Types of Certificates That Need Attestation in UAE (2026)
What types of certificates need attestation in the UAE?
Three main types of certificates need attestation in the UAE: educational (degree, diploma, transcript, equivalency), personal (birth, marriage, divorce, death, police clearance), and commercial (trade license, AOA, board resolution, power of attorney). Each type follows the same attestation chain but may require different authorities at the home country level.
Educational Certificates
Educational certificates form the largest category of attestation requests in Dubai. Degree certificates and diplomas are required for employment visa applications, as MOHRE mandates attested qualifications for work permits. Transcripts and marksheets are needed for educational enrollment and professional licensing. Transfer certificates are required when students move between schools internationally. Certificate equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education may also be required for certain professions and Golden Visa applications.
Personal and Family Documents
Personal documents require attestation for various life events and legal processes in the UAE.
- -Birth certificates — Required for family visa (sponsoring children), school admission, and newborn registration
- -Marriage certificates — Required for spouse visa, joint bank accounts, and property co-ownership
- -Divorce certificates — Required for updating marital status, remarriage, and custody proceedings
- -Death certificates — Required for inheritance proceedings, insurance claims, and visa cancellation
- -Police clearance certificates — Required for some employment and visa categories
- -Medical certificates — Required for healthcare professional licensing (DHA, HAAD)
Commercial and Business Documents
Business documents have a separate attestation path with higher MOFA fees (AED 2,000-2,300). Common commercial documents requiring attestation include trade licenses for branch office registration, articles of association and memoranda of association for company formation, board resolutions for authorizing UAE operations, certificates of incorporation for proving company existence, powers of attorney for authorizing representatives, and financial statements for banking and regulatory compliance.
Documents That Do NOT Need Attestation
Not every document requires formal attestation. UAE-issued documents used within the UAE generally do not need attestation. Informal documents like reference letters may not require attestation depending on the receiving authority. However, when in doubt, it is always safer to have documents attested — having an unnecessary attestation causes no harm, but missing a required one can delay your visa or application significantly.
Need this service?
Certificate Attestation — Free Doorstep ServiceTypes of Certificates That Need Attestation in UAE (2026) — FAQ
Experience certificate attestation is not always mandatory for work visas, but many employers and MOHRE assessors require it, especially for senior positions and regulated professions. It is recommended to have experience certificates attested.