Legalization of marriage certificate Dubai
If you are a foreign couple who recently got married outside of the UAE, you will need to legalize your marriage certificate in order for it to be officially recognized in Dubai and the other Emirates. This legalization process is required whether you plan to sponsor your spouse for a UAE residency visa, open joint accounts, or simply want your marriage to be on record.
The key steps to legalizing of marriage certificate Dubai are:
1. Attest the Marriage Certificate in the Country of Issue
First, you need to get your marriage certificate attested by the relevant authority in the country where it was issued. This may be the Foreign Affairs ministry or other government body. They will verify and stamp the certificate as authentic.
2. Legalize the Certificate with the UAE Embassy
Next, you need to take or mail the attested marriage certificate to the UAE Embassy in that same country for legalization. The Embassy will verify the attestation stamp and add their own stamp of legalization. There is usually a fee charged for this service.
3. Attest the Certificate with the UAE Ministry
Once your certificate has the UAE Embassy legalization stamp, you then need to get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) located in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. They will verify the previous stamps.
4. Translation (if needed)
If your marriage certificate is not in English or Arabic, you must get it officially translated into Arabic through a certified translation office approved by the UAE government.
5. Court Certification
The final required step is obtaining a certified true copy of the marriage certificate from the Dubai Courts. Once complete, your marriage will be officially registered and legal in Dubai.
The specific requirements can vary based on your nationality, so it’s advisable to check the latest processes with the UAE Embassy or Consulate for your country before beginning the legalization. The whole process can take weeks or even months, so it’s best to start early. It is also possible to use certified typists and other intermediaries to help expedite the required attestations and translations.
Following these steps ensures your foreign marriage certificate meets all legal requirements and your marital status is fully recognized throughout the UAE.
