Having marriage certificate attestation in Dubai is a legal must for many official procedures.
Whether you’re sponsoring your spouse, registering a child’s birth, or applying for joint benefits, the UAE government requires that your marriage certificate be verified for authenticity.
This article explains how the process works in 2025 and how you can get professional legal support if you need it.
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Steps of Marriage Certificate Attestation in Dubai
Getting your marriage certificate attested in Dubai means making it legally valid for use by UAE authorities. The process depends on where the certificate was issued—inside or outside the UAE.
Here’s how it works step by step.
Attesting a UAE-Issued Marriage Certificate
If your marriage was registered in the UAE—such as through Dubai Courts or the Dubai Civil Family Court—the process is relatively simple.
You’ll need to follow a few government steps to get it officially attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the certificate is valid and clear
The certificate must be issued by a recognized UAE authority and should not be laminated. Laminated documents are rejected. - Translate the certificate if needed
If the certificate is not in Arabic, have it translated by a certified translator and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice. - Apply through MOFAIC’s online portal
Use the MOFAIC website or app. Log in with your UAE Pass and fill in the form for marriage certificate attestation. - Pay the required fees
The standard fee is AED 150. Payment is done online, and additional courier charges may apply. - Submit your original document via courier
After payment, a courier will pick up your document and deliver it to MOFAIC for processing. - Receive your attested document
Once completed, the attested certificate will be returned to you via courier, usually within 2–3 working days.
Attesting a Foreign-Issued Marriage Certificate
If your marriage certificate was issued outside the UAE, a few more steps are involved.
The goal is to confirm its authenticity through your home country’s authorities and then have it legalized by UAE authorities.
Follow these steps:
- Authenticate the certificate in the country of origin
The certificate should be stamped by the foreign ministry (or equivalent) in the country where it was issued. - Get it attested by the UAE Embassy abroad
Take the certificate to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country for legalization. - Submit to MOFAIC in the UAE
Once in Dubai, apply for MOFAIC attestation through their portal. The courier service will pick up and return your document after processing. - Translate and attest the Arabic version
If your certificate is not in Arabic, you must translate it and have the translation attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejection
Before you start, make sure you’re prepared. Here are a few key things to avoid:
- Do not submit laminated documents.
- Make sure all required stamps are present—especially for foreign certificates.
- Use certified translations and check spelling of names and dates.
- Ensure the document is original or officially reissued, not a photocopy.
When You Need an Attested Certificate
In Dubai, an attested marriage certificate is required for:
- Sponsoring your spouse or children’s residence visa.
- Registering a baby born in the UAE.
- Applying for spousal insurance or benefits.
- Filing for divorce or custody cases.
- Presenting proof of marriage in legal disputes.
Legal Services Related to Marriage Document Attestation in Dubai
The attestation process can be technical. It’s easy to miss a stamp or make a mistake that causes delays. That’s where we come in.
Our law firm in UAE offers legal services strictly focused on helping individuals and families complete the attestation process quickly and correctly.
We provide direct legal assistance with every step of the attestation process. Here’s how we help:
- Legal document review
We inspect your marriage certificate to confirm it’s eligible for attestation and advise if any corrections are needed. - MOFAIC attestation processing
We handle the complete application to MOFAIC, including preparing your documents, submitting the request, and coordinating courier pickup. - Legal advice for related issues
We guide you on how the attested certificate can be used in UAE immigration, family law matters, or court cases. - Dispute and rejection handling
If your attestation is delayed or rejected, our lawyers step in to resolve the issue with the correct authority quickly and legally.
Find more services from top Marriage lawyers in Dubai.
FAQs about Attesting Marriage Certificates in Dubai
Getting a marriage certificate attestation in Dubai is more than just a formality—it’s a legal requirement for important life processes.
Whether your certificate is from the UAE or abroad, following the correct procedure is essential.
With our law firm by your side, you can complete the attestation process with peace of mind, knowing that all legal standards are met.
Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.

A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.