Home Department or a similar authority.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation (Home Country): After the initial attestation, the document is sent to the Ministry of External Affairs or the Foreign Ministry of the home country. This stamp or seal confirms that the previous attestations are valid and that the document is fit for international use.
- UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country): This is a crucial step where the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the home country attests the document. This is the final verification from the home country side, confirming that the document is ready to be used in the UAE.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Attestation (UAE): The final stage of the attestation process takes place in the UAE. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) applies its stamp, which officially legalizes the document for use within the UAE. Without the MoFA stamp, the document is not considered valid.
Required Documents:
While requirements can vary, common documents needed for attestation include:
- The original certificate to be attested.
- A photocopy of the passport.
- Photocopies of the visa (if already in the UAE).
- Passport-sized photographs.
The agency's role is to manage this complex and time-consuming process on behalf of the client. They handle the submission of documents, liaise with all the required government departments and embassies, and provide a hassle-free, door-to-door service to ensure the certificates are attested correctly and on time.
