Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE

What is a Residence Visa?

UAE residence visa is a practical way to live in the Emirates for a period of 2+ years. Marriage certificate attestation for UAE visas is a required step when one has chosen to apply for the residency via a family visa.

Obtaining a UAE residence visa allows you to become a legal resident of the country, and the visa can be renewed every 10 years with no limit on the number of renewals. Since UAE legislation does not include terms such as “residence permit” or “permanent residence permit,” foreigners who wish to stay in the UAE long-term can do so under resident status by obtaining a residence visa.

A UAE residence visa can be issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 10 years.

Read more about the UAE residence visa here.

Reasons to Obtain a UAE Residence Visa

• opportunity to stay long-term in one of the world’s most developed countries;
• freedom of entry and exit;
• access to one of the best banking systems in the world, on par with UAE citizens;
• right to conduct business in the UAE without restrictions;
• eligibility to work for a UAE-based company;
• ability to enroll children in local educational institutions;
• opportunity to apply to universities as a UAE resident;
• access to medical insurance and healthcare services in the Emirates (the UAE has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world);
• ability to apply for visas to other countries while residing in the UAE.

Why is Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE Necessary?

Family members of a UAE resident (read more about family residency here), including a spouse, are eligible to apply for residency as well. For spouses, the marriage certificate attestation for UAE family visas is a required.

When applying for a spouse visa, a marriage certificate is absolutely essential. It is the first document that will be requested during the visa application process. However, without undergoing the specific attestation procedure required for the UAE, a foreign-issued document will be considered invalid in the Emirates.

The key point to keep in mind is that the UAE does not accept apostilled documents. The UAE is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, which abolishes the requirement of consular legalization for foreign public documents and replaces it with an apostille stamp.

This means that apostilled documents have no legal validity in the Emirates, which is why consular legalization (attestation) is required.

The Process of Legalizing a Marriage Certificate for UAE

Marriage certificate attestation for UAE typically involves several stages. The exact steps may vary depending on the country where the document was issued, but the general process includes:

1. Notarization of the document copy. A notarized copy must be certified by a licensed notary. It is important that the notary’s signature and seal are present, not those of an assistant or acting officer.
2. Translation into Arabic or English. The document must be translated by a qualified professional translator. In many countries, the translator’s credentials must also be verified before the translation can be accepted.
3. Notarization of the translation. The notarized copy and the certified translation are usually bound together, and the translation is notarized to confirm its accuracy and the translator’s credentials.
4. Authentication by the Ministry of Justice (or equivalent authority). The authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal is confirmed by a national authority such as the Ministry of Justice.
5. Further authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step verifies the signature and seal of the Ministry of Justice or equivalent body.
6. Legalization at the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country of issuance. The document is then submitted to the UAE diplomatic mission, where it is reviewed and stamped. This often requires payment of a consular fee and several days of processing.
7. Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once in the UAE, the document must be submitted to the UAE MOFA for final verification and stamping.

Cost and Timelines of Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE

The cost of legalizing a marriage certificate for the UAE varies from case to case. However, in most situations, the total cost ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 rubles. This includes notarial fees, translation services, and government duties.

On average, the process of marriage certificate attestation for UAE takes about 3 to 4 weeks. It’s worth noting that the waiting time at the UAE Embassy is typically around 10 business days.

What are the Benefits?

• eligibility for a spouse to obtain a UAE residence visa;
• simplified document processing for a child in the future.

Conclusion

Relocating to the UAE with family is an increasingly common goal today. The oil-rich region attracts couples with its favorable tax policies designed to encourage foreign investment, along with high living standards, excellent healthcare and education, and ample opportunities for career advancement and business growth.

Since UAE nationals rarely work in many sectors, foreigners have access to a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. Additionally, the UAE is known for its world-class infrastructure and high quality of life. That is why document legalization for the UAE is such a relevant and in-demand process today. Without properly legalized documents, you won’t be eligible to apply for UAE residency.