Attestation of South African Documents and Certificates for Utilization in the United Arab Emirates

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa is important for verifying various documents for use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DIRCO checks the seals and signatures on documents issued by South African government and private bodies. The Consular Section of DIRCO handles these authentication services.

In the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) is responsible for verifying documents from South Africa and other countries. This applies to documents intended for use abroad.

You can send the following documents to us for authentication and attestation for the UAE:

• Unabridged Marriage Certificate
• Unabridged Birth Certificate
• Divorce Certificate -Letter of no impendment
• Unabridged Death Certificate
• School Transfer Certificate (authenticated by the relevant Department of Education)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Diploma Certificate (verified by SAQA)
• Degree Certificate (verified by SAQA)
• Matric Certificate (verified by UMALUSI)

Commercial documents attestation

For commercial document attestation, these documents must first go through a notary or sworn translator:

• Power of Attorney
• Memorandum of Association
• Board Resolution
• Articles of Association
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Bankruptcy Documents
• Tax Certificate
• Invoices and Certificate of Origin
• All other commercial documents

Requirements for the attestation of educational qualifications from South Africa, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate certifications, among others.

When you need to validate your educational certificates like diplomas and degrees for a professional visa, attestation is an important step.

To have your educational certificates attested in South Africa, please follow these steps:

1. Download and complete the consent form for verification.
2. We will submit a request for a verification letter from SAQA on your behalf.
3. Wait for the quote and draft verification letter to be prepared.
4. Make payment to SAQA for either standard or expedited services.
5. We will collect your verification letter.
6. We will submit the verification letter to DIRCO for authentication.
7. We will collect the authenticated certificate.
8. Finally, we will submit the verification letter to the UAE embassy for attestation.

Note:

Expedited services for degree attestation take about 30 to 35 working days. Standard attestations for qualifications take around 65 working days (not including weekends, public holidays, and one Wednesday).

Attestestation of an unabridged marriage certificate for use in the UAE

Attesting an unabridged marriage certificate for use in the UAE is important because it legally recognizes the marriage and includes details like the couple’s names, wedding date, and location.

Attestation is important because it verifies the legitimacy of documents. In the UAE, both public and private sectors only accept duly attested certificates. It is essential to have a marriage certificate attested in Dubai, as unattested certificates are not considered valid.

To attest an unabridged marriage certificate in South Africa for the UAE, you need:

– An original marriage certificate.

The attestation process for the unabridged marriage certificate includes:

1. Providing the original marriage certificate to DIRCO for authentication.
2. Submitting the certificate to the UAE Embassy in Pretoria for attestation.
3. Once attested, the document will be collected on applicants behalf and sent to the customer in the UAE or to an address in South Africa.

Note:

• Expedited attestation usually takes about 10 to 12 working days.
• Standard attestation processing takes about 47 working days (not including weekends and public holidays).

Attestation of Unabridged Birth Certificates for Use in the UAE

Attesting an unabridged birth certificate confirms that the document from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is authentic, with the correct seal, date, and signatures. This document is essential for getting a resident visa and is needed for other processes like applying for a passport, visa, ID card, and school admissions for newborns.

Why Attestation of Birth Certificates is Important

Attestation is necessary for many legal and official reasons. For children born in the UAE, a birth certificate is usually not required unless parents plan to use it outside the UAE. However, for children born outside the UAE, attestation of the birth certificate is a must.

Our Requirements for Attesting an Unabridged Birth Certificate in South Africa for Use in the UAE:

1. Submission of Original Document: Provide the original unabridged birth certificate issued by DHA.
2. Attestation Process: We will take the document to the UAE Embassy in Pretoria.
3. Courier Service: Once attested, we will send it to the address you provide in the UAE or within South Africa.

Note:  

• The fast attestation service for the unabridged marriage certificate takes about 10 to 12 working days.  
• The standard processing time is 47 working days (not counting weekends, public holidays, and one Wednesday).

Document Attestation Procedures for Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini for Use in the UAE

If there is no UAE diplomatic mission in the country where your document was issued, you need to get it endorsed by your national embassy located in the UAE. If there is no embassy, your documents must be notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, which is accredited to the UAE.

Authentication Requirements for Countries Without UAE Diplomatic Representation: Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini

For documents from Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini, you must have the following offices authenticate the documents before submitting them for attestation in Pretoria:

• Lesotho: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, P.O. Box 1387, Maseru 100, Lesotho  
• Eswatini: MFA International Cooperation, M48R+G35, Mhlambanyatsi Rd, Mbabane, Eswatini  
• Namibia: Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT Namibia), Parliament Buildings, Theo Ben Gurirab, 13347, Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek, Namibia  

Note:

A notary public in South Africa can only notarize documents issued in South Africa. If your documents are from another country, make sure they are authenticated or notarized in that country before you process them in South Africa.

Important Points to Consider

No Personal Appearance Needed: You don’t need to appear in person for document verification and attestation.

Power of Attorney Not Required: The Consular Notarial SA can process documents without needing letters of authority or power of attorney, thanks to established relationships with officials in relevant departments.

Variable Fees: The fees for attestation can vary depending on the provincial department involved.

Expedited (Express) Documentation Acquisition Services – SAQA, DHA, CR & CSM, RTMC, HPCSA, DBE, UMALUSI, NOTAY, HCSTi, HIGH COURT, DIRCO & Foreign Missions

Are you still pending the required documentation for your employment or family immigration to the United Arab Emirates? As a consular and notarial service provider with in-depth experience in interfacing with governmental entities and the consular operations of international embassies, we offer specialized assistance in securing essential immigration documents. Our team of consular experts is well-versed in the intricacies of the immigration process and can facilitate the acquisition of a range of necessary legal documents, including but not limited to:

Home Affairs Letters and Certificates:

• South African Civic Affairs Documentation
• SA Unabridged Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
• SA Vault Birth Certificates
• Reversion of Surname (e.g., reverting to maiden name)
• Change of Marital Status Documentation
• Divorce Decrees
• Abridged Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
• Letters of No Impediment
• Retention of South African Citizenship
• Resumption of South African Citizenship
• Naturalization Processes for South African Citizenship
• Determination of Citizenship

The Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management division of the South African Police Service (SAPS):

• Acquisition of Police Clearance Certificates for South Africans, foreign nationals residing in South Africa, and asylum seekers.

South African Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

This certificate is often required for various purposes, including employment, visa applications, or immigration processes. Here’s a general outline of the procedure:

Requirements for Obtaining a South African Police Clearance Certificate While Residing in the United Arab Emirates.

Before you start, make sure you know what you need for your police clearance.

Gather Necessary Documents:

1. You will need these documents:
2. A completed application form which you can download by clicking here
3. The SAPS 91a form, which you can download by clicking here
4. A certified or non-certified valid South African ID, passport (for Foreiners), or asylum documentation if you are a refugee

Complete the Application Form:

Ensure that the application form is completed with precision, incorporating all mandatory information. It is essential to verify the submission for errors to prevent any processing delays. Given your residency in the United Arab Emirates, there is no requirement to include a South African address or contact number. Instead, utilize your current address and relevant contact details based in the UAE.

Fingerprints:

Fingerprints in Abu Dhabi

Fingerprints can be taken by the Ministry of Interior  in Abu Dhabi, located on Arab Gulf Street in Zayed Sports City (opposite to Mediclinic Hospital on Airport Road).  Please be sure to take your ID card and passport with you.

Fingerprints in Dubai

The Dubai Police will generally take fingerprints at their headquarters. You may reach the Dubai Police Headquarters’ Fingerprint Division at +971 04 609 6841 and +971 04 609 6843. More information is available on the Dubai Police website . Please be sure to take your ID card and passport with you.

You may also request fingerprints from the Dubai Police at Dubai DXB Airport Gate 3 (staff entrance) from 0700-1200, Sunday to Thursday. The requirements are as follows:

• Must provide proof of residence, i.e. Emirates ID and valid South African Passport.
• Fingerprints inquiry form (SAPS-91a) – you must bring this; they are not available at the fingerprinting facility
• Fingerprinting fee of 110 Dirhams. Cash only, and exact change required

The completed fingerprints will be ready to pick up on the following business day.  Please note, parking is not available in the area. The nearest parking lot is about 10 minutes walking (one way).  Directions are as follows:

Direction: https://maps.google.com/?q=25.270355,55.351139 

Driving Directions:

• Take Sheikh Zayed Road/Al Sharjah (toward Dubai Airport)
• Take exit 62 toward Hor Al Anz East/Al Wuheida/D91/Al Twar/DXB Airport
• Terminal 2
• About 350 meters, slight right
• About 110 meters, turn right
• About 550 meters the building for fingerprinting is on the right

Self-Fingerprinting Procedures:

For individuals residing outside the specified regions with limited access to fingerprinting facilities, self-fingerprinting is a viable option. You can obtain a fingerprint pad through the Amazon UAE platform at https://www.amazon.ae/.

Embassy or Consulate Services:

Alternatively, you may opt to visit the South African consulate or embassy located in the UAE for fingerprinting services. Please note that prior booking may be necessary to ensure availability and compliance with procedural requirements.

Submit Your Application:

Once you have all your documents, email them to [email protected] 

• We have updated our submission process. From now on, you do not need to send physical copies of your fingerprint forms. Only PDF copies of your fingerprints will be accepted.

Payment: Pay the fee for the clearance certificate and email the proof of payment to [email protected]

Processing Time:

After you submit your application, it usually takes 3 to 5 working days for an Express service. This speeds up the process so you can get your clearance certificate faster.

After your application is processed, you’ll be notified when your Police Clearance Certificate is ready. You will receive a digital copy, and you need to provide your courier details so we can send the physical certificate to you.

For further details regarding police clearance procedures, please reach out via email at [email protected].

High Court :

• Authentication of documents for international utilization.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO):

• Authentication of documents for international purposes.

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA):

• Verification of medical reports and certificates.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC):

Acquisition of confirmation letters for driver’s licenses (Letters of Entitlement).

Application Process for Drivers License Confirmation Letter for Use in the UAE

This service is for applicants located outside the Republic of South Africa (RSA) whose driving licenses have either expired or been lost or stolen, and who are currently unable to return to the RSA for renewal. It also applies to individuals holding a valid or temporary license that has been rejected for conversion by the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) in the UAE.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is authorized to issue a confirmation letter for applicants with a valid license, as verified through the National Traffic Information System (NTIS). This letter serves as formal verification of the applicant’s valid driving license, facilitating its conversion to a UAE driving license.

To request a Drivers License Confirmation Letter, please direct your inquiry to [email protected].

The process for obtaining the driver’s license confirmation letter is outlined as follows:

1. Upon receiving your request, we will provide you with a form to complete.
2. Once completed, we will submit this form to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on your behalf.
3. After the RTMC has prepared the confirmation letter, we will collect it. This letter will detail the original issuance date of the license.
4. We will then proceed to submit the letter to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for authentication.
5. Following authentication, the letter will be submitted to the embassy for attestation.
6. Upon completion of the attestation process, we will courier the confirmation letter to the applicant’s designated address in the UAE via DHL.

It is important to note that this confirmation letter does not serve as a legal driving license and should not be presented as such to law enforcement officials.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA):

Verification of South African qualifications.

Foreign Embassies’ Consular Services:

• Document attestation.

South Africa Registered Court Translators Services (HCSTi):

– Sworn translations.

To request expedited service or to acquire further information regarding the process for obtaining the above-mentioned documents, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Contact Information: 

Our business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. We are available online from 8:30 to 10 PM Monday through Friday.

Offices (no walk-ins)

– Pretoria, 0081

– Cape Town, 7441

(documents by courier only)

Email: Z[email protected]

WhatsApp: +27 69 170 7916

Disclaimer

We specialize in documentation services and operate as an independent private entity. It is essential to note that we are not affiliated with any governmental agency or High Court issuance authority. By using our website and utilizing our services, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.