Getting married is a happy occasion and for couples getting married in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it’s important to understand the process of attesting their marriage certificate. Attesting a marriage certificate means verifying its authenticity and getting it recognized by the UAE authorities. This article will guide you through the steps to attest your marriage certificate in the UAE so your union is legally recognized in the country.
Importance of Attesting Marriage Certificates
Attesting your marriage certificate in the UAE is important for many reasons. It’s proof of your marital status. It’s required for many purposes including immigration, visa applications, spouse visa, residence visa, property ownership, opening joint bank accounts and claiming spousal benefits. By attesting your original document, like the marriage certificate process, you ensure that it holds the legal validity of the family “visa and is recognized by UAE” authorities and institutions.
Attesting Marriage Certificates Method
Gather the Required Documents
Before you begin the entire process of attestation, gather the necessary list of documents Needed. Typically, you will need the following:
- Original marriage certificate
- Valid passports of both spouses
- Copies of passports
- Passport-sized photographs
- Application forms
Step 1: Notarization of Marriage Certificate
The first step in the attestation process is to notarize your marriage certificate. This means getting it attested by the authorities in your home country. Visit your local notary public or marriage registrar’s office to get the notarized certificate. Make sure the notary seal is visible.
Step 2: Attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
After getting the notarized certificate, it has to be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country. This step verifies the document and confirms its legality. Then submit the notarized marriage certificate to Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the required application forms and fees.
Step 3: Attestation from UAE Embassy or Consulate
After Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests the marriage certificate in your home country, it has to be further attested by UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country. Contact the UAE mission to know the requirements, fees and procedure for attestation. Submit the attestation application along with the documents.
Step 4: Attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE
Upon arriving in the UAE, you must visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in the relevant Attestation Department to have your marriage certificate attested. This step ensures that the UAE government recognizes the document. Then Submit the attested certificate, along with the necessary application forms and fees, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 5: Translation of Documents (If Required)
If your marriage certificate is not in English or Arabic, it must be translated by an approved translation service in the UAE. Here, you can check the list of Approved translators by UAE GOV. This translation ensures that the UAE authorities understand the document. Include the translated copy with the original certificate during the attestation process.
Step 6: Final Attestation at Ministry of Justice in UAE
The last step is to visit Ministry of Justice in UAE to get the final attestation for your marriage certificate. This step is to confirm that your marriage certificate attestation is recognized by the country and can be used for official purposes. Submit the required documents, application forms and fees to the Ministry of Justice.
Step 7: Additional Requirements for Non-English Certificates
If your certificate is in language other than English or Arabic, it may require additional steps for attestation. These steps may include getting the certificate translated into Arabic by an approved translator before proceeding with the attestation process. Check with the UAE authorities or consult a lawyer to confirm.
Fees and Processing Time
MOFA Attestation for personal and educational certificates is available at AED 150 per document, regardless of whether the document is from UAE or abroad. Courier charges may apply. Marriage certificate attestation in UAE has multiple attestation fees and processing time. Fees and time may vary depending on the country of origin and UAE authority requirements. It’s better to contact the authority or seek professional help to get the exact fees and time.
Common Issues and Solutions
During the attestation process you may face some issues like language barrier, attestation stamps, missing documents for attestation, or unknown procedures. To overcome these issues seek professional attestation services or legal experts who are familiar with UAE attestation process. They can help you in streamlining the process and meet all the requirements.
Benefits of Attesting Marriage Certificate in UAE
Marriage certificate attestation in UAE has many benefits. For Example, It gives legal recognition to the marriage certificate holder, simplifies visa and immigration process, family visa, joint property ownership, banking and financial transactions and spousal benefits. By attesting your marriage certificate you are protecting your rights as a married couple and integrating smoothly into UAE society.
Legal Consequences of Not Attesting the Marriage Certificate
Not attesting your marriage certificate in UAE has legal document implications. Without attestation a UAE authorization letter may not recognize your marriage which can cause problems in many legal matters. Non attestation may lead to visa issues, property disputes and limited spousal benefits. To avoid such problems, completing the attestation process and getting your marriage legalized is mandatory.
Conclusion
Attesting your marriage certificate in UAE is necessary to prove your marital status in the country. Follow the steps above and meet the requirements and UAE authorities will recognize your marriage certificate. Remember to gather all the documents, seek professional help if needed and follow the UAE authorities rules to complete the attestation process successfully. For more Informational and How to Tips in UAE check our HOW TO UAE category to know more.
FAQs
Is attestation of the marriage certificate mandatory in the UAE?
Yes, attestation of the marriage certificate is mandatory in the UAE for it to be legally recognized.
Can I complete the attestation process by myself, or should I seek professional help?
While it is possible to complete the attestation process yourself, seeking professional help can simplify the process and ensure accuracy.
How long does the attestation process usually take?
The processing time for attesting a marriage certificate in the UAE can vary. Checking with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information is recommended.
Can I attest that my marriage certificate is not in English or Arabic?
You can attest to a marriage certificate, not in English or Arabic. However, it may require additional steps, such as translation, before the attestation process.
What are the benefits of attesting my marriage certificate in the UAE?
Marriage certificate attestation in the UAE legally recognizes your marriage, simplifies various processes, and grants access.