Obtaining a marriage certificate is one of the crucial documents you will need while arranging a marriage in Dubai. This document certifies your wedding and is required for several things, such as filing for a visa or changing your name on your passport. However, local authorities must first authorize and validate a marriage certificate to be used abroad. 

Marriage certificate attestation in Dubai is essential for people who are getting married or need legal documents in the UAE. These procedures will help you ensure that your marriage certificate is recognized and validated in Dubai and provide the required documents.

Marriage certificate attestation is a legal requirement for couples planning to marry in Dubai. This document is needed for several things, including marriage registration, residency applications, and visa applications. It acts as evidence of a legal marriage.

Depending on the complexity and volume of work for the relevant authorities, the time required for marriage certificate attestation in Dubai may differ. On average, the attestation process can take ten to fifteen working days. 

It is recommended that couples give this process enough time, especially during the peak times of the year. Depending on the nation where the attestation is required and the nation where the marriage certificate was issued

We will discuss the distinction between an apostille and an attestation and which legalization process is best for getting a marriage certificate in Dubai.

Attestation

Marriage Certificate Attestation in Dubai is a document known as verification of authenticity, and it is often completed by local authorities in the country of origin. Regarding marriage certificates, the appropriate government agency, such as the Department of Civil Affairs, usually handles the attestation. When a certificate is attested, the nation's authorities have verified and accepted it.

Apostille

An apostille is a certificate that confirms the legitimacy of a document and does away with the need for additional legalization by foreign authorities. A particular organization provides it, the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. Since its creation in 1961, this treaty has been ratified by more than 100 nations.

Dubai's Process for Legalising Marriage Certificates is as follows:

Attestation and apostille are the two most popular ways to legalize marriage certificates in Dubai. 

Attestation:

Country of Origin:

 The appropriate government agency in the spouse's country of origin should first have a Marriage Certificate Attestation in Dubai. The Department of Civil Affairs or a comparable agency may be one example.

  • Foreign Affairs Ministry (MOFA): 

The certificate should be delivered to the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for additional legalization after it has been certified by the national authorities.

  • Consulate or Embassy: 

The marriage certificate will be verified by the MOFA, which will also provide an embassy or consulate stamp. This procedure guarantees that the paper will be accepted in the UAE.

  • Legalisation:

 The Marriage Certificate Legalisation of MOFA should finally certify the marriage certificate, allowing it to be used legally abroad.

 Apostille:

  • The Hague Convention: 

Apostille's requests necessitate the legalization of the certificate via the Hague Convention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Apostille Section receives the certificate and issues the apostille.

  • Hague Apostille: 

After that, the certificate is apostille-attached and returned to the appropriate person or organization. The apostille confirms the document's authenticity, removing the need for additional legalization.

The decision between an apostille and an attestation while getting a marriage certificate in Dubai is based on the criteria of the destination nation. An apostille might be adequate if the country abides by the Hague Convention because of its widespread international recognition. 

However, attestation through the MOFA and embassy or consulate stamping can be necessary if the destination nation is not a signatory to the Hague Convention. Before completing your marriage certificate, confirming the precise legalization standards with the appropriate authorities or consulates is crucial.