Sworn Affidavit in UAE: Process, Importance, and Legal Requirements

A sworn affidavit is an important legal document that is used in various situations in the UAE such as court cases, visa applications, property matters, as well as financial transactions. A sworn affidavit is a written statement of the facts, under oath or affirmation before a notary public. The article provides a detailed explanation of everything you would need to know about sworn affidavits in the UAE including importance, legal steps, and assistance from Notary Public Dubai.

What is a Sworn Affidavit?

A sworn affidavit is a written declaration made by a person (called the deponent) under oath, certifying what the deponent has said is true. Sworn affidavits are legally binding documents and serve as evidence in a court or in an official matter. Affidavits have to be notarized by an approved notary public in the UAE for legal identification. The affidavit can then be referred to in court, different government departments, and other official houses.

When Do You Need a Sworn Affidavit in the UAE?

These are some of the reasons for which an affidavit will be needed in the UAE:

• Court Cases: For supporting or proving statements in civil, commercial, or family cases.
• Visa or Immigration Applications: Required mainly for family sponsorship or related documents by certain embassies.
• Property Transactions: Proves ownership or financial or other facts in the sale or purchase of property.
• Marriage, Divorce, and Child Custody: Confirms relationship, marital status, or any intent of separation with regard to marriage, divorce, and child custody.
• Affidavit of Support or Affidavit of Income: Common requirement for family sponsorship or in loan or financial support applications.
• For Academic and Employment Records: To prove educational qualifications or work experience.

How to Get a Sworn Affidavit in the UAE: Legal Process

Getting a sworn affidavit in the UAE is an easy process if all the processes are followed in the proper manner. Here is how to go about it:

1. Draft the Affidavit

First, prepare the contents for the affidavit. Just write clear, factual information about what you want to declare. Consequently, it should not be complicated—just keep it simple and straightforward. Further, if the affidavit would be going into a legal setting, it must be written in the correct format.

2. Translate the Document (If Required)

If the affidavit is written in English (or in any other language aside from Arabic), then it must be translated into Arabic by a legal translator recognized by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Only the original and translated documents will be used during notarization.

3. Visit a Notary Public

Then, bring the affidavit and go with your valid passport or Emirates ID to a licensed notary public in the UAE. The notary will then check your identity and will also check the contents of the affidavit.

4. Take an Oath or Affirmation

You will take an oath or affirmation in front of the notary to confirm that everything here is true. Thus, this makes your statement legally binding.

5. Notarization

Then, after the notary is satisfied, they will sign and stamp the affidavit. Notarizing has a legal authority that makes this affidavit valid in UAE.

6. Attestation (If Required)

If the affidavit is to be used outside the UAE, attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the embassy of the destination country may also be required.

Read more about – Drafting an Affidavit in the UAE

Important Legal Points to Remember

• Always Tell the Truth: Lying in a duly sworn affidavit constitutes a criminal offense under UAE law and is punishable by law, including fines and imprisonment.
• Use the Correct Format: The affidavit needs to contain your complete information together with an unambiguous statement  of facts and your personal signature.
• Translation Is Compulsory: The official language for legal documents in the UAE is Arabic. A  certified Arabic translation must be provided for any affidavit that contains content in a different language.
• Only Authorized Notaries: You must notarize your affidavit from a UAE-licensed notary public.

Why Are Sworn Affidavits Important?

Sworn affidavits play a vital role in many legal and official processes in the UAE. Here’s why it matter:

• They act as legal proof when there is no physical evidence.
• They are accepted by UAE courts, embassies, and government bodies.
• They offer a formal and legal declaration that strengthens your case or application.

A notarized sworn affidavit in the UAE gives a more legal value to your statements and helps avoid delays or rejections in official matters.

You may want to know: How to get my Name Change Affidavit Notarized

How Can Notary Public Dubai Help You?

Our experienced lawyers can assist you in the following ways:

• Drafting the affidavit in the correct format.
• Translating documents by certified legal translators.
• Complete assistance with the notarization and attestation procedure.
• Ensure that your document receives legal validity and acceptance by the courts or embassies.
• Expert advice to ensure that your affidavit is following all the laws and regulations of the UAE.

Final Thoughts

Whether for personal, business, or legal issues, it is important to prepare a sworn affidavit correctly in the UAE. This document has legal value and should be treated carefully. Working with professionals ensures that your affidavit is accurate, duly notarized, and compliant with the law.

Do you need help preparing and/or notarizing a sworn affidavit in the UAE?

Contact our lawyers at Notary Public Dubai and let us ensure your documents are legally accurate, properly formatted, and fully compliant while saving you time, hassle, and costly errors.