It is crucial that people and companies in the UAE know the distinction between the notary service and document attestation. Despite similarity of both processes that are associated with checking of documents, they have very different legal objectives and are usually needed at different stages of legal, personal, or commercial processes.
In Notarypublicuae, the questions that are often posed are questions that concern whether a client requires either notarization, attestation or both. In this guide, it has been articulated how the two differ when each is needed and how they will operate in the UAE.
Difference between Notary and Attestation.
| Aspect | Notary | Attestation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Check signature and identity | Check document authenticity. |
| Focus | Person endorsing the document | Signing and issuing authority of document. |
| Carried out By | Notary Public | MOFA, embassies, foreign ministries |
| Necessary In | POA, affidavits, declarations | Certificates, official records |
| Use Case | International or government use | Mostly within UAE. |
| Multi-Step Process | No | Yes |
| Legal Effect | Confirms execution | Confirms recognition |
Notary Public UAE
Contact our Notary Public Dubai team for fast and reliable notary services in the UAE.
What Is Notary in the UAE?
A Notary Public is the official who is authorized to check identity of people and is able to witness the signing of documents. Notarization is done to ensure that:
The individual who puts his name on the document is who they say they are.
The document is voluntarily signed.
The signatory is of legal age.
The document is signed in the proper form.
The process of notarization does not confirm the reality of what the document contain. It merely authorises the validity of the signature and execution.
Popular Documents that need notary in the UAE.
Letters of undertaking and consent.
Memorandum amendments
Documents that are to be used in the UAE primarily need such notarial services.
What is attestation in the UAE?
Attestation is that of confirming the authenticity of the document itself in order that it be legally received by government or courts, embassies or institutions particularly where documents are of inter-border relevance.
Attestation confirms:
It was published by an authoritative person.
The authentic signature, seal or stamp on the document is authentic.
It is an official document.
In contrast to notarization, attestation is a multiphase verification mechanism and can have a number of authorities.
Typical Documents which should be attested.
Police clearance certificate.
Commercial documents
Court judgments
When: Attestation is usually required when:
In the UAE, it is a foreign document.
One of the UAE documents is utilized outside the UAE.
The major contrast between the Notary and Attestation.
Purpose
Notary: Certifies identity and signature when signing.
Attestation: Tests authenticity of document so that it can be officially accepted.
Scope
Notary: Signature based verification.
Attestation: Document verification.
Usage
Notary: Domestic (mostly in UAE).
Attestation: International and domestic use.
Should You Require Notary or Attestation?
The need is conditional upon three points:
In the place of issue of the document.
Where the document is going to be utilized.
Type of document
Examples
Power of Attorney (use in UAE) → Notary.
UAE visa certificate of foreign marriage → Attestation.
A company resolution to be applied in other countries → Notary + Attestation.
UAE employment degree certificate → Attestation.
In most instances, the two processes are a necessity, although they follow a certain sequence.
Is Document Requirement, to include Notary and Attestation?
Yes. The document might need to be first notarized to confirm its execution and then to be attested to be used internationally or by the government.
For example:
An affidavit should be notarized and possibly MOFA attested.
Corporate papers can be notarised and legalised to be used overseas.
Missing a stage may lead to disapproval by officials.
Value of Professional Advice.
Rejection of many documents is because of:
Incorrect process order
Missing authority stamps
Wrong document format
Laws regarding legalization country-specifically.
In Notarypublicuae, document professionals review your document and advise you on:
The issue of notarization.
Presence of attestation.
What are the involved authorities?
Anticipated schedules and budgets.
FAQ’s
Does notarization and attestation mean one thing?
No. Notarization authenticates the signature and identity of the signer, whereas attestation authenticates the validity of the document.
Are UAE-issued documents to be attested?
Only when the document is going to be utilized in foreign or special agencies.
Should attestation come before notarization of foreign documents?
Yes, in most instances, and this depends on the country and type of document being issued.
Is it possible to get notary services in the UAE by tourists?
Yes, there must be satisfactory identification and eligibility requirements in place.
Is it required that MOFA be attested?
MOFA attestation generally becomes an element of the ultimate legalization process to use international documents.
What is the time required to notarize?
The majority of notarizations may be fulfilled same day provided that documents are in order.
What is the duration of the attestation?
Timelines of attestation are different depending on the country of issuance, and authority participation, and type of document.
Notary Public UAE
Contact our Notary Public Dubai team for fast and reliable notary services in the UAE.
Conclusion
Although both notary and attestation are document verification processes, the legal purpose of the process is radically different. Notarization is concerned with the signature of a document and attestation is concerned with the official recognition of a document.
Knowledge of the difference will save time, money and legal challenges.
Notarypublicuae provides support to people and companies with proper information about the requirements of notarization and attestation to ensure full adherence to the UAE regulations.
