Certificate Attestation

What is Certificate Attestation?

Certificate attestation is the official process of verifying educational, personal, or commercial documents by authorized government bodies or the UAE embassy. It ensures that these documents are genuine, unaltered, and legally acceptable for use in international processes such as living, working, or studying abroad. This procedure is mandatory for individuals applying for visas, employment, or higher education in countries like the UAE.

The authorities responsible for attestation verify the submitted documents by cross-checking them with the original copies to confirm their authenticity. The UAE government requires the attestation of all documents, including educational qualifications and personal certificates, especially for visa applications and legal purposes.

Common documents that undergo attestation include:

Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas)
Personal documents (birth, marriage certificates)
Commercial documents (business licenses, contracts)

The stages involved in certificate attestation generally include:

Notarization in the document’s country of origin.
State-level authentication.
UAE Embassy attestation in the home country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation in the UAE.

Why is Certificate Attestation Required?

Attestation lends credibility to the documents and guarantees their authenticity, which is crucial for various purposes:

International Travel: Many countries, including the UAE, require attested documents for visa processing.
Employment Visa: Employers require attested educational documents to verify qualifications and ensure legitimacy.
Higher Education: Universities in the UAE require attested academic certificates for admissions.
Legal Proceedings: Property disputes or court cases may necessitate the submission of attested legal documents.
Business Setup: Commercial document attestation is required for setting up businesses in Dubai, including the verification of powers of attorney and trade licenses.

What is Document Attestation for a UAE Visa?

Document attestation for a UAE visa involves verifying the authenticity of personal or educational documents by an official authority to ensure they meet the UAE's regulatory requirements. The process includes:

Verification by the issuing authority.
State Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) attestation.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation.
UAE Embassy or Consulate attestation in the document’s country of origin.
Final verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai.

What is Commercial Document Attestation?

Commercial document attestation involves verifying the authenticity of business-related documents for business operations in Dubai or other international transactions. Examples of such documents include certificates of origin, invoices, powers of attorney, and trade licenses.

Documents Required for UAE Attestation

The documents required for UAE attestation vary based on the purpose, type of document, and country of origin. Common documents include:

Educational documents: Degrees, diplomas, mark sheets.
Personal documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates.
Commercial documents: Invoices, trade licenses, powers of attorney.
A copy of the applicant's passport may also be required.

How Long Does Certificate Attestation Take in Dubai?

The time frame for certificate attestation in Dubai depends on the document type, the issuing country, and the specific requirements of the authorities involved. On average, the process takes 10-12 working days.

How Much Does Document Attestation Cost in Dubai?

The cost of document attestation in Dubai varies depending on the type of certificate, the issuing country, and the specific requirements. Each stage of attestation may incur different fees.

For hassle-free document attestation, Benchmark Attestation offers professional services that guarantee the safety and security of your documents. For more information, contact us at +971 52 888 4714.