Getting Your Indian Marriage Certificate Attested in Sharjah: A Practical Guide

Navigating the process of getting your Indian marriage certificate attested in the UAE can feel a bit like a treasure hunt – lots of steps, specific documents, and sometimes, a bit of waiting. But don't worry, it's a very common procedure, and with the right information, you can get it done smoothly.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your Indian marriage certificate attested for use in Sharjah, specifically through the services that handle attestations for the Indian Consulate General in Dubai. While you might hear "Indian Embassy Sharjah," it's important to know that Sharjah falls under the Consulate General of India, Dubai's jurisdiction, and attestation services are typically handled by their outsourced partner, BLS International.

Why Do You Need Attestation?

Simply put, attestation is the official verification of your document's authenticity. For your Indian marriage certificate, this process makes it legally recognized by authorities in the UAE. You'll need it for various crucial purposes, such as:

• Sponsoring your spouse for a UAE residency visa.
• Adding your spouse's name to your passport.
• Applying for family visas or other family-related services.
• Any official transaction in the UAE that requires proof of your marital status.

Without proper attestation, your Indian marriage certificate is just a piece of paper in the UAE's legal system.

The Essential Documents: What You'll Need to Gather

Before you even think about stepping out, make sure you have all these documents ready. Missing even one can lead to delays.

1. The Original Marriage Certificate (Issued in India)

• This is the cornerstone. It must be the original certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages in India.

2. Prior Attestations from India

This is absolutely critical and often where people get stuck if they haven't done it beforehand. Your marriage certificate must first be attested in India before it can be attested in the UAE. This typically involves:

• Home Department/General Administration Department (GAD) or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Attestation: The first step, usually done at the state level in India where the certificate was issued.

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation: This is the final attestation from the Indian government. The MEA will attest documents only after they've been attested by the relevant state authority (Home Department/GAD/SDM).

  • Tip: If you're still in India or planning a trip, get these done there. It's much easier and often quicker than trying to manage it remotely.

3. Passport Copies

• Husband's Passport Copy: First and last pages, including the visa page (if applicable).
• Wife's Passport Copy: First and last pages, including the visa page (if applicable).

4. UAE Visa and Emirates ID Copies

• Husband's UAE Visa Copy: If you are a resident in the UAE.
• Wife's UAE Visa Copy: If she is a resident in the UAE.
• Husband's Emirates ID Copy: Both front and back.
• Wife's Emirates ID Copy: Both front and back.

5. Application Form

• You'll need to fill out an attestation application form. This can usually be downloaded from the BLS International website or obtained at their center.

6. Passport-Sized Photographs

• Usually, two recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant are required.

7. Authorization Letter (If Applicable)

• If you're sending someone else to submit the documents on your behalf, they will need an Authorization Letter signed by you, along with copies of your passport and Emirates ID.

8. Set of Photocopies

• Always carry at least two sets of clear photocopies of all your original documents. You never know when an extra copy might be needed.

The Step-by-Step Attestation Process in the UAE

Once you have your documents in order, especially the ones attested in India (Home Department/SDM and MEA), you're ready for the UAE stage.

Step 1: Visit the BLS International Center

As mentioned, attestation services for the Indian Consulate General in Dubai (which covers Sharjah) are handled by BLS International.

• Locate a Center: There are BLS International centers in Sharjah and other emirates. You can find the exact addresses and working hours on their official website.
• Appointment: While often not strictly required for attestations, it's a good idea to check their website or call ahead to see if appointments are recommended or mandatory, especially during peak times.

Step 2: Document Submission and Verification

At the BLS International center:

1. Present your original marriage certificate (which should already have the Indian Home Department/SDM and MEA attestations).
2. Submit all supporting documents (passport copies, visa copies, Emirates ID copies, application form, photos).
3. The staff will verify your documents and ensure everything is in order. They will check the prior attestations from India.
4. If everything is correct, they will accept your application.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

• You will be asked to pay the attestation fees. This typically includes a fee for the Indian Consulate General and a service charge for BLS International.
• Payment Methods: Usually, cash or card payments are accepted.
• Keep your receipt: This is crucial for tracking your application and collecting your document.

Step 4: Collection

• After submission, you'll be given a receipt with a tracking number and an estimated collection date.
• You can usually track the status of your application online using the BLS International website.
• On the designated collection date, return to the same BLS International center with your original receipt to collect your attested marriage certificate.

Key Details & Practicalities

• Where to Go: For residents of Sharjah, your primary point of contact for Indian Consulate attestations is BLS International. Search for "BLS International Sharjah" to find the nearest center.
• Fees: Expect the total fees for attestation to be in the range of AED 100 - AED 200. This can vary, so check the BLS International website for the most current fee structure.
• Processing Time: Typically, the attestation process through BLS International takes 3-5 working days. Sometimes it can be quicker, sometimes a little longer depending on demand.
• Working Hours: BLS centers usually operate from Monday to Saturday, with specific submission and collection timings. Always check their website for the most up-to-date hours.
• Language: Ensure all documents are in English or translated into English by a certified translator. Your Indian marriage certificate will naturally be in English or have an English translation.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Double-Check Everything: Before you leave home, go through your checklist twice. A single missing document or incorrect copy can mean another trip.
• Keep Originals and Copies Separate: Carry your original documents in one folder and photocopies in another, neatly organized.
• Arrive Early: Especially if you haven't booked an appointment, arriving early can save you significant waiting time.
• Be Patient: Government and outsourced services can sometimes have queues or unexpected delays. A calm and patient attitude helps.
• Consider an Agent (with Caution): If you're pressed for time or find the process overwhelming, there are typing centers and agents who offer document clearing services. While convenient, always choose a reputable and licensed agency to avoid scams. Verify their credentials and charges beforehand.

Common Questions & Potential Pitfalls

• "What if my marriage certificate is old?" The age of the certificate usually isn't an issue, as long as it's original and has the required attestations from India.
• "Can someone else submit my documents?" Yes, with a properly signed Authorization Letter and copies of your ID documents, someone else can submit and collect on your behalf.
• "My certificate has a small error. What do I do?" Any errors on the original certificate must be corrected by the issuing authority in India first. An attested document cannot be changed. This will likely mean a significant delay, so check your certificate thoroughly before starting the process.
• "Do I need MOFAIC attestation too?" After your marriage certificate is attested by the Indian Consulate General (via BLS), it is recognized as a valid Indian document in the UAE. However, for many official uses within the UAE (e.g., applying for a residency visa, opening certain accounts), you will then need to get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) of the UAE. This is the final step in the UAE attestation chain.

After Attestation: The Next Steps

Once you have your marriage certificate attested by the Indian Consulate General (via BLS International), it's officially recognized by the Indian authorities in the UAE.

If you need to use this document for official purposes within the UAE, such as for visa applications or other government services, your next and final step will be to get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). You can do this at any MOFAIC service center across the UAE, or sometimes even online.

Getting your marriage certificate attested is a mandatory step for many Indian expatriates in the UAE. While it involves multiple stages, breaking it down and preparing thoroughly will make the journey much smoother. Good luck!