When an individual moves to UAE either to work, study or even to a family, the documentary process is quite complicated and certificate attestation in UAE is a very essential process. A degree, birth certificate, marriage certificate and a police clearance are just but a few examples of documents that may lead to visa rejections, delays or even bans without proper or full attestation.
Most applicants end up committing mistakes without knowing, thus throwing them off track in their immigration schedule. These are five mistakes that a person can make with regard to certificate attestation in UAE, risking a slowdown in the immigration process in the UAE and their counter-actions.
Certificate attestation in UAE is a process required for educational, personal, or commercial documents. Whether settling in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, proper certificate attestation in Dubai, certificate attestation Abu Dhabi and certificate attestation in Sharjah ensures your documents are recognized by government and private institutions.
Unlike apostille attestation, which is used in Hague Convention countries, the UAE requires a more detailed process that includes state-level verification, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation, UAE Embassy attestation, and final MOFA attestation in UAE. It is essential to avoid delays or rejections in your application process.
1. Withdrawal of State-Level Verification
Failing to attest documents at the state level is one of the most common mistakes in the process of submitting document to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Like, educational certificates must be attested by HRD and documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates fall in the domain of Home Department of concerned state. This is one of the reasons as to why submission of documents directly to MEA without this step makes it to be rejected outright. State verification requirements of your document type are always double checked.
2. Use of Laminated or Damaged paperwork
The certificate attestation in UAE of laminated, or torn or physically damaged certificates is rejected most of the times. To secure a document by laminating it appears to be a good idea but it does not give the authorities a chance to check out some watermarks or stamps. Ensure that your documents are untouched, they are not laminated and they are legible before submitting them. In case of the damaged document, you can apply to the issuing organization to deal with a copy of it.
3. Depending on Unverified Attestation Agencies
Candidates will consult certificate attestation in UAE to third parties or attestation services. Although this will save time, it may lead to counterfeit stamps where an unauthorized or an inexperienced agency is chosen and not having the attestation completed properly or lacking a step (i.e. forgot). Such problems can be missed until the UAE government refuses to go over them. Only select agencies that have awarded MEAC certification or have preferences by the embassy to process your attestation in the best and safest way ways.
4. Ignoring UAE-Specific Requirements
Each country has its own legalization procedures, and the UAE has a multi-tiered certificate attestation in UAE requirement, state verification, MEA attestation, UAE Embassy attestation in the home country, and finally, MOFA attestation in the UAE. Skipping or misunderstanding any of these steps will delay the process. For instance, some applicants believe that apostille attestation is sufficient but apostille is not recognized by the UAE, which is not a member of the Hague Convention.
5. Submitting Photocopies Instead of Originals
Only original documents are eligible for attestation. Submitting photocopies, scanned versions, or notarized duplicates in place of originals is a common but critical mistake. If you have lost your original certificate, you must obtain a reissued copy from the issuing institution. Using anything less than the original document will not pass through MEA or MOFA attestation in UAE.
Certificate attestation in UAE may seem like a procedural task, but one small mistake can lead to major setbacks in your UAE immigration journey. To avoid delays, ensure every step from state authentication to MOFA attestation in UAE is properly followed and verified. Stay informed, work with trusted service providers, and prepare your documents with care to ensure a smooth and timely migration process to the UAE.
