Certificate attestation is a crucial step for anyone planning to work, study, or start a business in the UAE. This process verifies the authenticity of your documents and ensures the UAE government recognizes them. Whether it’s an educational certificate, marriage certificate, or commercial document, understanding the attestation process is key to avoiding delays or rejections.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you efficiently navigate the certificate attestation process in the UAE.
1. Understand the Need for Certificate Attestation
The attestation of documents is carried out in the UAE to accomplish the following:
- Authenticate foreign-issued documents.
- Ensure that documents adhere to UAE laws.
- Facilitate legal proceedings, including visa applications, business establishment, and enrollment in institutions of higher education.
2. Commonly Attested Documents
Attestation applies to:
- Educational certificates: degrees, diplomas, and transcripts,
- Personal documents: marriage certificates, birth certificates, and affidavits,
- Commercial documents: memorandums of association, powers of attorney, and invoices.
3. Steps to Attest a Certificate
Here are the steps to ensure a smooth attestation process:
Step 1: The Notarization of the Firm
- Ensure that your document is notarized by an authorized notary of the country in which it was issued.
- This step virtually ensures validation of the authenticity of the document before being sent for further attestation.
Step 2: Attestation by Competent Authority
- Send the notarized document to the relevant government department in your home country, like the Ministry of Education (for educational certificates) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- This ensures that the document is recognized for international use.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation
- To have documents authenticated by the UAE embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Verify the documents according to UAE norms and regulations by the embassy.
Step 4: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in UAE
- Present the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after it has arrived in the UAE for the final round of attestation.
- The MOFA attestation acknowledges verification of the document in the UAE.
4. Documents Required for Attestation
Documents to be submitted:
- Legal original document for attestation.
- Photocopies of the document.
- A valid passport copy of the owner of the document.
- Supporting documents (such as proof of relationship for marriage certificates).
5. Costs and Timelines
- Costs: Fees differ according to the types of documents and the authorities involved. MOFA attestation fees typically start at AED 150.
- Timelines: It can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, depending upon the origin of the document and the complexity of the attestation.
6. Hiring a Professional Service
- Since attestation is a complicated process, many individuals or businesses choose to engage professional attestation services.
These services:
- Collect and submit the various documents;
- Coordinate between several authorities;
- Ensure compliance according to UAE regulations.
7. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Incomplete Documentation: Check the required documents twice so that delays may be avoided.
- Errors in the Documents: Ensure data across all documents is accurate and corresponds with official records.
- Processing Delays: It’s a good idea to have a reasonable plan, especially in cases where the document is in urgent need of something like a visa application.
How RAS Corporate Advisors Can Help
At RAS Corporate Advisors, we realize the importance of correct and timely certificate attestation. To that end, our team keeps the vast range of support encompassing:
- Guidance towards the documents required.
- Coordination with authorities in the country of origin and the UAE.
- Regularity of the process to ensure trouble-free attestation.
Contact Us Today!
Need assistance with attestation of the certificate? Let RAS Corporate Advisors ease that process for you at [+971 4589 6885].
Certificate attestation in the UAE is an essential step into the world of possibilities. With the correct set of preparations and expert advice, you can get through the process quite quickly. Leave the certificate attestation on RAS Corporate Advisors, and we shall discharge it with all professionalism and quickness.