• Sep 19, 2025

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences in life. On top of the emotional burden, families often face the challenge of handling paperwork — legal documents that must be attested before they can be accepted by banks, government offices, embassies, or insurance companies.

If you are going through this process, please know you are not alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you gently through how to get a death certificate attested in the UAE, whether the certificate was issued inside the UAE or abroad, so you can handle the formalities with clarity and peace of mind.

What is attestation — and why is it needed?

Attestation is simply the official “stamp of approval” that makes a document valid in another country or with another authority. Think of it as the government’s way of saying: “Yes, this certificate is real and can be trusted.”

For a death certificate, attestation is often required to:

• Claim life insurance benefits
• Cancel visas or residency permits
• Transfer property or inheritance
• Arrange for burial or repatriation of remains

If the death certificate was issued in the UAE

When a death occurs in the UAE, the local health authority issues the official death certificate. Here’s what you’ll need to do if you want to use it abroad:

1. Obtain the original death certificate
   Collect it from the health authority (Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health Abu Dhabi, etc.).
2. Translate the certificate (if needed)
   Some countries require the certificate in their official language. Make sure you use a certified translator.
3. Attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
   Submit the certificate for legalization through MoFA. They verify the document’s authenticity.
4. Embassy/consulate attestation (if required)
   The embassy of the country where you will use the certificate may also need to stamp it.

If the death certificate was issued outside the UAE

If your loved one passed away abroad and you need to use the death certificate in the UAE, the steps are a little different:

1. Legalization in the issuing country
   The certificate should first be notarized and attested by the foreign ministry (or equivalent) in the country where it was issued.
2. UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation
   The UAE embassy or consulate in that country must then legalize the certificate.
3. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
   Once you bring the document to the UAE, MoFA will complete the final attestation step.

Documents you’ll typically need

• Original death certificate
• Passport copies (of the deceased and applicant)
• Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate if applicable)
• Certified translation (if required)
• Power of attorney (if someone else handles the process for you)

How long does it take?

On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on embassy procedures, translation needs, and the number of steps involved. If time is sensitive — for example, for insurance claims or visa cancellations — professional attestation services can help speed up the process.

Gentle advice to make the process smoother

If you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring an attestation agency to handle the legwork.

Always check the requirements of the authority receiving the document before you start.

Use only certified translators to avoid rejection.

Keep multiple copies of all documents — originals, translations, and attestations.

Final thoughts

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, paperwork is the last thing you want to think about. But handling it correctly the first time saves you from stress later. Attestation is not just a legal formality — it’s the bridge that allows you to manage your loved one’s affairs with dignity, whether in the UAE or abroad.

If you’re feeling lost, remind yourself: step by step, you can get through this. And if you need help, there are professionals and government offices ready to support you along the way.

Need Help? Contact Quick Pro

At Quick Pro, we understand how overwhelming these moments can be. Our team takes care of the entire death certificate attestation process for you — from translations and MoFA legalization to embassy attestations — so you can focus on what matters most: being with your family.