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Imagine you are moving abroad for a new job or you want to settle down in Sharjah with your family. You have your degree certificate, marriage certificate, and some business documents. However, merely having these papers in hand is not enough; to make them internationally valid and acceptable, they must be verified through Government seals and signatures. This Government verification process is referred to as attestation.
This seal and signature basically prove that the document you submitted is genuine and legal. Whether it’s a workplace or a university, everyone wants to be sure that your document is genuine. This is where attestation comes into play.
Why is attestation needed?
When is attestation required? List of when:
- Work Visa: To join the Emirates for a job, you must have your educational certificates and experience papers attested.
- Family Visa: To sponsor a family member to the UAE, attestation of family documents, including the marriage certificate and the child’s birth certificate, is essential.
- Student Visa: When enrolling in a university or college, degrees, transcripts, and other academic records need to be internationally recognized.
- Business Setup: When opening a company or registering a new branch, a Memorandum of Association or Commercial Agreement is not accepted without an attestation.
Step-by-step process for UAE Attestation (Sharjah-focused)
Whether it’s for study abroad, work, or a family visa, it’s important to know the attestation process properly to ensure your documents are legally accepted in the UAE. For Sharjah-based applicants, the entire process is completed in four steps, with each step having a different level of importance.
The first step starts with a notary or a relevant Government office in the issuing country.
The authority may vary depending on the type of document you have. Educational certificates require authentication from the education board or university. In contrast, birth or marriage certificates require approval from the Civil Registry or Home Department. This step confirms that the document is indeed valid and was issued from the correct location.
The next step is to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country, such as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the case of India.
Here, the document is re-verified and an official seal is given. This confirms that all local-level authentications are accurate and approved for international use.
The third step is to obtain attestation from the UAE embassy or consulate.
Here, your document is stamped and signed by the UAE side, confirming its validity for the United Arab Emirates. This step is typically completed within 2 to 3 business days. In many countries, online tracking or services like VFS Global can be utilized.
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC) attestation of Sharjah is the final step.
You can visit the Sharjah MOFAIC office in person with new or attested documents, or submit them online through their Smart Service Portal. The work is completed within an average of 2-3 working days. A fixed fee, typically around AED 300, applies to personal or educational documents; however, different tariffs may be charged for commercial papers.
Keep a few key tips in mind to ensure the process is quick and hassle-free.
- Check all information and spelling of names.
- If necessary, verify the translation (Arabic to English) in advance.
- Regularly check receipts and status on the online portal.
Which documents require attestation?
Before submitting documents for a visa, study or business in Sharjah, it is important to know exactly which documents require attestation. There are generally three types of documents that need this service.
Educational Documents
When applying for a job or higher education abroad, it is mandatory to have your educational documents, such as degree certificates, diplomas, mark sheets, or transcripts, attested. These documents prove that your education and qualifications are recognized and genuine.
Personal Documents
Attestation is required on documents such as birth and marriage certificates, passport copies, and power of attorney for family visas or legal processes. This ensures that proof of relationship and personal information is internationally valid.
Commercial Documents
Documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Certificate of Incorporation, Invoice, and Trade License are required to be attested for business transactions, including company registration, opening new branches, or import-export. This process ensures the legal validity of business agreements.
Cost and estimated time in Sharjah
The cost of document attestation primarily depends on the type of document and its place of issuance. According to Government data, personal or educational documents usually cost around AED 150 per document. If the same document also requires a UAE embassy seal, the total cost can go up to approximately AED 300.
The cost of commercial documents is relatively high. MOFAIC fees for company incorporation papers, invoices or large commercial contracts can be around AED 2000 or slightly higher in many cases. Although the costs are fixed here, there may be minor differences depending on the type of document and any additional services.
The time also varies depending on the type of document. The final stamping at the Sharjah MOFAIC office usually takes 1-3 working days. However, the entire process, including the notary and seal of the issuing country’s foreign ministry, UAE embassy attestation, and the final step at the Sharjah MOFAIC, can take an average of 3-7 working days. If there are holidays in the country or excessive crowds, the time may be slightly longer.
Tips for choosing reliable UAE Attestation Services in Sharjah
In the case of certificate attestation, if you base your decision solely on price, you are likely to encounter trouble later. It is important to compare some factors in advance for the speed of work, security and legal validity. I have shared my approach below.
Is there a license and MOFA approval?
First, make sure that the service is approved by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC). If it is not approved, the document will not be accepted, and there is a risk of being returned at the next stage.
Free pickup/delivery and 24/7 customer support
Free collection and delivery at your doorstep is a big saver, especially for those who are busy or work outside. With 24-hour customer support, any questions or updates during the process are readily available.
Document Safety (Tracking & Insurance)
The security of the original document is paramount. Select a company that provides online tracking systems and offers insurance coverage, if necessary. This dramatically reduces the risk of loss or damage.
Final seal/stamp guarantee
The institution should complete the last step, Sharjah MOFAIC attestation, and provide a written guarantee of the final stamp. This eliminates the risk of unexpected rejection.
"With a licensed service provider like us, all steps are completed quickly and the online status is always updated."
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Sometimes, small mistakes in the attestation process can lead to major delays or additional costs. Below are some of the most common mistakes in Sharjah, along with easy ways to avoid them.
Submitting misspelled or incomplete documents
Even a slight mismatch in the spelling of a name, date of birth, or number on a document can cause a file to be returned. The solution is simple: compare each document with the original copy before submitting it and get it translated in advance if necessary.
Failure to pay fees correctly
Suppose the MOFAIC or embassy fee is less than the required amount or deposited into the wrong account. In that case, the attestation process will be stopped. Always pay online through the Government portal or an authorized center and save the receipt.
Not checking the status on time.
Many people submit and do not check again. However, if any updates or additional papers are required, it is essential to take action promptly. Therefore, regularly log in to the MOFAIC Smart Service or the service provider’s online tracking system and check the status.
FAQs
On average, 3 to 7 business days.
Initially, the following documents are required: original certificates, a valid passport copy, an Emirates ID, and a certified translation copy if applicable. Depending on the type of document (academic, personal, or commercial), additional documents, such as a university verification letter or a company license, may be required.
Generally not. In almost all types of visa processes, whether for employment, study or family sponsorship, the final seal from the UAE MOFAIC proves that the document is legally valid.
The easiest way is to pay directly through MOFAIC’s online payment system, E-Dirham, using a credit or debit card. If desired, you can also pay by card or cash at an authorized Customer Happiness Center or Typing Center.
Very reliable.