Certifications and Swearing of Oaths in Dubai
Whether you are preparing an immigration application, responding to Court proceedings or dealing with an overseas authority, you may be asked to provide certified documents or to swear an affidavit before an authorised person. At James Berry & Associates, our Barristers and UK-qualified Solicitors, who are Commissioner for Oaths, can certify documents in Dubai, administer oaths and witness affidavits and statutory declarations, providing a practical and efficient legal document certification Dubai service for individuals and businesses.
Our certification and witnessing services are commonly required for:
- Immigration and visa applications;
- Courts and legal proceedings;
- Overseas authorities;
- Educational institutions;
- Banks and financial institutions; and
- Business and corporate matters.
Certified True Copy Services in Dubai
A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been checked and endorsed by an authorised person, confirming that the copy corresponds with the original document seen. When you obtain a certified true copy in Dubai through our office, the Solicitor/ Barrister compares the copy against the original and, if satisfied, signs and dates the copy with the relevant certification wording.
Organisations such as visa authorities, universities, banks and overseas government bodies often request a Solicitor certified copy because they need assurance that a copy is genuine without retaining your original document. For this reason, the original document is required at the time of certification. Whether you need a certified copy of documents Dubai authorities will accept or a certified true copy UAE institutions have requested, the original, or access to the original electronic record, must be produced.
Documents We Can Certify
Passports
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Degree certificates and diplomas
Documents obtained through online portals, where access to the original electronic record can be demonstrated; and
Other original documents, subject to the requirements of the receiving authority.
Commissioner for Oaths Services in Dubai
A Commissioner for Oaths is a Solicitor or Barrister authorised to administer oaths and to take affidavits and statutory declarations. As a Commissioner for Oaths, clients can rely on, our Solicitors / Barristers can:
- administer oaths and affirmations;
- take affidavits;
- witness statutory declarations;
- witness documents where the relevant authority permits a Commissioner for Oaths to do so; and
- confirm the identity of the person signing and oversee the signing process where appropriate.
It is important to note that a Commissioner for Oaths cannot replace a notary public in every situation. Some authorities specifically require notarisation, and we can help you identify the correct route before you proceed.
Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
Affidavits
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that the maker swears or affirms to be true before an authorised person. Because it is made under oath, providing false information can carry serious legal consequences. Clients seeking an affidavit Solicitor they can rely on, commonly instruct us for affidavits required in:
- court proceedings;
- immigration matters;
- overseas legal proceedings; and
- financial or factual declarations.
The UK Ministry of Justice confirms that affidavits may be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths and that the person taking the affidavit must complete the required jurat, confirming where, when and before whom the affidavit was sworn. Our affidavit witnessing service ensures that this formality is properly completed.
Statutory Declarations
When Might You Need Documents Certified or Sworn?
Certified Copy vs Notarised Document vs Attested Document
These terms are often confused, but each serves a different purpose:
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certified true copy | Confirms a copy corresponds with the original |
| Swearing an affidavit/declaration | Formal declaration made before an authorised person |
| Notarisation | Formal authentication/witnessing by a notary where required |
| Attestation/legalisation | Additional authentication required for certain documents and jurisdictions |
The exact certification, notarisation, attestation or legalisation requirements depend on the authority and Country where the document will be used.
Documents for Use Outside the UAE
Certification does not automatically mean that a document has been legalised or attested for use in another country. A document certification service confirms that a copy matches the original or that a statement was properly sworn, but some Countries and institutions require further authentication.
Before arranging to certify true copy documents for use abroad, you should contact the receiving authority to confirm:
- whether a UK qualified Solicitor / Barrister can certify the document;
- whether a notary is required;
- whether an apostille is required;
- whether embassy or consular legalisation is required; and
- whether specific wording is required.
Taking these steps at the outset can avoid delays and the cost of having documents certified more than once.
How the Certification Process Works
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Whether you need documents certified by a Barrister or Solicitor for a visa application or an affidavit sworn for overseas proceedings, our certification service can guide you through the requirements.
For assistance with document certification or the swearing of oaths in Dubai, please contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
What types of documents can be certified by James Berry & Associates?
Our UK qualified Solicitor is a Commissioner for Oaths and can certify true copies of originals, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, utility bills, bank statements, degree certificates and diplomas. We can not legalise documents and these have to be done through the proper legal process. Â
We can also certify documents obtained from online portals, provided the client demonstrates access to the portal (for example, by logging in during the appointment). We would mention the appropriate wording on the certification.
When is it necessary to have a document sworn or attested by a Commissioner for Oaths?
Sworn attestations are usually required for official, legal, or international use. Such as for matters concerning Powers of Attorney, Affidavits and Declarations, Educational Certificates (for embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs use), business contracts or invoices, immigration and visa applications, and for Court or legal submissions.
Can statutory declarations or affidavits be prepared for international use?
Yes, they can be used for international purposes however, we would suggest that you make inquiries from the Country in which the document is required as to any specific information that is required to be inserted for the document.
What is the difference between a certified copy and a notarised document?
There are two key differences between them. A notarized document is a verified document indicating the identity of the signer and the authenticity of the signature, whereas a certified copy is a duplicate of the original document that verifies that the contents in the duplicate document is an accurate reproduction of the original document.
What identification or original documents are required for certification?
We only require the original documents of the copies which are being certified. For example, if a passport is to be certified, we would require the original passport.
How long does it take to have documents certified or sworn?
Depending on the individual requirement, it can typically be done in 10 – 20 minutes . The certification would take place in our office.
Are there any documents that cannot be certified or sworn in the UAE?
This would depend on the requirement for the document. For example, if a document specifies that it needs to be sworn by a Notary in a specific Country, it would not be eligible to be sworn in the UAE. Â
You should always check the specific requirements of the requester.
Can documents be certified for use in Countries outside the UAE?
Most documents certified by an appropriately qualified person will be recognized in the Country from which the document originates and may be used in another Country; however, you should always make enquiries from the specific Country to confirm whether the certifier’s qualifications are sufficient for the intended purpose.
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