Certified Translation for UAE Residency Visas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing a residency visa in the UAE is a process that requires meticulous attention to documentation. Whether you are applying for a Golden Visa, an employment visa, or sponsoring your family, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) requires that all foreign documents be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
Why Do Visa Documents Need Translation?
Official proceedings in the UAE are conducted exclusively in Arabic. Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and university degrees issued in English, Spanish, or other languages must be legally translated to be recognized by immigration authorities. A certified translation ensures the document's legal validity and accuracy.
Essential Documents for Visa Applications
Commonly translated documents include:
- Marriage Certificates: Required for sponsoring a spouse.
- Birth Certificates: Essential for sponsoring children.
- University Degrees: Necessary for skilled employment visas and Golden Visas.
- Good Conduct Certificates: Often required for security clearance.
The Translation & Attestation Flow
Before translation, documents often require attestation (MOFA attestation) to be accepted. The standard process is: Attestation in country of origin -> UAE Embassy Attestation -> MOFA UAE Attestation -> Certified Legal Translation.
At Cervantes Legal Translation, we specialize in preparing accurate, fast, and ICP-compliant translations to ensure your residency application proceeds without delays.
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