Most official procedures in the UAE will require presenting important documents in the form of certified true copies. A certified true copy refers to a photocopy that a legally authorized body confirms to be an original photocopy. For these copies to be accepted by government agencies, embassies, or other institutions further verification might be required in a process referred to as Certified True Copy Attestation. The article gives an in-depth analysis of what certified true copy attestation in the UAE is the process prerequisites and possible challenges.
Understanding the Need for Attestation
Attestation imparts legitimacy to a certified true copy. In other words attestation gives assurance to the recipient of the document that the copy has been checked by the competent authority and is hence more credible making fraud or forgery very unlikely to the highest possible extent.
Some of the most common scenarios where certified true copy attestation in the UAE is required are as follows:
- Visa Applications: In most cases the embassy and the consulate usually call for attested copies of educational certificates, employment contracts, and other documents in relation to visa processing.
- Business Registration: Registering a business in the UAE may require the submission of attested copies of the company licenses, Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association.
- Opening Bank Accounts: Banks require attested copies of passport identity pages, residency visas, and utility bills because of compliance regulations with ‘Know Your Customer’.
- Real Estate Deals: The selling or buying of real estate might require the submission of attested copies of title deeds, sale agreements, and power of attorney documents.
- Admission to University: Most foreign universities include attested copies of academic transcripts and diplomas as part of the admission process.
Who Can Attest Certified True Copies?
The competent authority for the attestation of a certified true copy depends upon the kind of document and for what purpose it is being put. Here is the breakdown of usual channels:
- Lawyers: Most personal documents, such as passports, tenancy agreements, and employment certificates, are mostly certified by a lawyer. They will, therefore, compare the photocopy with the original, sign it, and stamp it with a statement to declare its accuracy.
- Notaries Public: Notaries practice at nearly the same level as attorneys when it comes to personal documentation. You may, however, find their services more approachable or appealing for some of your needs.
- Issuing Authorities: Some documents, mainly certificates of education and company licenses, can be attested directly by the government department from which they have been issued.
The Attestation Process
Certified True Copy Attestation is a process through which a document gets attested or sealed to clarify the authenticity and originality of the document. One document may have different steps, and one route may have different steps for the process of attestation. Here are the steps followed in the attestation process:
- Preparation of Required Documents: Prepare the original document with its clear photocopies and other documents, if required by the attesting authority, such as the passport and visa.
- Selection of Attesting Entity: The documents could be attested by a lawyer, notary public, or even the issuing authority, depending on the type of document.
- Submission of Documents: The document should be submitted along with the photocopy and the fee related to the attestation to the entity of choice.
- Verification and Attestation: The document shall be checked by the authorized personnel, and on satisfaction, signed, stamped, and may be sealed on the photocopy with an official attestation certificate.
- Further Attestation (if required): The documents may further be required in some cases to be attested by the MOFA and the embassy/consulate of the country where the documents would be used.
Key Considerations
- Document Authenticity: The original document should be authentic and issued from an authorized source.
- Translation Requirements: If the document is not in Arabic, a certified translation may be required before attestation.
- Expiry Dates: Many attestations are time-barred. Check if the receiving entity will need a recently attested copy.
- Timeframe: Allow sufficient processing time, especially when there are several stages of attestation involved.
Where a Drafting Lawyer Can Assist
The process of attestation for a certified true copy can be complex, and for new types of documents or multi-stages of attestation, it is very confusing. A lawyer from Notary Public Dubai can thus assist:
- Expertise in Document Requirements: Lawyers are well-versed with the documents to be attested and the appropriate channels for verification.
- Efficient Processing: They may liaise with attesting authorities, hence speeding up the process—saving you valuable time and effort.
- Advice on Translation: The lawyers will guide you on the need for translation and offer you reliable translation services.
- Accuracy and Validity: They are very keen on scrutinizing the documents so that they are authentic and meet the attestation requirements.
With assistance from a drafting lawyer at Notary Public Dubai you are assured seamless and efficient processing in relation to Certified True Copy Attestation in the UAE so that the documents are accepted for any purpose.
Call Notary Public Dubai today for an appointment and go over your specific needs in the Certified True Copy Attestation.
