Certificate attestation is a crucial process for individuals seeking employment, higher education, or immigration opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in Dubai. This procedure involves verifying and authenticating the legitimacy of educational, professional, and personal documents by various governmental authorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide from reliable certificate attestation services in Dubai on how you can get your certificates attested:
Understanding the purpose and types of certificate attestation
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why you need certificate attestation and what types exist. The primary reasons include job applications, university admissions, visa applications, and family sponsorships. There are three main categories of document attestation: Educational, Non-Educational, and Commercial. Each category has its unique set of requirements and procedures that must be followed meticulously.
Gather necessary documents
The first step in getting your certificate attested is gathering all required documents. These typically include original copies of degrees, diplomas, transcripts, marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, and business licenses, among others. Make sure these documents are notarized and translated if necessary. Keep in mind that each authority may have additional specifications regarding acceptable formats, sizes, and colors.
Authentication from issuing authority
In most cases, the initial stage of attestation begins with obtaining authentication from the issuing authority. For example, if you want to attest an academic degree, you would start with the University Registrar’s Office or equivalent department where the degree was issued. Similarly, for professional certifications, contact the relevant professional body responsible for issuing such credentials. They will verify the genuineness of the document before proceeding further.
Ministry of external affairs (MEA) attestation
Once authenticated by the issuing authority, documents need to be submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA oversees international affairs related to citizenship, passports, visas, and external communications. Their role here is to ensure that foreign countries receive properly verified Indian public records. You can either apply directly at one of their regional offices or use an authorized agency for this service.
UAE embassy legalization
After receiving MEA attestation, documents move onto the next level – legalization by the UAE embassy located in New Delhi. Ensure you provide complete sets of documents along with application forms filled out accurately. Note that fees vary depending upon the type and number of documents presented. Processing times also differ, so plan accordingly.
