Document attestation is a crucial requirement in the UAE, especially for expatriates and foreign businesses. Whether you’re applying for a visa, enrolling your child in school, starting a job, or launching a business, attested documents are often mandatory. But how long does document attestation take in the UAE? The response will vary depending on the type of document, the issuing country, and the number of steps required. In this blog, we will examine the entire process, timelines, and how a reliable solution provider, such as Prolink TFS, can assist you with attestation services for documents in Dubai to streamline the process.
Understanding Document Attestation in the UAE
Before discussing timelines, it’s crucial to understand what document attestation is. Attestation is the process of certifying a document’s authenticity so that it can be recognized and accepted by government bodies and business groups in another country. In the UAE, various documents must go through attestation, which includes:
- Educational certificates
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Commercial documents
- Power of attorney
- Medical certificates
- Police clearance certificates
Every document undergoes a set of verifications in various government authorities before being accepted within the UAE.
The Process of Document Attestation in the UAE
The attestation process generally occurs in the following order:
1. Notary Attestation in Home Country
A majority of documents are required to be notarized initially in the country of origin. In the case of educational documents, authentication may be required by the university or the local board of education.
2. Home Country’s Ministry of External Affairs
After notarization, the document must be attested by the Ministry or Department of External Affairs of the issuing country.
3. UAE Embassy Attestation
The UAE embassy in the home nation then attests the document to ensure that the UAE authorities will accept it.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE
Once in the UAE, the final approval stamp is provided by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Each of these steps takes time and can differ based on the efficiency of the issuing authorities and whether you’re using a professional attestation service, such as Prolink TFS, for assistance.
How Long Does Document Attestation Take in the UAE?
The duration of the attestation process in the UAE can vary from 3 to 15 business days, depending on several factors:
1. Type of Document
- Educational Certificates: 7 to 10 working days on average
- Personal Documents (Birth/Marriage/Police Clearance): 5 to 7 working days
- Commercial Documents: 3 to 5 working days
2. Country of Origin
Certain countries complete the process more quickly since they have well-organized verification procedures, whereas others take longer, particularly if additional verifications are required.
3. Government Working Days and Holidays
Working days vary by country, and public holidays (both in the UAE and the home country) may slow down the process. For instance, if you’re witnessing an Indian document, delays are likely during peak festivals or national holidays.
4. Mode of Submission
If you are handling the process yourself, it will take longer due to travel, coordination, and documentation. With the help of professional document attestation services in Dubai, such as Prolink TFS, this process can be significantly simplified, often saving time and preventing typical mistakes.
Urgent Attestation Services
Most service providers, such as Prolink TFS, offer express or expedited attestation services for individuals who require documents to be processed quickly. These services can minimize the processing time to as few as 2 to 3 working days, although they are usually more expensive.
Expedited services come in handy if:
- You have an unplanned travel obligation.
- Your visa will soon expire.
- You’re taking up a job at short notice.
- School or university deadlines are approaching.
How Can Prolink TFS Assist?
Attaining an attestation can be daunting and time-consuming, particularly if you’re not familiar with the UAE laws. This is where Prolink TFS, a reputable document attestation service provider in Dubai, comes in handy.
Why Prolink TFS?
- End-to-End Assistance: They take care of everything from collection to delivery
- Faster Turnaround: Using strong relationships with embassies and government agencies
- Transparency: Precise timelines and tracking
- Customer Convenience: Collection and delivery at your doorstep
- Accuracy and Reliability: Prevents expensive delays and document rejections
By choosing Prolink TFS, you spare yourself the hassles and valuable time you would have wasted dealing with multiple departments and embassies.
Tips to Accelerate Document Attestation in the UAE
Below are some tips to make your attestation process go as smoothly and efficiently as possible:
- Verify Requirements: Different types of documents have various attestation requirements. Always verify the requirements for your case.
- Start Early: Start the process as soon as you realize you’ll require attested documents. This eliminates pressure and surprise delays.
- Use a Reliable Service Provider: Reputable attestation professionals, such as Prolink TFS, minimize the risk of errors and delays.
- Ensure Document Completeness: Incomplete or faulty documents tend to result in rejections and wasted time.
Conclusion
So, how fast does document attestation in the UAE take? The answer is usually 3 to 15 working days, depending on several factors, including the document type, country of issuance, and the use of professional services. On-time attestation is necessary for visas, employment, education, and business conduct in the UAE. To ensure a trouble-free and timely process, consider hiring a professional such as Prolink TFS, a market leader in document attestation services in Dubai. Their experience, efficiency, and trustworthiness can prove to be the difference maker when having your documents legally accepted without any delays.