Attesting an Indian Death Certificate in UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide by Indian Mission

Navigating the loss of a loved one is incredibly challenging, and dealing with administrative tasks can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process of getting an Indian death certificate attested by the Indian Mission in the UAE, making it usable for official purposes back in India. Whether it's for insurance claims, property matters, or other legal formalities, this attestation is a crucial step.

Understanding the Purpose of Attestation

When an Indian national passes away in the UAE, the local authorities issue a death certificate. For this document to be legally recognized and accepted in India, it must go through a series of attestations. The final step in the UAE, before it's sent to India, involves the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai. This attestation confirms the authenticity of the UAE-issued death certificate and its prior attestations by UAE authorities.

Essential Prerequisites: Before Approaching the Indian Mission

Before you even think about the Indian Mission, there are critical steps that must be completed in the UAE. Missing these will lead to delays and rejections.

1. Obtain the UAE Death Certificate:

   • The death must first be registered with the relevant UAE health authority (e.g., Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health Abu Dhabi) and the police.
   • A local UAE death certificate will be issued. Ensure you have the original and several copies.

2. Translate the UAE Death Certificate (if necessary):

   • If the UAE death certificate is not in English or Arabic, it might need to be translated into English by a legal translation office approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Always confirm the required language with the Indian Mission.

3. Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA):

   • This is a mandatory step. The UAE-issued death certificate (and its translation, if applicable) must first be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
   • You can typically do this online or by visiting a MOFAIC service center.
   • Why this matters: The Indian Mission will only attest documents that have already been authenticated by the UAE government.

The Attestation Process at the Indian Mission

Once your UAE death certificate has been attested by MOFAIC, you can proceed to the Indian Mission. The jurisdiction depends on where the deceased resided:

• Consulate General of India, Dubai (CGI Dubai): For residents of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi (EIA Abu Dhabi): For residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Most attestation services for the Indian Mission in UAE are outsourced to BLS International. You will likely need to visit a BLS center within your jurisdiction.

Required Documents for Indian Mission Attestation

Gather all these documents meticulously. It's advisable to have originals and at least two sets of photocopies for everything.

• Original MOFAIC Attested UAE Death Certificate: This is the most crucial document.
• Photocopy of MOFAIC Attested UAE Death Certificate.
• Original Passport of the Deceased: For verification.
• Photocopy of Passport of the Deceased: Including all relevant pages (personal details, visa page, etc.).
• Original Emirates ID of the Deceased: If applicable, for verification.
• Photocopy of Emirates ID of the Deceased.
• Original Passport of the Applicant/Next of Kin: The person applying for the attestation.
• Photocopy of Passport of the Applicant/Next of Kin.
• Original Emirates ID of the Applicant/Next of Kin.
• Photocopy of Emirates ID of the Applicant/Next of Kin.
• Application Form: This will be specific to the attestation service, usually available on the BLS International website. Fill it out accurately.
• Two Passport-size Photographs: Of the applicant.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family book proving your relationship with the deceased, especially if your last names differ or the relationship isn't immediately obvious from passports.
• Letter of Request (Optional but Recommended): A simple letter addressed to the Consul General (or Ambassador) requesting the attestation, stating the purpose.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete Prerequisites: Ensure you have the MOFAIC-attested UAE Death Certificate.
2. Fill out the Application Form: Download the specific attestation form from the BLS International website.
3. Prepare Documents: Organize all originals and photocopies as per the list above.
4. Book an Appointment (if required): Check the BLS International website for your jurisdiction; some services may require a prior appointment.
5. Visit the BLS Center/Indian Mission: Submit your complete application package. The officials will verify the documents.
6. Pay the Fees:
   • Attestation Fee: This is a nominal fee, typically around AED 40-80.
   • Service Charge: BLS International will charge a service fee, usually around AED 9-15.
   • Additional Services: Courier charges if you opt for document delivery, or urgent processing fees if available.
   • Payment: Usually accepted in cash or card. Confirm current fees on the BLS or Mission website.
7. Collection: You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. You can track your application online. Once processed, you can collect the attested certificate from the center or have it couriered to you.

Processing Time and Costs

• Processing Time: Typically, the attestation process takes 3 to 5 working days. This can vary depending on workload and any additional verification required. Urgent services might be available for an extra charge.
• Costs: As mentioned, expect the total cost to be in the range of AED 50-100, excluding any courier or urgent service charges. Always reconfirm the exact fees on the official BLS/Mission websites before visiting.

Repatriation vs. Local Burial

If the intention is to repatriate the deceased's remains to India, the process of attesting the death certificate often runs parallel with obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Repatriation from the Indian Mission. This NOC is crucial for customs clearance and airline travel. It will require additional documents such as:

• Police report
• Embalming certificate
• Fitness to fly certificate from the hospital
• Cancelled passport of the deceased
• Airway bill (if available)

While distinct, these processes are often handled by the same section of the Mission/BLS and share many common documents.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Act Promptly: Dealing with a death is time-sensitive, especially if repatriation is involved. Start the attestation process as soon as possible.
• Verify Requirements Online: Always, always check the official websites of the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, Consulate General of India, Dubai, and BLS International for the most up-to-date requirements, forms, fees, and operating hours. Requirements can change without prior notice.
• Carry All Originals: Even if only copies are to be submitted, always carry the original documents for verification.
• Make Multiple Copies: Have at least two sets of photocopies of every document. You never know when an extra copy might be needed.
• Jurisdiction Matters: Ensure you approach the correct Indian Mission (Abu Dhabi or Dubai) based on the deceased's last known residence in the UAE.
• Be Patient and Prepared: This is a difficult time. The process, while streamlined, can still involve waiting. Bring a friend or family member for support if possible.
• Double-Check MOFAIC Attestation: Reiterate that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation is non-negotiable before the Indian Mission will process the document.

After Attestation: What's Next?

Once your death certificate is attested by the Indian Mission, it is ready for use in India. You can then proceed with various formalities, such as:

• Submitting it to relevant government departments for record updates.
• Initiating insurance claims.
• Processing property inheritance or transfer.
• Settling financial matters.

This attested document ensures that the death of your loved one in the UAE is officially recognized and accepted by Indian authorities, easing the administrative burden during a sorrowful period.