Planning to live, work, or study in the UAE? One of the most important—but often overlooked—steps is obtaining your birth certificate attested. Without this official verification, your document may not be accepted by United Arab Emirates authorities for visa applications, school admissions, or passport-related services. The attestation confirms that your birth certificate is authentic and legally issued by the relevant authority in your home country.
This process is a standard legal requirement for most expatriates who need to present official foreign documents in the UAE, parents enrolling their children in local schools, and professionals handling family sponsorships or employment documents.
This guide is intended for HR professionals, parents, and expatriates who require a precise and dependable procedure description. We will guide you through each stage to ensure you know the most common mistakes, where to go, and what to prepare.
Check out our UAE Embassy Attestation page for more details and support to get you across the finish line.
Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at [email protected].
What Is Birth Certificate Attestation for UAE?
Attestation is the process of verifying that a foreign document—such as a Canadian birth certificate—is authentic and legally issued. For Canadian documents, this involves authentication by Global Affairs Canada, followed by legalization by the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Canada.
Attestation is required for many official purposes if you’re moving to the UAE from Canada. For example, you’ll need an attested birth certificate to apply for a residency visa, enroll a child in school, sponsor a family member, or update personal identification records like Emirates ID. Without proper attestation, your Canadian documents may not be accepted by UAE authorities or institutions.
Why Is Birth Certificate Attestation Mandatory in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, all foreign documents, including Canadian birth certificates, must be attested before being accepted as such. This is a legal requirement for the document to be authentic and issued by the proper authority in Canada. The UAE government uses this process to confirm essential details such as identity, nationality, and family relationships, especially when these details affect visa status or access to public services.
Attested birth certificates are commonly required for several key situations in the UAE. These include applying for a family residence visa, sponsoring children or dependents, enrolling a child in a UAE school, and sometimes even for employment-related processes, such as updating personal records or applying for health insurance. If your document is not attested, it may be rejected by UAE immigration, education, or labour authorities.
Who Needs to Get a Birth Certificate Attested?
Birth certificate attestation is required for most foreign nationals who plan to live, work, or study in the UAE. Parents must have their child’s birth certificate attested when applying for a family residency visa or enrolling the child in school. Adults may also need to attest their birth certificate if it’s requested for employment, visa applications, or legal processes involving UAE authorities.
If your birth certificate was issued in another country—including Canada, the UK, the US, India, the Philippines, or South Africa—you must have it attested in your home country and then by UAE authorities. For example, Canadian documents must first be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and then legalized by the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Canada. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) must confirm the document again once it is in the UAE. This ensures that government offices in the UAE formally check and accept your document.
Documents Required for Birth Certificate Attestation
If you’re planning to use your birth certificate in the United Arab Emirates, whether for a visa, school enrollment, or legal matters, attestation is a must. Here are the key documents and steps you’ll typically need to complete the process:
1. Original Birth Certificate
You’ll need the official, government-issued birth certificate.
- It must not be laminated, damaged, or altered in any way.
- UAE authorities usually reject documents that show signs of tampering.
2. A copy of a Valid Passport
A clear, readable copy of the applicant’s passport is required.
- For a child’s birth certificate, both parents’ passport copies may also be requested—especially for family visa or school applications.
3. Authorization Letter (If Using a Service)
If you’re hiring a third-party attestation or courier service:
- A signed authorization letter is often needed.
- This allows the service provider to submit and collect documents on your behalf.
- It’s a standard requirement when someone else handles your paperwork.
4. Certified Arabic Translation (If Needed)
If your birth certificate is not in English or Arabic, translation is typically required.
- It must be translated into Arabic by a licenced legal translator.
- In the UAE, translations are often required to come from recognized legal translation offices.
5. Attestation of the Translation
Some UAE authorities may also request that the Arabic translation be attested.
- This step ensures the translated version is legally recognized.
- It’s especially important if you’re submitting the translation to government departments.
6. Check for Country-Specific Rules
Requirements may vary based on where your birth certificate was issued.
- Always consult the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Visit the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for the most updated process and requirements.
Step-by-Step Birth Certificate Attestation Process
If your birth certificate was issued in Canada and you need to use it in the UAE—for example, for a residency visa, school enrollment, or family sponsorship—it must go through a multi-step attestation process. Each step confirms that the document is authentic and officially recognized by Canadian and UAE authorities.
Step 1: Notarization (If Applicable)
Notarization is not typically required for original Canadian birth certificates issued directly by provincial or territorial vital statistics offices. However, notarization may be required for supporting documents such as affidavits or translations. It’s best to confirm based on the type of documents being submitted.
Step 2: Authentication by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Canadian birth certificates issued by provincial or territorial Vital Statistics offices can be sent directly to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Ottawa for authentication. GAC verifies the seal and signature from the issuing authority and affixes their authentication stamp. This step confirms the document’s authenticity for international use and is required before the UAE Embassy can proceed with legalization.
Step 3: Legalization by the UAE Embassy in Canada
Once authenticated by GAC, the document must be submitted to the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. The embassy will evaluate the document and affix an official UAE stamp. This step verifies the authenticity of the document as recognized by the UAE government.
Step 4: Final Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC)
The final step occurs in the UAE. After the document is stamped, it has to be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) to be finally attested in the country. Following that, your birth certificate becomes a legitimate document in the UAE.
Common Errors To Prevent During Document Attestation Procedure
Minor errors in the attestation of a birth certificate for the UAE can result in considerable delays or potential rejection.
Some of the most common submission mistakes include the following:
- Laminated or damaged documents – Laminated birth certificates cannot be stamped and will be rejected. Documents that are torn, faded, or altered in any way may also be considered invalid.
- Missing stamps or signatures – If the document is not correctly signed or stamped at any required step (such as by a notary, provincial office, or Global Affairs Canada), it cannot move forward in the process.
- Incomplete application forms – Forms with missing information, incorrect details, or unsigned sections are often returned without processing.
There are also country-specific errors that applicants often make:
- Using the wrong attestation route – Each country has a specific process. For example, Canadian documents must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada before going to the UAE Embassy. Skipping a step will result in rejection.
- Failing to include required supporting documents – Passport copies, authorization letters (if using a third party), or translated versions of the document may be required, depending on the case.
To avoid issues, always check the latest guidelines from your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submitting your documents.
If you’re uncertain about navigating the attestation process on your own, professional guidance can make all the difference. Our team has extensive experience with document authentication and legalization through the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. We’ve assisted thousands of Canadians in preparing their documents for official use in the UAE and are available to support you at each step. To learn more, please visit our UAE Embassy Attestation page.
Do You Need Assistance Authenticating Documents Issued in Canada? The Legalization Service Center Can Assist!
The Legalization Service Centre supports at every stage of the process for those seeking apostille, authentications, and attestation services for documents in Canada. We optimize the process to guarantee the accurate authentication of your documents for international purposes.
Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at [email protected].