Do I Need Attested Certificates for a Family Visa in Sharjah?

Yes. Marriage and birth certificates must be attested before they can be used for a UAE family visa application. This is one of the most important requirements and often the reason why many applications are delayed or rejected.

This blog explains the full attestation chain and how to ensure your certificates are valid for Sharjah residency procedures.

Why Attestation Is Required

Attestation confirms your certificates are:

• Original

• Genuine

• Verified by your home country

• Approved for UAE use

Without attestation, your documents are not legally accepted.

Certificates That Must Be Attested

1. Marriage Certificate

To sponsor your spouse.

2. Birth Certificate

To sponsor children.

3. Adoption Papers (if applicable)

These documents undergo three levels of attestation.

Attestation Steps for Family Visa Documents

Step 1 – Home Country Attestation

Your certificate must be:

• Notarized

• State attested

• Ministry attested

Step 2 – UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country)

The UAE Embassy must authenticate your certificate.

Step 3 – MOFAIC Attestation in UAE

Final legalization is done in Sharjah or any UAE emirate.

How Long Does Attestation Take?

Typical times:

• Home country → 3–10 days

• Embassy → 1–3 days

• Mofa/MOFAIC → Same day

Why Use a Professional Service?

Because:

• Requirements vary by country

• Documents are often rejected due to missing stamps

• Many people don't know the proper attestation chain

Amazon Attestation Sharjah handles the entire process.