Starting or expanding a business in the UAE often requires applying for a Partner Visa (also known as Investor Visa). One of the most critical yet confusing parts of the process is document attestation. Many applications get delayed or rejected simply because the correct certificates were not attested properly.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain which certificates need to be attested for a UAE partner visa, the exact attestation process, timelines, common mistakes, and how Best Attestation can help you complete the process smoothly and without delays.
What Is a UAE Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa is issued to individuals who own shares in a UAE-registered company. It allows the visa holder to:
- Legally reside in the UAE
- Act as a shareholder or partner in a business
- Open a corporate bank account
- Sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents)
- Access UAE residency benefits
This visa is commonly issued under:
- Mainland companies
- Free zone companies
To obtain this visa, document verification and attestation play a crucial role.
Why Is Certificate Attestation Required for a Partner Visa?
The UAE government requires attestation to:
- Verify authenticity of foreign documents
- Prevent fraud or misrepresentation
- Confirm identity, education, and family relationships
- Meet immigration, banking, and compliance standards
Without proper attestation, your documents are not legally recognised in the UAE, even if they are genuine.
Certificates That Need Attestation for Partner Visa in UAE
Not all documents require attestation, but certain certificates are commonly requested depending on your profile, business activity, and future plans.
Below is a detailed breakdown.
1. Educational Certificates (Most Common Requirement)
Is Educational Certificate Attestation Mandatory?
✔ Sometimes mandatory
✔ Highly recommended
✔ Frequently requested by banks and authorities
Educational certificate attestation is often required if:
- Your visa designation is Manager, Director, Partner, Consultant
- The bank requests proof of qualification
- Your business activity is professional or regulated
- You are applying under skilled category
Accepted Educational Documents
- Degree certificate
- Diploma certificate
- Professional qualification certificates
Attestation Process
- Home Country Education Authority
- Home Country Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UAE Embassy in Home Country
- MOFA UAE (final mandatory step)
📌 Even if immigration does not ask for it initially, banks often do.
2. Marriage Certificate (If Sponsoring Spouse)
When Is Marriage Certificate Attestation Required?
✔ Required if you plan to:
- Sponsor your spouse
- Apply for family residence visa
- Update marital status in Emirates ID
Why It Is Important
- Proves legal marital relationship
- Mandatory for dependent visas
- Required for insurance and school admissions
Attestation Steps
- Home Country Authority
- UAE Embassy
- MOFA UAE
3. Birth Certificate (For Dependents & Identity Verification)
Birth certificate attestation is required if:
- Sponsoring children
- Registering family details
- Immigration requests identity confirmation
Who Needs It?
- Children under family visa
- Sometimes the partner visa holder (case-based)
Attestation Flow
- Home Country Authority
- UAE Embassy
- MOFA UAE
4. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Is PCC Mandatory for Partner Visa?
✔ Case-based requirement
Police clearance may be required if:
- Nationality falls under specific risk categories
- Business activity is regulated (healthcare, finance, education)
- Free zone authority requests it
- Bank compliance demands it
PCC Can Be Issued From:
- Home country
- UAE (if resident)
Foreign PCCs must be attested before use.
5. Commercial Documents (No Attestation Required)
These documents are mandatory for visa processing, but do not require attestation:
- Trade License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Establishment Card
- Immigration File
📌 These are UAE-issued documents and are already legally valid.
Documents That Do NOT Require Attestation
To avoid unnecessary costs, note that the following do not require attestation:
- Passport
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Medical fitness report
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Health insurance
Translation Requirements for Partner Visa Documents
Any certificate not in English or Arabic must be:
- Legally translated into Arabic
- Stamped by an approved legal translator
- Accepted by UAE immigration & MOFA
⚠ Informal or uncertified translations are not accepted.
Full Attestation Process Explained (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Home Country Attestation
- Educational board / registrar
- Civil authority (for marriage & birth certificates)
Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation
- Confirms UAE recognition
Step 4: MOFA UAE Attestation (Mandatory)
- Final validation inside the UAE
Without MOFA UAE attestation, the document is invalid for official use.
Time Required for Certificate Attestation
| Document Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Educational Certificate | 7–15 working days |
| Marriage Certificate | 5–10 working days |
| Birth Certificate | 5–10 working days |
| Police Clearance | 7–12 working days |
⏱ Timelines may vary by country and urgency.
Cost of Certificate Attestation for Partner Visa
Attestation cost depends on:
- Document type
- Country of origin
- Urgency (normal or express)
- Number of certificates
Typical costs include:
- Government fees
- Embassy charges
- MOFA UAE fees
- Translation (if required)
- Service charges
📌 Using a professional agency helps avoid repeat costs due to errors.
Common Mistakes That Delay Partner Visa Attestation
❌ Attesting unnecessary documents
❌ Missing MOFA UAE step
❌ Using non-legal translations
❌ Name mismatch across documents
❌ Attesting expired certificates
❌ Applying too late during visa process
These mistakes can lead to:
- Visa rejection
- Banking delays
- Family visa refusal
- Additional expenses
Why Choose the Best Attestation?
Best Attestation is a trusted name in UAE document attestation services, offering end-to-end support for partner visa documentation.
What Best Attestation Offers
✔ Fast and reliable attestation
✔ All countries covered
✔ MOFA UAE processing
✔ Legal translation services
✔ Pickup & delivery available
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Dedicated support team
Whether your certificates are from India, UK, USA, Europe, or any other country, Best Attestation handles the complete process smoothly.
Partner Visa Attestation Checklist (Quick Reference)
✔ Educational Certificate (if required)
✔ Marriage Certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
✔ Birth Certificate (for children)
✔ Police Clearance (if requested)
✔ Legal Arabic Translation
✔ MOFA UAE Attestation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is educational certificate attestation compulsory for partner visa?
Not always, but highly recommended and often required by banks.
Can I apply for partner visa without attestation?
Your visa may be approved, but banking and family sponsorship will be blocked.
How long does MOFA UAE attestation take?
Usually 1–2 working days once documents are ready.
Can Best Attestation handle urgent cases?
Yes, express services are available.
Final Thoughts
Attesting the correct certificates is a critical step in securing a UAE partner visa without delays. Understanding which documents are required—and ensuring they are attested properly—can save time, money, and frustration.
Instead of navigating multiple authorities and risking errors, working with a professional attestation service ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Contact Best Attestation Today
If you are applying for a Partner / Investor Visa in the UAE, let Best Attestation handle your certificate attestation from start to finish.
📞 Fast Processing
📄 All Certificates Covered
🌍 Worldwide Document Support
🚚 Doorstep Pickup & Delivery
👉 Contact Best Attestation today for expert guidance and hassle-free attestation services.
