Essential documents

There is a lot of paperwork involved in moving to a new country – and the UAE is no exception.

Notarisation and attestation

To be accepted by the authorities here, your education certificates and other important documents must be verified by a solicitor or notary public in your home country, then by your foreign office to verify the solicitor as bona fide, and finally by the UAE embassy. It’s a good idea to have this done before you come to the UAE. Although there are private attestation companies in the UAE offering a verification service, this is likely to take a minimum of two weeks. Other essential documents you should consider bringing with you, but which do not need attesting, include your driving licence, child and adult immunisation records, and no-claims certificate from your car insurer.

Typing centres

Many of the processes you need to go through when moving to the UAE involve going to a typing centre. These are found all over the city, and are within or close to many of the government departments that require the use of them. Often the required application forms need to be collected from a typing centre, and the relevant department will not accept a form that hasn't been filled out correctly. You will need to take along all the relevant documents and pay a fee. Also, always keep in mind that any document written in Arabic is the legally binding one, and many institutions require that application forms are completed in Arabic. If you're worried you can employ the services of a legal translator.

Certificates

Save yourself a lot of time and bother by having all the documents you'll need notarised (and attested if applicable) before arriving. It’s much quicker to do this while in your home country.

What needs to be attested?

The following documents will need to be notarised and attested before moving: marriage certificate, education certificate (degree or equivalent), divorce papers, birth certificate, power of attorney certificate and professional certificates. It’s best to contact your embassy in the UAE for precise instructions regarding authentication and costs, but in all cases, a copy of the documents must be stamped by a notary public, then endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy in that country.

Essential documents you should consider bringing with you, but which do not need attesting, include your driving licence, child and adult immunisation records, and no-claims certificate from your car insurer.