True copy attestation is a process of certifying a photocopy of an original document as a certified true copy. True copy of a document is usually required for official purposes to confirm that the document is authentic and was not forged. Basically, a lawyer or a solicitor cross-check the original documents and sign and stamp the photocopies with a note “I certify that this document is a true copy of the original”. Usually, the true copy attestation is done for following documents, although they are used or submitted outside the UAE:

  • Passports
  • IDs
  • Utility bills
  • Tenancy contracts (EJARI)
  • Application forms
  • Academic documents
  • Experience certificates
  • Photos

In UAE, true copy attestations of personal documents are generally done by lawyers, notary public or different authorities that issued the document. For instance, as for company documents (license, share certificate, commercial registry etc.), authorities that issued the document can certify their true copy.

On the other hand, some jurisdictions (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom etc.) require various legal documents to be witnessed and stamped by a lawyer or a solicitor, to be valid.

We have tied up with qualified lawyers in various jurisdictions, who can act as a witnesses to signatures for the following documents typically used in foreign countries:

  • Application forms
  • Letters
  • Power of attorney documents
  • Affidavits
  • Declarations
  • Agreements/contracts
  • Resolutions

Documents witnessed by a lawyer are used for number of purposes including immigration or residence visa applications, registering a company, selling and/or buying a real estate, bank account opening and presenting the documents to courts.

What are the steps of true copy attestation in UAE?

This is a general overview of steps that must be completed to do a true copy attestation in UAE. Process may vary from document to document.

  • Step 1: Make sure that your document is an original one. Concerned authorities or lawyers cannot make certified copies of copies.
  • Step 2: Confirm what sort of true copy attestation is required. Should it be done by a lawyer or by the authority that issued the document?
  • Step 3: Make a copy of the document on white paper; do not use colored paper.
  • Step 4: Submit the original document and a copy of it to a lawyer, notary or concerned authority (depending on your requirement) for stamping the copy as a true copy.
  • Step 5: A lawyer or notary or concerned official verifies the original and stamps and signs the copy of the original with remarks that the original was verified and the copy taken form the original.

We have partnered with several law firms in different jurisdictions who can certify true copies of the original documents as well as can witness your signature on various legal documents to be used in number of jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Malta, Bulgaria, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Hungary, Portugal, ST. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia etc.

POA.ae is the first dedicated Power of Attorney firm in the United Arab Emirates and offers full range of  POA drafting, document attestation services, representation and associated services. To learn more about our services and for assistance, please get in touch with us on +971 55 886 4969 (WhatsApp) or +971 4 359 3773 or email at contact@poa.ae