f you are planning to move, live, or work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with your spouse, then Marriage Certificate Attestation is a legal necessity. It confirms the authenticity of your marriage certificate and makes it valid for use in the UAE for visa, family sponsorship, and other official purposes.
This process, known as Marriage Certificate Attestation, is mandatory for all expatriates who wish to sponsor their spouse or apply for a dependent visa. Without this attestation, your marriage document will not be accepted by UAE authorities or government offices.
What Is Marriage Certificate Attestation?
Marriage Certificate Attestation is the process of verifying a marriage document issued in another country so it can be officially recognized by the UAE government. It involves several steps of verification by both the home country and UAE authorities, confirming the certificate’s authenticity and legality.
Once completed, your attested marriage certificate becomes a valid legal document for use in the UAE for:
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Spouse visa application
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Family residence visa
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Child visa sponsorship
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Property inheritance or legal claims
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Medical insurance coverage
Why Is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required in the UAE?
The UAE government strictly requires Marriage Certificate Attestation to verify the legitimacy of a marriage before allowing a spouse or family to reside together under a family visa.
Here’s why it’s important:
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Legal verification of the marriage relationship.
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Eligibility for dependent visa or family sponsorship.
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Approval for residence permits under family status.
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Compliance with UAE laws to prevent fraud or misuse of personal documents.
Without attestation, your marriage certificate will not be accepted by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE) or the UAE Embassy.
Step-by-Step Process of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The Marriage Certificate Attestation process includes several levels of verification from your home country to the UAE. Below is a simplified breakdown:
Step 1: Notary or Local Authentication
Your marriage certificate must first be verified by a notary public or local government authority in the country where it was issued.
Step 2: Ministry or Home Department Attestation
The document is then sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs or State Department for further authentication.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation
Once verified by local authorities, your certificate is submitted to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country for legalization.
Step 4: MOFA Attestation in UAE
Finally, after arriving in the UAE, the attested document must be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for final attestation. This confirms that your marriage certificate is valid for all official purposes in the UAE.
Documents Required for Marriage Certificate Attestation
To complete the Marriage Certificate Attestation process, you typically need:
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Original marriage certificate
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Copy of both spouses’ passports
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Copy of UAE residence visa (if available)
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Authorization letter (if using an attestation agent)
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National identity proof (if required by embassy)
It’s always best to confirm specific requirements with your attestation agency or the UAE Embassy, as requirements can vary slightly by country.
Marriage Certificate Attestation in the UAE for Different Countries
The process may vary slightly depending on where your marriage certificate was issued. For example:
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India: Requires verification from the Home Department, MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), UAE Embassy, and finally MOFA UAE.
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Pakistan: Must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, UAE Embassy in Islamabad, and then by MOFA UAE.
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UK or USA: Verified by local authorities, Foreign Office, UAE Embassy, and then the UAE MOFA.
In all cases, MOFA Attestation in UAE is the final and mandatory step.
How Long Does the Marriage Certificate Attestation Take?
The processing time for Marriage Certificate Attestation depends on the country of origin and the service provider. On average, it takes 7 to 15 working days if all documents are in order. Some agencies also provide express attestation services for urgent needs.
Cost of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The cost of attestation varies depending on factors such as country of issue, number of documents, and attestation authorities. Generally, it ranges between AED 200 to AED 600 per certificate.
If you choose a professional attestation service provider, they may charge additional service fees for collection, courier, and handling.
MOFA Marriage Certificate Attestation in the UAE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA UAE) plays a crucial role in the attestation process. Once the document has been verified and attested by your home country and the UAE Embassy, MOFA attestation is the final confirmation that makes the certificate valid across the UAE.
You can apply for MOFA attestation online or by visiting one of their Customer Happiness Centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates. The service is fast, and in most cases, same-day attestation is possible.
Benefits of Marriage Certificate Attestation
Here are the main advantages of getting your Marriage Certificate Attested:
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Official acceptance of your marriage by UAE authorities
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Eligibility for family sponsorship visa
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Legal proof of relationship for government procedures
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Required for childbirth registration in UAE hospitals
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Facilitates joint banking and legal transactions
Attestation ensures your marriage certificate is recognized as a valid document within the UAE legal system.
How to Choose the Right Attestation Service Provider
Choosing a reliable attestation agency can save you time and hassle. Look for:
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MOFA-approved service providers
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Transparent pricing and timeline
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Free document pickup and delivery services
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Experience with international document attestation
Professional attestation experts can handle all embassy, consulate, and MOFA attestations efficiently, ensuring your documents are accepted without delay.
Conclusion
In summary, Marriage Certificate Attestation is a mandatory legal process for couples residing or moving to the UAE. It verifies the authenticity of your marriage and allows you to apply for a family visa, live with your spouse, and access various government services.
Completing Marriage Certificate Attestation through the proper channels, including embassy and MOFA UAE, ensures that your marriage is recognized officially and legally across the Emirates. Whether you do it yourself or through a professional attestation agency, timely attestation helps you avoid unnecessary delays in visa or residency applications.