What is legalization and the need for document attestation for UAE ?

Legalization, also known as document attestation , refers to verifying the authenticity of a document, such as a birth certificate, educational degree, or marriage certificate. In the context of the UAE, legalization is required for any document that is issued outside of the country and needs to be used within the UAE.

Need for document attestation for UAE

The need for document attestation in the UAE arises because the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 1961, which mandates that all foreign public documents must be legalized before they can be recognized as valid within the territory of another signatory country. This means that any document issued in another country, such as a passport, driving license, or educational certificate, must be attested by the relevant authorities in that country before being submitted to the UAE authorities for further attestation.

The attestation process typically involves several steps, including notarization by a notary public, certification by the issuing authority, authentication by the relevant ministry in the country of origin, and legalization by the UAE embassy  attestation or consulate in the country of origin.

Document attestation ensures that all documents submitted to the UAE authorities are authentic and legally recognized, thereby avoiding fraud and forgery. It is an essential step for anyone who wishes to work, study, or live in the UAE, as most governmental and private institutions require attested documents for various purposes, such as employment, education, and residency.

Process for getting birth certificate attestation

The process for getting a birth certificate attested for use in the UAE may vary depending on the country of origin, but in general, it involves the following steps:

1. Obtain an original copy of the birth certificate issued by the relevant authority in the country of birth.
2. Get the birth certificate notarized by a notary public or a solicitor in the country of origin. This step is necessary to confirm that the birth certificate is genuine and issued by the relevant authority.
3. Get the birth certificate certified by the relevant issuing authority in the country of origin. For example, in the case of the United States, the birth certificate should be certified by the State Department or the county clerk’s office where it was issued.
4. Get the birth certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin. This step confirms that the notary and issuing authority can issue the document.
5. Get the birth certificate attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in the country of origin. This step confirms that the document is genuine and legally recognized in the UAE.
6. Submit the attested birth certificate to the relevant authorities in the UAE, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, depending on the purpose of the attestation.

It is important to note that the attestation process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the country of origin and the specific requirements of the UAE authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to plan and start the process well before the intended use of the birth certificate.