If you are moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with your spouse, applying for a family visa, or needing your marital status recognized for legal or official purposes, you will need Marriage Certificate Attestation. This process ensures that your marriage certificate is legally valid and recognized by UAE government authorities, employers, and immigration departments.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about marriage certificate attestation for the UAE—what it is, why it’s required, the step-by-step process, required documents, costs, and how Benchmark Attestation Services can make the entire process simple and stress-free.
What is Marriage Certificate Attestation?
Marriage Certificate Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of your marriage certificate so it is legally accepted in another country—in this case, the UAE. It involves a series of authentication steps by government bodies in your home country as well as in the UAE.
Once attested, your marriage certificate can be used for:
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Applying for a UAE family residence visa for your spouse
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Sponsoring your husband or wife for immigration purposes
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Proving your marital status to banks, insurance companies, or courts
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Legal and inheritance matters in the UAE
Without attestation, UAE authorities will not recognize your marriage as valid for official purposes.
Why Do You Need Marriage Certificate Attestation in the UAE?
The UAE has strict rules regarding the authenticity of foreign documents. Attestation is required to:
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Verify Authenticity – Ensures that the marriage certificate is issued by a recognized authority in your country.
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Prevent Fraud – Protects against forged or falsified marriage certificates.
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Meet Immigration Rules – Required for visa sponsorship and family residency applications.
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Fulfill Legal Requirements – Necessary for court cases, banking transactions, and inheritance issues in the UAE.
Who Needs Marriage Certificate Attestation?
Marriage certificate attestation is required for:
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Expats moving to the UAE with their spouse
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UAE residents sponsoring their spouse for a residence visa
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Couples applying for family reunification
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Legal or court-related purposes involving marital status
Whether you were married in your home country or abroad, your certificate must be attested before it can be used in the UAE.
Step-by-Step Process of Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE
Marriage certificate attestation for the UAE involves several stages of verification. These must be completed in a specific order to avoid rejection.
Step 1: Notary Attestation (Home Country)
The marriage certificate is first verified and attested by a notary public or local registrar where the marriage was registered.
Step 2: Home Department or State Authentication
The document is then authenticated by the relevant Home Department or State Authority in your country.
Step 3: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
The Ministry of External Affairs in your country certifies that the marriage certificate is genuine.
Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country)
The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country attests the marriage certificate, confirming that it will be recognized in the UAE.
Step 5: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation (UAE)
Once the document arrives in the UAE, it must be attested by the MOFA to complete the process.
Required Documents for Marriage Certificate Attestation
While requirements may vary slightly depending on your country of origin, generally you will need:
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Original marriage certificate
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Copy of passport (both spouses)
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Copy of UAE residence visa (if applicable)
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Passport-size photographs (in some cases)
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Authorization letter (if using an attestation service)
How Long Does Marriage Certificate Attestation Take?
The time frame depends on your country’s procedures and the workload of each attesting authority. On average:
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Home country attestation – 1 to 3 weeks
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UAE Embassy attestation – 3 to 7 working days
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MOFA attestation in UAE – 1 to 2 working days
If there are discrepancies in the names, missing seals, or errors in the certificate, delays may occur.
Cost of Marriage Certificate Attestation
The cost can vary depending on the issuing country, urgency, and whether you use a professional service. Fees may include:
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Local notary charges
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State/Home Department authentication fees
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MEA/Foreign Affairs attestation fees
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UAE Embassy fees in your country
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MOFA attestation fee in UAE (usually AED 150–200 per document)
Common Issues That Cause Delays or Rejections
To avoid problems, make sure:
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Names match exactly as per passport (including spellings and initials)
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No missing stamps or seals from issuing authorities
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The certificate is legally translated into English or Arabic (if originally in another language)
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All required supporting documents are ready before starting the process
Benefits of Using a Professional Attestation Service
Although you can attempt the process yourself, it can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if your home country is far from the UAE. Professional services like Benchmark Attestation Services can:
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Save you multiple trips to government offices
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Ensure your documents are attested correctly the first time
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Prevent costly delays and rejections
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Provide secure handling and tracking of your original certificates
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Offer door-to-door collection and delivery for maximum convenience
Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services?
At Benchmark Attestation Services, we specialize in fast, reliable, and secure marriage certificate attestation. With years of experience and strong connections with UAE and foreign authorities, we handle every step of the process on your behalf.
Our advantages include:
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End-to-end assistance from notary attestation to MOFA attestation
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Secure document handling with tracking updates
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Quick turnaround times tailored to your needs
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Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
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Dedicated customer support for any queries
Final Thoughts
Marriage certificate attestation is an essential legal requirement for expats in the UAE who wish to live with their spouse, apply for a family visa, or conduct legal and financial transactions. Without proper attestation, your marriage will not be officially recognized in the UAE, leading to delays and complications.
By choosing Benchmark Attestation Services, you can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free process with guaranteed compliance to UAE regulations. Our expert team ensures your marriage certificate is attested accurately and on time. For all your document legalization needs, including certificate attestation, trust us to deliver with professionalism and care.
