Indian Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE: Full Process & Costs

Marriage certificate attestation is a crucial step for Indian couples planning to relocate to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Whether for a spouse visa, family residency, or legal purposes, having your marriage certificate attested validates its authenticity for UAE authorities. The process involves multiple stages of verification from Indian and UAE government bodies. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the steps, required documents, processing times, and costs to help you navigate the attestation process smoothly.

Why Is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required for the UAE?

The UAE mandates attestation for foreign documents to prevent fraud and ensure legal compliance. An attested Indian marriage certificate is necessary for:

• Applying for a spouse/family visa in the UAE
• Registering marriage in UAE courts
• Claiming health insurance or employment benefits for a spouse
• Processing child birth certificates or school admissions
• Handling legal matters like divorce or inheritance in the UAE

Without proper attestation, your marriage certificate won’t be recognized, leading to delays or rejections in visa applications.

Documents Required for Marriage Certificate Attestation

Before starting the process, ensure you have the following documents ready:

1. Original Marriage Certificate – Issued by the Registrar of Marriages in India.
2. Passport Copies – Clear copies of both spouses’ passports (first and last pages).
3. Visa Copy (if applicable) – UAE residence visa or entry permit copy.
4. Applicant’s Photographs – Passport-sized photos as per UAE specifications.
5. Marriage Proof (if needed) – Wedding invitation or affidavit in case of traditional marriages.

Step-by-Step Attestation Process

The attestation process involves three main stages: Indian government attestation, UAE Embassy attestation, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation.

1. Notary Attestation (India)

The first step is getting the marriage certificate notarized by a local notary in India. This confirms the document’s authenticity at a basic level.

2. Home Department or SDM Attestation (State-Level)

Next, the marriage certificate must be verified by the state authorities. Depending on the state, this can be done through:

• Home Department – For most states.
• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) – An alternative in some states like Delhi.

This step ensures the document is genuine and issued by a competent authority.

3. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation (India)

After state verification, the certificate must be attested by the MEA in India. The MEA uses a stamp or sticker to validate the document for international use. Some states allow direct MEA attestation without state verification, but rules vary.

4. UAE Embassy Attestation (India)

Once the MEA approves the document, it must be submitted to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in India. The embassy verifies the MEA’s attestation and applies its own stamp, making the document valid for UAE use.

5. MOFA Attestation (UAE)

After arriving in the UAE, the final step is attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is mandatory for the document to be legally accepted by all UAE government entities.

Processing Time for Marriage Certificate Attestation

The entire process can take 10 to 15 working days, depending on:

• State government processing speed
• MEA and UAE Embassy workload
• Courier delays (if using an agent)
  Expedited services may reduce the time but at an additional cost.

Cost Breakdown of Marriage Certificate Attestation

The total cost varies based on service providers and state fees. Here’s an approximate breakdown:

• Notary Attestation – ₹200 to ₹500
• State Home Department/SDM Attestation – ₹500 to ₹2000
• MEA Attestation – ₹1500 to ₹2500
• UAE Embassy Attestation – ₹3000 to ₹5000
• MOFA Attestation (UAE) – AED 150 to AED 300
• Agent Fees (if applicable) – ₹3000 to ₹8000

Total estimated cost: ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 (excluding courier charges).

Tips for a Smooth Attestation Process

1. Check Document Requirements – Ensure your marriage certificate is error-free and properly issued by the Registrar.
2. Use Authorized Agents – If handling the process yourself is difficult, hire a reliable attestation service.
3. Track Application Status – Follow up at each stage to avoid delays.
4. Verify UAE Rules – Some emirates may have additional requirements, so confirm beforehand.
5. Keep Copies – Always retain scanned copies of attested documents for future reference.

Common Challenges & Solutions

• Delays in State Attestation – Some states take longer; opt for SDM attestation if faster.
• Rejection Due to Errors – Double-check names, dates, and spellings before submission.
• Lost Documents – Use registered courier services and maintain tracking IDs.

Conclusion

Indian marriage certificate attestation for the UAE is a multi-step process requiring careful attention to detail. By following the outlined steps—starting from notarization to MOFA attestation—you can ensure your document is legally recognized in the UAE. While the process may seem tedious, proper planning and professional assistance can simplify it. Always account for processing times and costs to avoid last-minute hassles, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your spouse in the UAE.

By understanding the full attestation journey, you can navigate bureaucratic requirements efficiently, making your relocation or family visa process hassle-free.