How to Attest Marriage Certificate in UAE

If you got married outside the UAE and plan to sponsor your spouse, apply for a family visa, or use your marriage certificate for official purposes in the UAE, you’ll need to attest your marriage certificate. Attestation proves the document’s authenticity and validity for legal use within the country. How to Attest Marriage Certificate in the UAE? Here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to attest a marriage certificate for use in the UAE.

Why is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required?

Marriage certificate attestation is mandatory in the UAE for the following purposes:

• Sponsoring a spouse or dependent children for a UAE residence visa.
• Applying for dependent visas or health insurance.
• Updating marital status in official UAE government records.
• Claiming spousal rights, inheritance, or other legal benefits.

Without attestation, a foreign-issued marriage certificate will not be recognized by government departments or legal institutions in the UAE.

Required Documents to Attest Marriage Certificate

To attest a marriage certificate in the UAE, you will need the following documents:

• Original attested marriage certificate.
• Copy of the passport of both spouses.
• Emirates ID (if applicable).
• Proof of payment (if applying online for MOFA attestation).

If the marriage certificate is in a language other than Arabic or English, a legal translation into Arabic may be required. The translation itself may also need to be attested.

How to Attest a Marriage Certificate through MOFA Website

You can complete the final attestation step online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) portal. Here’s how: ^[1]

• Visit the official MOFAIC website “From Here“.

• Create an account or log in using UAE Pass.
• Select “Attestation of Official Documents, Certificates, and Commercial Invoices.”
• Fill out the application form, upload a scanned copy of the marriage certificate (which must already be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of issue), and pay the fee online (approx. AED 150).
• After approval, you will be instructed to submit the original document by courier or at a collection point, if required.
• Once processed, you will receive an attested certificate either by courier or for collection.

Residents who want to avoid visiting an office and prefer handling the process digitally.

How to Attest a Marriage Certificate through MOFA Office

If you prefer to complete the attestation in person, you can visit one of the MOFA attestation centers across the UAE.

• Bring the original marriage certificate (already attested by the UAE Embassy in the issuing country).
• Visit a MOFA attestation center in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates.
• Take a token and wait for your turn.
• Submit the document at the counter. Pay the attestation fee (AED 150) by card.
• The certificate will be attested immediately or within a few hours.

How to Attest a Marriage Certificate through an Authorized Agency

If you cannot attend in person or want professional help, you can hire a document clearing agency or PRO service to handle the process:

• Submit your original marriage certificate and required documents to the agency.
• The agency will arrange attestations in the home country (Notary, Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy) and complete MOFA attestation in the UAE.
• Collect your attested certificate from the agency.

Individuals outside the UAE or busy professionals who want hassle-free processing.

Conclusion

Attesting a marriage certificate for the UAE involves verifying the document in the country of issue and completing final attestation by MOFA in the UAE. You can complete this process online, at a MOFA office, or through a professional agency depending on your convenience.