Certifying Copies of Documents

In the official and business environment of the UAE, a simple copy of a document has no legal force. To be accepted by government bodies, courts, or financial institutions, a copy must be certified as a true and accurate duplicate of the original. This attestation process, often referred to as obtaining a certified copy of a document, is a key requirement for everything from visa applications to business registration. Legal Marketplace Consultant specializes in simplifying this important step, providing reliable and professional services to ensure your documents meet all official requirements.

What Are Certified Copies of Documents?

A certified copy is a duplicate of a primary document (such as a passport, certificate, or trade license) that has been officially authenticated. The certification is usually marked with a stamp, signature, and date, which confirms the authenticity and immutability of the copy in relation to the original. Our experts at Legal Marketplace Consultant emphasize that this certification is necessary for a wide range of administrative, legal, and financial procedures, helping to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of your personal and corporate records.

Who Can Certify Copies of Documents in the UAE?

Understanding who can certify copies of documents is crucial, as unauthorized certification can lead to rejection. In the UAE, the authority to certify documents is strictly regulated. The most common certifying authorities are:

• Public Notaries: For many legal and corporate documents, a public notary is the primary authority for certifying copies.
• Lawyers: Qualified and licensed lawyers are also often authorized to certify document copies, especially those related to legal proceedings and corporate registrations.
• Government Authorities: In some cases, the government authority that issued the document can provide certified copies (for example, the Civil Affairs Department for a birth certificate).

How to Certify Copies of Original Documents

The process for certification of copies includes a specific step-by-step procedure to ensure legal compliance. 

1. Document Submission. You hand over the original documents that require certification directly to the lawyer you are working with.
2. Verification and Preparation. Your lawyer verifies the authenticity of your originals and prepares the copies for certification.
3. Certification by an Authorized Body. We present the originals and copies to a public notary or a qualified lawyer for official certification. The specialist will review both documents, place a stamp and signature on the copy, and can also provide a written confirmation of its authenticity.
4. Final Delivery. The officially certified copies are returned to you, ready for use.

Why Our Services Are Necessary

Although the process of certifying documents may seem simple, a single mistake can lead to significant delays and complications. Our service ensures that your documents are handled by an experienced professional who understands the specific requirements of various UAE authorities. Your lawyer at Consultant acts as a trusted advisor, ensuring a seamless and error-free process from start to finish.