Why Marriage Certificate Attestation is Important in UAE for Visa

Marriage certificate attestation is a mandatory requirement in the UAE for obtaining a family residence visa, spouse visa, or dependent visa. It serves as legal proof of marriage, ensuring that the relationship is recognized by UAE authorities. Without attestation, the visa application for a spouse or family member may be rejected.

What is Marriage Certificate Attestation?

Attestation is the process of verifying and legalizing a marriage certificate by various authorities to confirm its authenticity. The UAE government requires attested documents for legal and immigration purposes.

Why is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required in UAE?

Attesting a marriage certificate is crucial for:

• Applying for a Family Visa: To sponsor a spouse under a UAE residence visa, the marriage certificate must be attested.

• Legal Recognition in the UAE: Unattested foreign marriage certificates are not valid in UAE courts, embassies, or government offices.

• Child Visa Applications: If a child is born outside the UAE, parents may need to provide an attested marriage certificate when applying for the child’s visa.

• Medical Insurance & Health Benefits: Many UAE employers require attested marriage certificates to provide family health insurance.

• Bank & Legal Transactions: Some banks and legal institutions in the UAE may request an attested marriage certificate for joint accounts, loans, or legal matters.

Steps for Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE

The attestation process involves multiple steps across different authorities in the home country and the UAE:

1. Notarization in the Home Country

• The marriage certificate must be notarized by a government body in the country where the marriage was registered.

2. Attestation by the Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• The document is verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or an equivalent authority in the country where the certificate was issued.

  
  

3. UAE Embassy Attestation

• After home country verification, the marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country.

  
  

4. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation

• Once the document arrives in the UAE, it must be further attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

  
  

5. Legal Translation (If Required)

• If the certificate is in a language other than Arabic, it must be legally translated by a certified translator in the UAE.

  
  

How Long Does Marriage Certificate Attestation Take?

The entire attestation process usually takes 5 to 15 working days, depending on the country of issuance and the authorities involved. Some services offer express attestation for quicker processing.

Marriage Certificate Attestation Cost in UAE

The cost of attestation varies based on the country of issuance and the service provider. Estimated costs:

• Home Country Attestation Fees: AED 200 – AED 500

• UAE Embassy Attestation: AED 300 – AED 600

• MOFA Attestation in UAE: AED 150 – AED 300

• Translation Fees (if required): AED 100 – AED 300

Total cost may range from AED 500 – AED 1,500.

Conclusion

Marriage certificate attestation is a legal necessity for expatriates in the UAE, especially for family visas, spouse sponsorship, and legal transactions. Ensuring your documents are properly attested saves time and prevents visa application delays.

For fast and reliable attestation services in the UAE, visit family visa center. and get expert assistance today!