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Starting a business or formalizing important legal documents in Dubai often involves navigating the attestation process at the Dubai Notary Public Courts. Document attestation is crucial for individuals and businesses, as it ensures the legal validity and recognition of important documents both within the UAE and internationally.
What is initial attestation?
The initial attestation process refers to the legal procedure where official documents, such as contracts, agreements, or personal legal papers, are verified and authenticated by a notary public in Dubai. This verification is necessary to ensure the validity of the documents in question and is often required for business transactions, legal formalities, or personal matters.
In Dubai, the process of initial attestation involves submitting your documents to the Dubai Notary Public Courts along with supporting identification to confirm the legitimacy of the applicant. It is also a crucial step for businesses planning to set up in the UAE, as attested documents are typically needed to acquire business licenses and complete other legal formalities.
Step-by-step guide to document submission for initial attestation
Let’s explore steps and requirements for the initial attestation at Dubai’s Notary Public Courts.
Document submission requirements
To begin the attestation process, the applicant must submit the original document that needs to be verified. This could include a range of documents such as power of attorney, commercial agreements, or personal legal contracts. Along with the original document, applicants are required to provide certain identification documents to verify their identity.
Documents needed for identity verification include:
The applicant’s passport
Emirates ID
Family card (if applicable)
Proof of residence, such as a rental agreement or a utility bill.
Having all required documentation in hand will ensure that the submission process goes smoothly and prevent delays in the verification procedure.
Submitting bilingual documents
In Dubai, the law mandates that some documents need to be submitted in both English and Arabic. For such cases, it is essential to have your documents professionally translated by a certified translator. The translation must be accurate, and the translator must stamp the document to verify its authenticity.
This step is particularly important for individuals who are submitting contracts, legal agreements, or business-related documents where both languages are required for legal purposes. By ensuring that the translation is done correctly and by a trusted interpreter, the notary public can process the documents without any further complications.
Verification by a notary
Once the required documents are submitted, the notarization process begins. The documents undergo a two-step verification process:
First, the documents are examined by a notary public to confirm their accuracy and authenticity.
After the initial verification, the documents are reviewed by a second notary for re-verification.
During this process, the applicant will need to pay a fee at the payment counter, which varies depending on the type and complexity of the document. The notary will keep one original copy of the submitted documents as part of the legal procedure.
Ministry of justice stamp
The next important step is to obtain a stamp from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). This stamp is a crucial part of the attestation process, as it verifies that the document has been examined and approved by a legal authority. The MOJ stamping is generally quick and requires the payment of a small fee. The stamp certifies that the notarial process has been completed and that the document is ready for further processing.
Ministry of foreign affairs stamp
Attestation is not considered complete until the document receives a final stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The MOFA stamp is essential as it confirms that the previously obtained Ministry of Justice stamp is valid and that the document has been authenticated properly.
The MOFA will examine the signatures on the document as well as the authenticity of previous stamps before issuing the final attestation. Again, a fee is required for this step, and the cost may vary depending on the type of document being attested. The MOFA stamp is especially important for documents that will be used internationally or for business purposes that require recognition beyond the UAE.
Online submission options for attestation
By ensuring that all necessary documents are properly attested, entrepreneurs can streamline the process of launching their business, making it easier to obtain approvals, sign contracts, and establish legal entities in the UAE.
Electronic submission process
In today’s digital age, the attestation process has become more accessible through online platforms. Instead of visiting the notary in person, applicants have the option to submit their documents electronically via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or app.
To submit documents online, applicants must upload a scanned copy of the original document along with the required supporting documents. This method is often faster and more convenient, especially for individuals who are located abroad or cannot physically visit the notary public office in Dubai.
For those who prefer in-person submissions, alternatives include visiting the UAE embassy, Customer Happiness Centres, or UAE missions abroad.
Benefits of online submissions
Online submission offers several advantages:
Faster processing time: Documents are processed more quickly compared to manual submissions.
Convenience: Applicants can upload their documents from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need to visit a physical office.
Real-time updates: Applicants can track the status of their attestation through the online portal and receive notifications when the process is complete.
Next steps for entrepreneurs
Once the attestation process is complete, entrepreneurs are ready to move forward with obtaining their UAE business license. Attested documents are often required for business formation in Dubai, as they provide proof of legal compliance and validation of important agreements.
The initial attestation process at the Dubai Notary Public Courts is a critical step for both personal and business-related documentation. Whether you are setting up a new business or formalizing important legal papers, understanding the attestation process will help you navigate the legal requirements smoothly. Let G2B be your trusted partner, guiding you through every stage of the Incorporation process in Ras Al Khaimah with reliability and dedication. Contact G2B today to achieve your goal of expanding your business to Ras Al Khaimah!
