Planning to move to the UAE with your spouse or apply for a family visa? Then, getting your Marriage Certificate Attestation is a mandatory step. It validates your marriage document as genuine and accepted by UAE authorities, allowing you to sponsor your partner, apply for residence visas, or complete other legal formalities.
In this article, we’ll explain the complete process of marriage certificate attestation, why it’s essential, what documents you need, and how professional attestation services UAE can simplify the process for you.
What is Marriage Certificate Attestation?
Marriage Certificate Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a marriage certificate issued in your home country before it can be used legally in the UAE.
The process involves several verification stages by local authorities, your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE Embassy, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Once your marriage certificate is attested, it becomes legally valid in the UAE for purposes such as visa applications, family sponsorship, or residence registration.
Why is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required in UAE?
The UAE government requires proof of legal marital status before granting certain benefits or permits. A marriage certificate attestation confirms that your marriage is officially recognized by both your home country and the UAE.
You’ll need an attested marriage certificate for:
- Applying for a family or spouse visa in the UAE
- Sponsoring your spouse or children
- Adding your spouse to your health insurance
- Buying or renting property jointly
- Enrolling children in schools
- Legalizing your marital status for residence or employment
Without this attestation, your marriage document will not be accepted by UAE authorities.
Who Needs Marriage Certificate Attestation?
You must get your marriage certificate attested if you are:
- A UAE resident sponsoring your spouse
- A foreigner applying for a family visa
- A couple relocating to the UAE for work
- A UAE expat renewing a spouse’s residence permit
- A student or professional applying for dependent visa processing
Essentially, anyone who wants to prove their marital relationship legally in the UAE must complete this process.
Step-by-Step Process of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The process of marriage certificate attestation involves several stages in both your home country and the UAE. Below is the standard step-by-step procedure:
Step 1: Notarization by Local Authorities
Start by getting your marriage certificate notarized by a local notary public or municipal office in your home country. This confirms that your marriage document is genuine and legally issued.
Step 2: State or Home Department Attestation
Next, the certificate is submitted to the Home Department or State Authority for verification. This step confirms that the notary seal and signature are authentic.
Step 3: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation (Home Country)
After state-level verification, your certificate needs attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the equivalent body in your country to validate it for international use.
Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation
Once the home country’s verification is complete, the UAE Embassy or Consulate will attest the marriage certificate, confirming it’s authentic and recognized by the UAE.
Step 5: MOFA Attestation in UAE
The final and most crucial step is the MOFA Attestation in UAE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Once this is done, your marriage certificate is officially valid and legally recognized in all UAE jurisdictions.
Documents Required for Marriage Certificate Attestation
You’ll need the following documents to complete the marriage certificate attestation process:
- Original marriage certificate
- Passport copies of both spouses
- Visa copies (if applicable)
- Authorization letter (if using an attestation service agency)
- Passport-sized photos (for embassy submissions, if required)
Make sure all documents are clear and original copies are available, as photocopies are not accepted at most verification stages.
How Long Does Marriage Certificate Attestation Take?
The processing time depends on the country of origin and the number of verification stages involved. However, on average:
- Local notarization: 1–2 working days
- State or home department attestation: 2–3 working days
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (home country): 3–5 working days
- UAE Embassy attestation: 3–5 working days
- MOFA attestation in UAE: 1–2 working days
Using professional attestation services UAE, the process can be completed in 7–10 working days, depending on document readiness.
Why Choose Professional Attestation Services UAE?
Handling attestation procedures across multiple departments and countries can be overwhelming. That’s where professional attestation services UAE come in.
Here’s why you should rely on experts:
- End-to-End Handling – From document collection to final delivery.
- Time Efficiency – Experts manage all embassy and MOFA procedures.
- Accuracy & Compliance – Ensures error-free submissions.
- Real-Time Tracking – Stay updated at every stage.
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs.
A certified attestation agency ensures your marriage certificate attestation process is smooth and compliant with all legal requirements.
Common Issues People Face
Many individuals face unnecessary delays or rejections due to common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Submitting unclear or damaged certificates
- Missing notary seals or signatures
- Using unverified attestation agents
- Not following the correct country-specific sequence
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your marriage certificate gets attested quickly and without legal hurdles.
Cost of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The cost of marriage certificate attestation in UAE depends on the country of origin and the service provider. On average, prices range between AED 250 to AED 800, which may include embassy and MOFA attestation fees.
If you choose express attestation services, additional charges may apply for urgent processing.
When Should You Start the Attestation Process?
If you plan to apply for a spouse visa or relocate with your partner, it’s best to start the marriage certificate attestation process as early as possible. Having all attested documents ready prevents delays in visa approval and legal documentation in the UAE.
Benefits of Completing Marriage Certificate Attestation
Once you have your attested marriage certificate, you’ll be able to:
- Apply for family or spouse visa with ease
- Prove legal marital status in the UAE
- Register for healthcare or insurance jointly
- Sponsor dependents
- Handle legal and financial matters together
This attestation serves as legal proof of your marriage in all UAE government and private institutions.
Final Thoughts
The Marriage Certificate Attestation process is an essential step for any couple planning to live, work, or settle in the UAE. Whether you’re applying for a family visa, sponsoring your spouse, or enrolling children in school, an attested marriage certificate is mandatory.
While you can handle the process yourself, using professional attestation services UAE makes it faster, smoother, and stress-free. Experts manage every step — from notarization to MOFA attestation — ensuring your documents are legally valid and ready for official use in the UAE.