Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, and bringing your family along makes it even more meaningful. But when it comes to paperwork, the process can feel overwhelming. One important step for expats applying for a family visa in the UAE is document attestation.

Many people think of it as just another formality, but it’s actually a legal requirement. Without it, your visa application may be delayed or even rejected. At Verifast Documents Clearing, we help families simplify this process, making sure your documents are valid and accepted by UAE authorities.

What is Document Attestation and Why Does It Matter?

Document attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of documents so they can be legally recognized in the UAE. For a family visa, attestation is required for key personal documents that prove your family relationship.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation is the final and most crucial step, as it confirms that your documents are valid in the UAE. Without MOFA attestation, documents like your marriage certificate or children’s birth certificates will not be accepted, and your family visa application in Dubai may face unnecessary delays.

Which Documents Need Attestation for a Family Visa?

For sponsoring your family members in the UAE, the following documents usually need to be attested:

• Marriage Certificate – required to sponsor your spouse.
• Birth Certificates – required to sponsor children.
• Additional documents may be required for sponsoring parents, such as attested birth certificates of the sponsor.

If you’re also renewing your family visa, you’ll still need valid attested documents in place. You can check our Family Visa Renewal Dubai 2025 Guide for the updated renewal process.

The General Attestation Process

While exact requirements depend on the type of document and the country of issue, the typical attestation process includes:

1. Notarization in your home country.
2. Authentication by the Ministry of External Affairs in your country.
3. UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation in your country.
4. Final attestation by MOFA in the UAE.
5. Certified translation, if the documents are not in English or Arabic.

For documents issued inside the UAE, the process is usually simpler and only requires MOFA attestation. You can easily verify your MOFA-attested documents through the official portal at: verify.mofa.gov.ae/#/

Frequently Asked Questions about attestation

Is MOFA attestation mandatory for UAE family visa?

Yes, MOFA attestation is mandatory for all family visa applications in the UAE. Without it, your marriage certificate and birth certificates will not be legally recognized, and your visa application will be rejected or delayed.

Can I get a family visa without MOFA attestation?

No, you cannot obtain a UAE family visa without MOFA attestation. It is a legal requirement set by UAE immigration authorities to verify the authenticity of your family relationship documents. For more information on family visa requirements, visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai official website.

How long does document attestation take for UAE family visa?

The complete attestation process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on your home country and document type.

Do I need to attest documents again for family visa renewal?

If your previously attested documents are still valid and haven't expired, you typically don't need to attest them again. However, if documents have changed or expired, new attestation may be required.

Can Verifast handle attestation for documents issued outside the UAE?

Yes, Verifast can coordinate the complete attestation process, including steps in your home country, UAE embassy attestation, and final MOFA attestation in the UAE.

Let Verifast Handle the Hard Part

Between managing work, family, and relocation tasks, keeping track of attestation steps can feel like too much. At Verifast Documents Clearing, we take care of the process from start to finish. Our team ensures your documents are properly attested and ready for use, saving you time and avoiding delays with your visa application.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your visa, having the right documents attested is essential. We make it simple, reliable, and stress-free.