Skip to content Skip to footer

3 Big Difference Between Attestation and Notarization

Difference between attestation and notarization are sometimes used synonymously, but there is a subtle difference between them in the official and administrative context, especially in the UAE and Dubai in particular. POA&More provides attestation services in Dubai professionally and at competitive prices.

 

What is Attestation in Dubai?

Attestation in Dubai is an important legal process that aims to verify the authenticity and credibility of official documents, whether issued from within or outside the country. This includes educational certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other important documents that individuals may need to use in their official transactions in Dubai or anywhere else in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, within the discussion of the difference between attestation and notarization, we mention in the following lines why a person needs to attest their documents in Dubai:

  • Official recognition: Attestation ensures that the document is officially recognized by government entities in the country.
  • Use in government transactions: Attestation is required for most government transactions such as obtaining a job, obtaining a passport, or completing marriage procedures.
  • Obtaining visas: Attestation may be a prerequisite for obtaining entry visas to other countries.

 

What is Notarization in Dubai?

Notarization in Dubai is an important legal procedure that gives official and legal status to various types of documents, whether personal or commercial. In discussing the difference between attestation and notarization, notarization aims to:

  • Ensure the authenticity of the document: Ensure that the document is original and not forged and that the signatures on it are correct.
  • Give enforcement status: Enabling the document holder to resort to the judiciary to enforce what is stated in it in the event of non-compliance.
  • Recognize the document: Make the document acceptable before all official and judicial authorities.

Read more: What Are the Steps to Notarize Documents in Dubai?

Why does one need to notarize their documents in Dubai?

Difference between attestation and notarization

There are many reasons that prompt individuals and companies to notarize their documents in Dubai according to the difference between attestation and notarization, including:

  • Commercial contracts: Notarizing commercial contracts guarantees the rights of the contracting parties and protects them from any future legal disputes.
  • Personal contracts: Such as marriage, divorce and inheritance contracts, as notarization gives these contracts a legal status and preserves the rights of the parties concerned.
  • Certificates and qualifications: Notarizing academic certificates and qualifications facilitates their recognition in the labor market and government entities.
  • Other commercial documents: such as commercial powers of attorney, bills of lading, and other documents that require official status.

Read more: Best Public notary close to me in Dubai

Difference between attestation and notarization

Attestation and authentication are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different and precise meanings in the official context, especially in the UAE such as Dubai. In the following lines, we explain the difference between attestation and notarization:

 

Attestation

  • Definition: It is the process of verifying the authenticity of the signature and seal of the issuing authority on a document, whether this authority is inside or outside the country.
  • Purpose: To ensure that the document is original and not forged, and that the issuing authority is legally qualified to do so.
  • Procedures: It usually involves submitting the document to the competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies and consulates, to obtain the attestation seal.

 

Examples of documents that require attestation:

  • Academic certificates.
  • Birth, marriage and death certificates.
  • Medical certificates.
  • Commercial entities.

 

Notarization

  • Definition: It is the process of giving legal status to a document, so that it becomes acceptable for use in another country.
  • Purpose: To legally recognize the document in the country in which it will be used, and to facilitate official transaction procedures.
  • Procedures: Usually include translating the document into the official language of the country in which it will be used, then obtaining attestation from the competent authorities in both countries.

 

Examples of cases that require notarization:

  • When applying for a travel visa.
  • When registering a company in another country.
  • When conducting legal transactions involving documents issued by another country.

Read more: Best Notary public Dubai online service

How the Difference Between Attestation and Notarization Affects Your Legal Documents?

Difference between attestation and notarization

Difference between attestation and notarization They differ in meaning and procedures. To understand the impact of this difference on your legal documents, let’s review each term separately:

 

Attestation

  • Definition: It is an official acknowledgment of the validity of a person’s signature on a document, by a competent authority such as a notary public or embassy.
  • Importance: Attestation gives the document an official character and confirms the validity of the legal procedure contained therein.
  • Example: Attestation of a real estate sale contract by a notary public.

 

Notarization

  • Definition: It is proof of the validity of a document or legal transaction by an official authority, such as the real estate registry or commercial registry.
  • Importance: Attestation gives the document executive force and legal value, and protects the rights of the contracting parties.
  • Example: Attestation of a real estate sale contract in the real estate registry.

Read more: Notary Public for International Documents

Frequently asked questions

 

What is the difference between attestation and legalisation?

Understanding the difference between attestation and notarization is crucial to ensuring that your legal rights are protected. Every legal procedure has its consequences, so it is essential to consult a legal specialist to determine the appropriate procedure for each case. In the following lines, we explain the difference between attestation and notarization:

  • Strength of evidence: A notarized document is considered stronger evidence in court than a certified document alone, as notarization proves the existence of the contract, its date, and the rights of the parties.
  • Enforceability: Court rulings based on notarized contracts are more enforceable, as the court relies on the official records of the real estate registry.
  • Legal protection: Notarization provides greater legal protection for the contracting parties, as it is difficult to challenge the validity of the notarized contract.
  • Documents that require notarization: Documents that are used outside the country of origin usually require notarization by official authorities, such as academic certificates, contracts, and powers of attorney.
  • Documents that require notarization: Contracts and transactions that involve the transfer of ownership or financial rights require official notarization to ensure the rights of the contracting parties are protected.
  • Importance of both procedures: Both procedures, authentication and attestation, are of great importance in ensuring the validity and integrity of legal transactions, and protecting the rights of the parties involved.

 

What is the difference between attestation and witness?

Difference Between Attestation and Notarization Attestation and certification are two important legal terms, especially in the UAE and Dubai in particular. Although both terms relate to official documents, they differ in meaning and purpose. Therefore, within the discussion of the difference between attestation and notarization, we explain in the following lines the difference between attestation and certification in Dubai:

 

Witness

  • Definition: It is an official document issued by a competent authority proving that a person has obtained a specific academic qualification or practical experience in a specific field.
  • Examples: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, experience certificate.
  • Purpose: Proving the academic qualifications or experience necessary to obtain a job or enroll in a higher study program or for other purposes that require proof of competence.

 

Attestation

  • Definition: It is a legal procedure through which the signature and seal of the entity that issued the original document are verified, in order to ensure that the document is real and not forged.
  • Examples: Birth certificate attestation, marriage certificate attestation, academic certificate attestation.
  • Purpose: To legally recognize the document in another country or use it in legal proceedings within the country.
  •  And that is the Difference Between Attestation and Notarization

Sources

[Wikipedia]

Contact Us

Leave a comment

Open chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?