Thousands of international professionals annually choose Dubai as their destination to start and advance their careers establishing the city as a worldwide business center. The city is famous for its high-rise buildings, upscale living standards and an ever-growing economic system which opens diverse employment pathways for different business sectors including financial services, technology, hospitality, construction, etc.
Many professionals seek employment in Dubai because the city enables career progress while providing exposure to diverse cultures with income benefits including generous tax exemptions. However, before embarking on this exciting journey of growth and professional development, several administrative steps need to be navigated, visa processing and document attestation being the most important.
Document attestation is an important part of the employment visa process in Dubai. But what exactly is attestation, is it needed for an employment visa in Dubai and if yes, then how to secure it? All aspects related to employment visa attestation in Dubai are discussed in detail in this blog post.
It will offer you everything you need to know for an easy employment visa attestation procedure including understanding attestation requirements for different documents along with complete procedural guidance to undertake this complicated task.
Let’s dive into it without any further delay!
What is Attestation?
The procedure of Attestation can be explained as getting validation of documents through governmental stamps and signatures from authorised bodies. To obtain an employment visa in Dubai one must attest their educational certificates, certain personal documents along with experience letters and applicable supporting documents.
The Dubai authorities need documents authenticated through Attestation to confirm their validity and official status. GCC member states including the UAE require document attestation procedures to be completed by their candidates.
Also Read:- Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE Citizens
Why is Attestation Needed for an Employment Visa?
Document Attestation is an important requirement that needs to be fulfilled by the candidates. Some of the most important reasons to get attestation are as follows;
- Legal Compliance – The Dubai authorities demand attested documents to confirm the validity and accuracy of all information submitted by the candidates.
- Preventing Fraud – Professional attestation functions as a tool to stop persons from presenting fake documents and forged material.
- Smooth Visa Application – Attested documents help speed up the visa application procedure. Complete and correct documents with accurate attestation stamps also reduce the chance of rejection.
- Employer’s Confidence – The verification process for employee qualifications and experience in Dubai depends on the proper attestation of documents by the concerned authorities. It proves imperative for employers offering employment to foreign candidates.
- Academic and Professional Integrity – The attestation process confirms the authenticity of academic and professional accomplishments upholding the credibility of one’s academic and professional credentials.
Document attestation for an employment visa is essential, so much so, that without attestation, your employment visa application may be delayed or even rejected.
How Do I Get an Attestation for an Employment Visa?
The process of document attestation varies depending on the origin country of the concerned documents. However, the general steps in attestation for an employment visa include the following steps;
- Notarization
- Authorised notary publics from the issuing country must stamp your documents during the first step of authentication. The notary public certification proves that these documents are legitimate.
- Home Country Attestation
Once the concerned documents are notarized, they must be attested by the relevant government authorities in the home country. The steps usually include;
- State Government Attestation – In India, the State Home Department is responsible for personal document attestation whereas educational documents need to be attested by the State HRD (Human Resource Development) or Education Department of the issuing state.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation – The MEA or equivalent foreign affairs department in the home country will provide the final attestation.
- UAE Embassy Attestation
- The attestation process in the home country is followed by submitting the documents to the UAE Embassy or Consulate for further verification. The embassy will place a stamp on the documents to verify their authenticity.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in Dubai
- Obtaining document attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emerges as the final requirement after arriving in Dubai. This proves to be the last step of verification needed for an employment visa in Dubai.
Also Read:- What is Equivalency Certificate
Documents that Require an Attestation for an Employment Visa
Various educational, personal and other specified documents need to be attested. Typically, the candidates need to obtain attestation on the following documents for an employment visa in Dubai;
- Educational certificates (degree, diploma, etc.)
- Experience letters or employment certificates
- Passport copy
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Certificates
- Police Clearance Certificate
Requirements For An Employment Visa In Dubai
Candidates who are trying to obtain a Dubai work visa need to meet the following requirements in addition to the document attestation.
- Job Offer – Firstly, the candidate must have a valid offer letter from a company legally registered in Dubai.
- Employer Sponsorship – To complete the visa application procedure successfully, the employer will need to act as a sponsor.
- Entry Permit – Candidates need to have an entry permit applied by the employer. It will allow them to enter the UAE for employment.
- Medical Fitness Test – Candidates must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved health centre.
- Emirates ID – Candidates will need to apply for an Emirates ID to get an employment visa in Dubai. It is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents.
- Employment Contract – You and your employer must sign a standardised labour contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Educational and Professional Qualifications – Depending on the job, the candidate will need to turn over various attested educational certificates, personal documents and professional qualifications.
- Passport Validity – A valid passport with at least six months of validity is compulsory.
- Photographs – As per the specific instructions provided by the UAE authorities, candidates should have their passport-sized photographs ready.
- Visa Stamping – Upon completion of all the formalities such as the medical test and Emirates ID, a valid visa will be stamped in the candidate’s passport.
Overview of the Employment Visa Process
- Job Offer and Contract Signing
- Entry Permit Application
- Medical Fitness Test
- Emirates ID Application
- Visa Stamping
- Labour Card Issuance
Also Read:- How to get family Visa?
Tips for Smooth Attestation for an Employment Visa
Attestation for an employment visa can be a lengthy and complicated process with a lot of challenges. Here are some important tips that the candidates can use to avoid common mistakes and streamline the process;
- Understand the Requirements – Each country has different requirements regarding attestation and the requirements also vary depending on the type of job one is applying for. Research the specific requirements for your employment visa and document attestation.
- Prepare in Advance – The process is lengthy and complicated requiring plenty of documents. Keep them ready and make sure they are updated and accurate.
- Use Professional Attestation Services – Hire a professional service provider to avoid any last-moment issues. It will help navigate the complicated process and also save time.
- Double-check Documents – Complete and correct documents are essential, any discrepancies or incomplete documents can lead to delays and even rejection.
- Plan for Delays – Account for potential delays and start the procedure accordingly, preferably well in advance. Last-moment rush can lead to even more delays.
Conclusion
The employment visa process in Dubai requires document attestation as an essential step. The process makes your documents legally acceptable facilitating smoother visa application procedures. Utilising the correct attestation methods will help you transition smoothly to your new profession in Dubai without complications.
If you’re unsure about the process, consider consulting a professional service provider like SEPL Dubai for guidance. Your journey to securing an employment visa is Dubai will become much easier and more accessible with proper preparation and attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is attestation required for all types of visas in Dubai?
Attestation is typically required for employment, student, business, resident and family visas. Tourist visas do not require attestation.
- Can I get my documents attested in Dubai?
The documents mostly need to be attested in the home country first while the final MOFA attestation can be done in Dubai. However, with SEPL Dubai you can get all your documents attested in Dubai.
- Do I Need an Attestation for an Employment Visa?
Yes, candidates need to get specified documents attested by the concerned authorities to secure an employment visa.
- What if my documents are in a language other than English or Arabic?
The documents in any language other than English or Arabic will need to be translated by a certified translator before they can be attested.