23

May 2025

Certificate Attestation in Dubai: A Complete 2025 Guide for Expats and Residents

Moving to or living in Dubai comes with a series of legal formalities—one of the most crucial being certificate attestation. Whether you're applying for a job, enrolling your child in school, getting married, or starting a business, attested documents are often mandatory.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about certificate attestation in Dubai: the process, requirements, timelines, common pitfalls, and how to make it hassle-free.

What is Certificate Attestation?

Certificate attestation is the official process of verifying documents issued in one country to be valid and recognized in another—such as the UAE.

Once attested, your documents become legally acceptable for a variety of official purposes like visa applications, employment, education, and legal procedures.

Types of Certificates That Need Attestation

Different documents require attestation based on the purpose. Here are the major categories:

1. Educational Certificates

  • Degree and diploma certificates

  • School leaving certificates

  • Technical training qualifications

2. Personal Certificates

  • Birth and death certificates

  • Marriage and divorce certificates

  • Police clearance certificate (PCC)

3. Commercial Documents

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • Power of Attorney

  • Company invoices and contracts

  • Trade licenses