Indian Embassy UAE: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Marriage Certificate Attestation

Getting your marriage certificate attested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate General of India in the UAE can feel like a maze, but it's a common and necessary step for many Indian citizens living here. Whether you need it for a dependent visa, family reunion, property matters, or other official purposes, this guide will walk you through the process clearly and straightforwardly.

Let's cut to the chase: The Indian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE provides the final attestation for Indian-origin documents after they've been properly authenticated in India. This means you can't just walk in with your original marriage certificate and expect it to be attested. There's a crucial pre-requisite step back home.

Before You Start: The Critical Indian Attestation Steps

This is the most important part to understand: Your Indian marriage certificate MUST be attested in India first before the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE will touch it.

Here’s the mandatory sequence of attestations required in India:

1. State Home Department / General Administration Department (GAD) Attestation:

   • This is the initial authentication from the state government where your marriage certificate was issued.
   • You'll need to approach the Home Department or GAD of that specific state. For example, if your marriage was registered in Maharashtra, you'd go to the Maharashtra Home Department.
   • Tip: This can sometimes be done through authorized agents if you can't travel to India yourself or send a family member.

2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India Attestation:

   • After your state's Home Department attests the document, it must then be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi or one of its branch secretariats (e.g., Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Guwahati).
   • The MEA is the final authority for authenticating documents for international use in India.
   • Pitfall: Many people skip the State Home Department step and go straight to MEA. This will lead to rejection. Ensure the state attestation is on the document before MEA.

In short, your marriage certificate should have two official stamps/seals from India: one from the State Home Department/GAD and one from the MEA.

The Role of BLS International in the UAE

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have outsourced their consular services, including document attestation, to BLS International Services Ltd. You will not submit your documents directly at the Embassy or Consulate for this service.

You'll need to visit a BLS International Center in the UAE. They act as the intermediary, collecting your documents, forwarding them to the Embassy/Consulate, and then returning them to you.

Documents You'll Need for Attestation at BLS (UAE)

Make sure you have both originals and photocopies (usually 2 sets) of all documents.

1. Original Marriage Certificate: This is the one that has already been attested by the State Home Department/GAD and the MEA in India.
2. Passports: Original passports of both husband and wife.
   • Copies of the first page, last page, and visa page.
3. UAE Residence Visa: Copies of valid UAE residence visas for both husband and wife.
4. Emirates ID: Copies of valid Emirates IDs for both husband and wife.
5. Application Form: A duly filled and signed application form (available on the BLS website).
6. Passport-size photographs: Recent photographs (check BLS website for specific requirements, usually 2-3 per applicant).
7. Sponsor's Letter (if applicable): If one spouse is sponsoring the other, a no-objection letter or sponsorship letter might be required.
8. Declaration Form: Sometimes a self-declaration form stating the purpose of attestation is required. Check the BLS website.
9. Fees: The applicable fees for attestation and BLS service charges.

Step-by-Step Process for Attestation in the UAE

Once you have all your documents ready, especially the fully attested marriage certificate from India, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Check BLS Website & Book an Appointment (if necessary)

• Visit the official BLS International website for UAE.
• Navigate to "Consular Services" -> "Attestation Services" -> "Marriage Certificate Attestation".
• Review the latest requirements, forms, and fees. Requirements can change, so always check the most current information.
• Some BLS centers may require an online appointment, while others might operate on a walk-in basis. Confirm this beforehand.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

• Download and accurately fill out the Indian Embassy/Consulate application form from the BLS website.
• Ensure all details match your passport and marriage certificate.

Step 3: Organize Your Documents

• Gather all the required original documents and their photocopies.
• Arrange them in the order specified by BLS (usually application form first, then original certificate, then passports, etc.).
• Tip: Keep a separate folder for your original documents and another for the copies to avoid mix-ups.

Step 4: Visit the BLS International Center

• Go to your nearest BLS International Center during their working hours (or at your appointment time).
• Submit your documents at the counter. The staff will verify them against the originals.
• Be prepared for questions: They might ask about the purpose of attestation or details about your marriage.
• Pay the applicable fees. You'll usually pay a fee for the Embassy/Consulate attestation and a separate service charge for BLS.
• You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a tracking number. Keep this safe!

Step 5: Track Your Application

• You can track the status of your application online using the tracking number provided on your receipt on the BLS International website.

Step 6: Collect Your Attested Certificate

• Once the status shows "Ready for collection," visit the BLS center again with your original receipt and a valid ID.
• Collect your attested marriage certificate.
• Important: Before leaving the counter, carefully check the attestation stamp and ensure all details are correct. Mistakes, though rare, can happen.

Important Considerations & Practical Tips

• Jurisdiction Matters:
  • If you live in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or the Western Region, your documents will be processed by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • If you live in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, your documents will be processed by the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
  • BLS centers are available in both jurisdictions.
• Timeframes:
  • The entire process at BLS (submission to collection) typically takes 3-7 working days, but this can vary. Always account for potential delays.
  • The prior attestations in India (State Home Dept. and MEA) can take significantly longer, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the state and method chosen.
• Fees: Expect to pay around AED 40-50 for the Embassy attestation fee, plus an additional AED 9-10 as a BLS service charge. These are approximate and subject to change.
• Language: Ensure your marriage certificate is in English or has an official English translation. If it's in a regional Indian language, you might need to get it translated and attested in India first before the MEA attestation.
• Authorized Representative: If one spouse cannot apply, the other spouse can apply on their behalf. If neither spouse can apply, an authorized person can apply with a proper Power of Attorney (POA), which also needs to be attested.
• Why it Matters: This attestation proves the authenticity of your marriage certificate for official use in the UAE and internationally. It's often a prerequisite for further attestations by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) if you need the document for official purposes within the UAE (e.g., dependent visa, residence permit).

Common Questions Answered

• "How long is the attestation valid?" The attestation itself doesn't expire. However, the document's validity might be tied to its original issuance date or the purpose for which it's being used.
• "Can I get a copy attested instead of the original?" Generally, only the original document (with prior attestations) is attested. If you need attested copies, you'd typically attest the original, then make copies and have those copies attested as "true copies" by a notary or the Embassy/Consulate (check BLS for specific "true copy" attestation services if available).
• "What if my marriage certificate is very old?" Age generally isn't an issue as long as the document is original, legible, and has the required Indian attestations.
• "Do I need to be present in India for the initial attestations?" Not necessarily. You can authorize a family member or use a reliable document attestation agency in India to handle the State Home Department and MEA attestations on your behalf.

Attesting your marriage certificate is a crucial step for many Indian expats in the UAE. By understanding the sequence of attestations and preparing your documents meticulously, you can navigate this process smoothly and efficiently. Remember to always consult the official BLS International website for the most up-to-date requirements and fees.