4 Things You Must Know About True Copy Attestation in UAE

A large number of expats living in the UAE send out certified true copies of their documents including passports, utility bills, Emirates IDs, driving licenses, bank statements and experience letters to the government departments, immigration departments, embassies and banks around the world to carry out various transactions.

The article aims to help you understand 4 key issues that you must understand in relation to certified true copies in the UAE and how you can obtain this certification.

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1. Which Documents Require True Copy Attestation?

The documents that are most commonly required to be certified as true copies by lawyers in the UAE include (without limitation) the following:

• Passports
• Utility bills
• Emirates IDs
• Driving licenses
• Bank statements
• Academic certificates
• Experience certificates
• Birth certificates

The transactions that require true copy attestation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates in the UAE typically include obtaining a second nationality, opening a bank account, submitting tax returns, selling or purchasing real estate properties or admissions in various academic institutions.

Certified true copy of passport is the most requested document by government departments and third parties outside the UAE. Passport true copy is typically used to establish the correct identity of the individual presenting the document.

2. Who Issues True Copies of Documents in UAE?

A true copy attestation or a certified true copy of a document in the UAE is a photocopy of the original document that is issued by a lawyer. The original document is presented to the lawyer with a photocopy and the lawyer examines the original document and, once satisfied with the authenticity of the original document, stamps the photocopy stating that the photocopy of the document is a true and correct copy of the original document. The lawyer also signs and dates the document to confirm the date of the certification. The stamp typically includes the name of the lawyer, the name of law firm the lawyer works for and the contact details of the lawyer where the relevant third party to whom the document is presented can contact the lawyer to verify the certification.

The original document is thus kept by the owner and a certified true copy is presented to the party requesting for it. The certified copy is then deemed as good as the original document by the third party relying on it.

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3. Difference between Notarization and Certified True Copy

It is important to understand that a certified true copy is also sometimes referred to as a notarization around the world. Hence, it is possible that UAE expats are asked to obtain a notarized copy of a document issued by a Notary Public in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other Emirates. However, a notary public in the UAE does not certify true copies of documents indicated above. These certifications are always carried out by lawyers in the UAE and are accepted by all government departments, embassies, banks and other third parties around the world.

4. Immigration to Canada, Australia and other Countries

It is also a common feature amongst the UAE expats that they apply for a second citizenship in various countries around the world offering immigration. These countries typically include Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other jurisdictions that offer investment-based immigration programs. While submitting their documents for immigration, the expats are required to submit certified true copy attestation of these documents as proof that the documents submitted by them are authentic and correct.

The lawyers at Legal Inz issue certified true copies of documents that are accepted by all government departments, banks, immigration departments, embassies and academic institutions around the world.