Attesting Irish Documents for the UAE
If you are looking to use your Irish documents in the UAE, you will need to put them through a process known as Attestation. We can take away all the hassle associated with this long-winded process for you. Whether you have an Irish degree or other qualification, a birth, marriage or death certificate, or any other document originating from Ireland, find out what’s involved so you avoid any costly errors.
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How does it work?
Attesting a UK document can be complicated, especially as the process is different depending upon the type of document you have, and who you need to present it to. To make things easier for you, we’ve outlined below the process that each document needs to go through, but bear in mind that the process for certain documents can vary from this. To be certain that we can provide you with fully accurate information, get in touch for your free personalised quotation.
Initial
Certification
Solicitor Certification
For most documents, the first step is to have your document certified by a lawyer. To keep your document in its original state, our solicitor will usually take a copy of your document, certify it as a true copy of the original document, and the attestation will take place on that. If you prefer, you can have the original processed instead.
Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) in Dublin
Apostille Legalisation
Irish documents that need to be used in the UAE must be first legalised in Ireland. During this process they will have an Apostille certificate attached and sealed to the reverse of the document. This is a white A5 piece of paper which confirms that the seal or signature used to certify the document is genuine. In Ireland this can only be handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Dublin.
UAE Embassy
UAE Embassy Attestation
Irish documents can generally be attested at the UAE Embassy in either Ireland or the UK. The exception to this is that documents not written in English, and all commercial documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in Ireland. This is the final step that needs completing before heading to the UAE. An official UAE-government sticker and seal is attached next to the Apostille during this stage. This attestation sticker confirms to the UAE authorities that the document has gone through all the necessary steps in both Ireland and the UK.
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (UAE)
MoFA Attestation (UAE)
In the UAE, another attestation stamp is needed which is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in any of the UAE emirates. The addition of this stamp confirms that the Irish and UK processes have been completed correctly. Some employers will do this for you, so we would advise that you check with them to avoid paying for anything unnecessarily. For anyone handling this themselves, you will now need a PCR test to enter a government building. We can arrange this for you. This is the final step needed to use your document in the UAE if it does not need translation.
Translation
Translation from English into Arabic
Often, your document may also need to be translated into Arabic. Again, your employer may handle this for you so we would recommend checking with them. If it is needed, the whole document and all of its stamps are translated from English into Arabic. This must be done by a recognised certified translator. Once translated, then everything has been done to allow you to use it within the UAE.
Reminders
- Most common Irish documents, such as educational certificates, police clearance certificates, and birth, marriage, or death certificates, do not require this initial certification and can processed directly with the DFA in Dublin.
- Arabic translation is usually required for use in all emirates other than Dubai, as well as if the document is to be used within one of the Dubai Free Zone authorities including (but not limited to) the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
- The UAE Embassy in London will reject any documents that have been bound behind a Notarial cover sheet.
- For any Power of Attorney (PoA) to be attested, these must be signed in the presence of a DFA-registered solicitor to be valid. They cannot be witnessed by anyone else.
Documents from any Country.
We’re able to attest a range of documents for use in the UAE, no matter where you’re from. You can rest assured that by using our service, your attested documents will be accepted within the UAE.
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