UAE Attestation

What is UAE Document Attestation and Why is it Necessary?

UAE document attestation is a series of legalizations required to make an official document issued in Turkey legally valid for use within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although the UAE is a party to the Hague Convention, it does not accept an Apostille alone for foreign documents. Instead, it requires an additional 'chain attestation' procedure. This process verifies the authenticity of the document and the validity of the signatures on it.

This procedure is mandatory for documents such as diplomas, marriage certificates, birth certificates, powers of attorney, and commercial invoices, which are typically required when applying for a work permit, residence visa, setting up a company, pursuing education, or for family reunification in the UAE.

Step-by-Step Guide to the UAE Attestation Process

The standard steps to make a document from Turkey valid in the UAE are outlined below. The process may have slight variations depending on the type of document.

Step 1: Sworn Translation and Notary Public Verification

The document to be attested must first be translated into English or Arabic by a sworn translator. Then, both the original document (or its copy) and the translation are certified by a Notary Public in Turkey. The notary confirms that the translator is registered with their office and that they have seen the original document.

Step 2: Apostille from the Governorship/District Governorship

The notarized document is taken to the Governorship in the respective province or the District Governorship in the district to obtain an Apostille certificate. An Apostille is an international certification that validates the notary's signature and seal, and it is a prerequisite for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation.

Step 3: Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

The apostilled document is then submitted for certification at the General Directorate of Consular Affairs of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara or its representative office in Istanbul. This step confirms that the document has been approved by the Republic of Turkey for use abroad.

Step 4: Legalization by the UAE Embassy/Consulate

The final link in the chain is the attestation of the document at the UAE's diplomatic mission in Turkey (the Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul). The UAE Consulate verifies the signature and seal of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and applies its own final stamp. With this last attestation, the document becomes ready for use in the UAE.

Common Document Types Requiring UAE Attestation

The attestation process applies to nearly all official documents. The most frequently attested documents include:

Educational Documents (Diploma and Transcript)

Attestation of diplomas and transcripts is mandatory for work or equivalency procedures in the UAE. In some cases, additional steps might be required, such as a verification letter with an original signature from the issuing university or an endorsement from the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) or Ministry of National Education (MEB). UAE diploma attestation is one of the most critical steps in the visa process.

Personal Documents (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, and Police Clearance)

For family residence visa applications, attestation of documents like marriage and birth certificates is required. The UAE marriage certificate attestation process is essential for family reunification. A police clearance certificate may also be requested for certain visa and job applications.

Commercial Documents (Power of Attorney, Invoices, Incorporation Papers)

To establish a company, open a branch, or conduct business transactions in the UAE, commercial documents such as powers of attorney, signature circulars, certificates of activity, and invoices must also undergo the same chain attestation process.

UAE Document Attestation Fees and Processing Times

The UAE Embassy attestation fee varies depending on the type of document (personal, educational, or commercial). The total cost is the sum of the fees charged by the notary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Consulate. These fees are periodically updated by the respective institutions, so it is important to check the current rates before starting the process.

The entire process can typically be completed within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the workload of the institutions. However, since processing times at each authority can vary, it is advisable to start the procedures as early as possible.

The UAE Attestation Process with Hermes Vize

The attestation process for documents to be used in the United Arab Emirates can be complex and time-consuming. Hermes Vize meticulously manages the entire chain of legalization for all your documents, such as diplomas, marriage certificates, and commercial papers, by handling the notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UAE Consulate approvals on your behalf. Contact us for professional support to streamline your attestation procedures.