Whether you are applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or completing a property transaction, you may be asked for a certified copy of a document rather than a photocopy or the original itself. It is a common requirement in the UAE, and knowing How to Request a Certified Copy in advance can save you days of back-and-forth with government offices and service centres.
A certified copy is simply a copy of an original document that an authorised person or office has checked and confirmed as a true copy. Once certified, it carries a stamp, signature, and sometimes a seal that tells whoever receives it that the copy is genuine. The good news is that requesting one in the UAE is usually straightforward, as long as you go to the right place with the right paperwork.
Quick Answer
To request a certified copy in the UAE, take the original document and your identification (Emirates ID or passport) to the office that can certify it — this may be the document’s issuing authority, a notary public service, or an authorised typing/service centre, depending on the document type. Pay the applicable fee, which is typically in the range of AED 50 to a few hundred dirhams depending on the document and the issuing office, and receive your stamped and signed certified copy. Processing time is usually the same day, though some authorities take a few working days.
What Exactly Is a Certified Copy?
A certified copy is a duplicate of an original document that has been compared against the original by someone with the authority to do so. That person — a notary public, a court official, or an officer at the issuing authority — confirms in writing that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. The confirmation usually takes the form of a stamp or statement such as “certified true copy,” together with a signature, date, and the office’s official seal.
The whole point of certification is trust. The receiving party cannot always see your original, and a plain photocopy proves nothing on its own. A certified copy bridges that gap: it lets you keep your original safe at home while still giving the other party a document they can rely on. If you are unsure whether you need the copy or the original itself, our comparison of certified copies and original documents explains the difference in detail.
Common Reasons People Request Certified Copies in the UAE
Certified copies come up in many everyday situations across the Emirates. Some of the most common include:
- Visa and immigration applications: passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates are frequently requested as certified copies, especially when the original stays with you.
- Banking: banks often ask for certified copies of your passport, Emirates ID, and proof of income when opening an account as an expat.
- Employment: employers and licensing bodies may need certified copies of degree certificates and professional licences.
- Property transactions: title deeds and identity documents used in purchases and transfers are routinely certified.
- Court and legal matters: contracts, powers of attorney, and court filings often require certified copies.
- Document attestation: when you prepare documents for attestation in the UAE, certified copies sometimes form part of the chain.
- Replacing a lost document: if an original is missing, you may first need a certified copy to support your application to replace a lost official document.
Who Can Certify a Copy in the UAE?
Not everyone can certify a copy. The right authority depends on the document and what it is for:
- The issuing authority: many government departments will certify copies of documents they themselves issued — for example, copies of official certificates, licences, and records. This is usually the simplest and most reliable route.
- Notary public services: notary services operating in the UAE can certify copies of documents and also handle notarisation of signatures and contracts. Notary public offices exist in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates, and many now accept appointments online.
- UAE courts: courts provide attestation and certification services for documents used in legal proceedings and for certain administrative purposes.
- Authorised service and typing centres: for some routine government documents, approved typing centres can process certification requests or direct you to the correct counter.
A practical rule: if the document came from a government office, start with that office. If it is a private document — a contract, a company record, a foreign certificate — a notary public service is usually the right place.
How to Request a Certified Copy: Step by Step
Step 1: Identify the right office
Work out who should certify the copy. For a certificate issued by a UAE authority, contact or visit that authority. For private or foreign documents, look up a notary public service in your emirate. Checking first avoids a wasted trip, since different offices handle different document types.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Before you go, gather:
- The original document — this is essential; a copy cannot be certified against another copy.
- Your Emirates ID or passport for identification.
- Copies of the document to be certified — some offices make copies for you, but bringing your own is faster and avoids extra copying charges.
- Any application form the office requires, which you can usually collect or download in advance.
- A translated version if the document is not in Arabic or English and the receiving party requires one — see our guide on certified translation for when this applies.
Step 3: Submit your request and pay the fee
At the office, present the original and the copies you want certified. The officer will compare the copy against the original, then stamp, sign, and seal the copy. You will then pay the applicable fee. Fees vary by document and office — government certification is typically modest (often under a few hundred dirhams), while notary public services charge according to their published fee schedule. If the office will not state a fee upfront, ask before submitting.
Step 4: Check the certification before you leave
Before leaving the counter, check that the stamp or endorsement includes the officer’s signature, the office seal, and the date. Also confirm the number of certified copies you received matches what you paid for. Catching a missing seal at the counter takes a minute; discovering it later means going back.
Step 5: Keep a digital backup
Scan or photograph your certified copy once you have it, and store the scan somewhere secure so you have a backup that is easy to share while the physical certified copy stays filed safely.
Fees and Processing Times: What to Expect
There is no single fee for certified copies in the UAE because different offices and document types carry different charges. As a rough guide:
- Government-issued certificates: typically AED 50 to AED 150 per copy at many authorities.
- Notary public certification: typically a few hundred dirhams per document, depending on the document type and the emirate’s fee schedule.
- Court certification services: fees are set by the court and vary by service.
Processing time is usually quick — many certifications are done the same day, often while you wait. More complex documents, or offices that require verification of the original with the issuing authority first, can take a few working days. If you need it urgently, ask at the counter whether an express option exists.
| Document type | Where to go | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Government certificate (licence, permit, official record) | Issuing authority | Same day |
| Passport / ID copy | Notary public or authorised centre | Same day |
| Contract or company document | Notary public | Same day to 2 days |
| Document for court use | Courts / notary public | Same day to a few days |
Tips to Avoid Delays and Rejections
- Bring the original — always. This is the single most common reason requests fail. No office will certify a copy against another copy.
- Check the document’s condition. Torn, stained, or faded originals may be refused — if yours is worn out, get it reissued or repaired before you go.
- Confirm language requirements. Some authorities only certify copies in Arabic or English; a foreign-language document may need legal translation before certification is accepted.
- Ask how many copies you need. It is cheaper to certify three copies in one visit than to make three separate visits.
- Verify acceptance in advance. If a bank, embassy, or employer asked for the certified copy, ask them exactly which authority’s certification they accept — an employer in Abu Dhabi and a free zone authority in Dubai may have different preferences.
- Keep copies of everything. Note the office name, the officer’s name, the date, and the receipt number in case anything needs follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a certified copy online in the UAE?
It depends on the document. Several government authorities now let you request reissued or duplicate official documents through their portals and apps, but certification of a physical copy usually still requires an in-person visit so the officer can compare the copy with the original. Check the issuing authority’s website or the UAE Government portal to see whether your specific request can be done digitally.
Is a certified copy the same as an attested document?
No. A certified copy confirms that a copy matches the original. Attestation is a separate, longer process where authorities verify the authenticity of the document itself, often through a chain of stamps from different departments and ministries. Some situations need both; our attestation guide walks through that process.
Can a certified copy be used instead of the original everywhere?
Not always. Many offices accept certified copies, but some — such as immigration counters, courts in certain cases, and some embassies — insist on seeing the original. Always confirm with the receiving party before relying on a certified copy alone.
How long does a certified copy stay valid?
A certified copy does not expire on its own, but the information it contains can become outdated — for example, an old passport copy is useless once the passport is renewed. Some organisations also ask for “recent” certified copies issued within the last three to six months, so check their requirements.
Can I certify a copy of a document issued outside the UAE?
Yes, in most cases. Foreign documents can usually be certified by a notary public in the UAE, though documents in other languages may need certified translation first, and some uses may require attestation of the original through diplomatic channels. Embassies can advise on the exact chain for their country’s documents.
What if my original document has an error on it?
Get the error corrected before certifying — a certified copy only confirms the copy matches the original, errors included, so fix the underlying record first.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a certified copy in the UAE is a routine process: identify the right authority or notary service, bring the original plus your ID, submit the copies for certification, pay a modest fee, and check the stamp before you leave. Most requests are completed the same day. The two mistakes to avoid are turning up without the original and certifying fewer copies than you actually need. Get those right, and the whole thing takes one visit.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.