If you live in the UAE and want to bring your spouse on a family visa, or you have other reasons whatsoever, you need to prove you’re married. Here’s a guide on how to get your marriage certificate approved.
Importance of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The UAE government needs to make sure your marriage certificate is real and recognized by your home country before they give you a family visa. This helps prevent fake documents and confirms that your marriage is legally valid where you come from.
By getting your marriage certificate attested, you show that it’s genuine and issued by the right government office in your home country. This proof is necessary for the UAE authorities to allow you to sponsor your spouse for a family visa.
Who Needs to Attest the Marriage Certificate?
If you are living in the UAE and want to sponsor your spouse’s visa, you must get your marriage certificate attested, no matter where you are from. This requirement applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Even if you got married in the UAE, you still need to go through this process.
Attesting your marriage certificate means proving it is real and recognized by the authorities. To do this, you need to:
Verify in Your Home Country: Get the certificate stamped by the right offices in your home country.
UAE Embassy or Consulate: Have it attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Once in the UAE, get it verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This process makes sure that your marriage is officially valid, which is necessary for you to sponsor your spouse for a visa.
Process of Marriage Certificate Attestation In UAE
Notary Public Verification:
First, you need to get your marriage certificate verified by a notary public in the country where it was issued. This step confirms the authenticity of the document.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation (Home Country):
After notary verification, take your marriage certificate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country. They will authenticate the document, confirming its validity for international use.
UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country):
Next, visit the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country with your attested marriage certificate. They will further verify the document and provide their seal of approval, acknowledging its validity for use in the UAE.
MOFA Attestation in Abu Dhabi:
Once you have obtained notary verification, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation in your home country, and UAE embassy attestation, you can submit your marriage certificate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. They will finalize the attestation process, confirming the document’s validity for legal purposes within the UAE.
Requirements For Marriage Certificate Attestation In UAE
- Your marriage certificate should include details such as the names of the bride and groom, their ages, marital status, date and place of marriage, and their addresses.
- It should also list the names of witnesses and the person who officiated the marriage.
- In the UAE, it’s mandatory to get your marriage certificate attested to legalize your marriage in your home country or apply for a resident visa for your spouse.
- The attestation process involves verifying the certificate by the authority in the country where it was issued and then by the UAE authorities.
- This makes sure the validity of your marriage certificate for use in both your home country and the UAE
How Long Will It Take?
When you choose a well-known travel agency in Abu Dhabi, they make sure to speed up the marriage certificate attestation process for its customers. They can get it all done in just 3-5 days. The agency understands how important it is to have your documents on time.
Marriage Certificate Attestation Cost in UAE
In Dubai, getting your marriage certificate attested usually costs between AED 500 and AED 700. This covers everything from translation to government and UAE attestation fees. Choosing a good agency/ service works hard to keep prices competitive for its customers.
FAQs
- Is attestation of my marriage certificate mandatory if I got married in the UAE?
Yes, regardless of where you got married, if you are living in the UAE and wish to sponsor your spouse’s visa, you must still get your marriage certificate attested.
- Can I handle the attestation process on my own, or do I need to use a service?
While it’s possible to handle the attestation process yourself, many people opt to use a professional service, such as a good agency in Abu Dhabi, to make sure everything is done correctly and efficiently.
- What happens if my marriage certificate is rejected during the attestation process?
If your marriage certificate is rejected during attestation, you will need to address the specific issues causing the rejection and resubmit the document for attestation.
- What should I do if my marriage certificate is lost or damaged?
If your marriage certificate is lost or damaged, you will need to obtain a new certified copy from the issuing authority in your home country before proceeding with the attestation process.
- Is there an expiration date for attested marriage certificates in the UAE?
Attested marriage certificates generally do not have an expiration date. However, it’s always a good idea to check with relevant authorities if there are any updates or changes in regulations that may affect the validity of your document.