How Do You Get an Affidavit Notarised in Dubai?

If a court, government authority, bank, employer, foreign institution or another organisation asks you for an affidavit in Dubai, the document normally needs more than a signature. An affidavit is a formal statement of facts that must be completed through the applicable oath, witnessing or authentication procedure before it can be relied on for its intended purpose.

The exact process depends on what the affidavit is for and where it will be used. Dubai and UAE authorities also provide electronic notary and authentication channels, so some matters may be handled online rather than through a traditional in-person appointment. The safest approach is to confirm the receiving authority’s requirements before preparing the final document.

What Is an Affidavit Notarisation?

Affidavit notarisation is the formal process through which an authorised notary or competent authority verifies the identity and legal capacity of the person making the statement and completes the required authentication or oath procedure.

Dubai Courts explains that public notaries perform official documentation and authentication functions, including notarising affidavits, while Dubai also has licensed private notaries and electronic notary services. The appropriate channel depends on the transaction and the current service requirements. citeturn120047search24

Step 1: Confirm Why You Need the Affidavit

Before drafting anything, identify the authority that will receive the document and ask what it requires. This is important because an affidavit prepared for a Dubai court may have different language, translation or supporting-document requirements from an affidavit intended for a foreign authority.

Confirm:

• What facts must be declared.
• Whether the recipient has a prescribed form or wording.
• Whether the statement must be sworn or simply authenticated.
• Whether an Arabic version or certified translation is required.
• Whether original supporting documents must be presented.
• Whether further attestation or legalisation will be required for overseas use.

Step 2: Draft the Affidavit Correctly

A well-prepared affidavit should clearly identify the person making the statement and set out the relevant facts in a logical order. Avoid unnecessary background information and do not include facts that you cannot honestly verify.

Typical elements of an affidavit

• Title: Identify the document as an affidavit or the specific declaration requested by the receiving authority.
• Deponent details: Include the person’s correct name and relevant identification details.
• Statement of facts: Present the facts in numbered paragraphs where appropriate.
• Supporting documents: Identify documents relied upon and attach them where required.
• Oath or affirmation: Include the wording required for the applicable notarisation procedure.
• Signature and authentication section: Leave the required execution section for completion in accordance with the notary’s instructions.

Do not sign the final affidavit in advance unless the competent authority specifically tells you to do so. The witnessing or authentication process may require the deponent to sign in the presence of the authorised official.

Step 3: Prepare Your Identification and Supporting Documents

The documents you need depend on the subject of the affidavit. The UAE Ministry of Justice’s published affidavit and authentication service lists identification of the applicant, identification of witnesses and documents related to the matter among its requirements. citeturn120047search0

Depending on your case, you may need:

• Valid passport or Emirates ID.
• Identification documents for any required witnesses.
• The documents referred to in the affidavit.
• Original certificates, records or contracts where the receiving authority requires originals.
• A certified translation where the document is not in the required language.
• Additional documents proving the facts being declared.

Step 4: Choose the Appropriate Notary Channel

Dubai has more than one route for notarial services. A matter may be handled through a Dubai Courts public notary, an authorised private notary or an applicable electronic notary service, depending on the type of document and current eligibility.

Dubai Courts’ 2024 annual report describes public notaries, licensed private notaries and electronic notary services. It also states that electronic notary systems can provide notary services for documents and affidavits without requiring in-person attendance in applicable cases. citeturn120047search24

Electronic notarisation

The UAE Ministry of Justice currently lists an E-Notary System among its digital systems. citeturn120047search4 The Ministry’s affidavit and authentication service also provides an electronic application route: the applicant signs in, submits the application electronically, pays the applicable fee and obtains the required certificate. The published service information currently lists identification documents and case-related documents among the requirements. citeturn120047search0

Online availability does not mean every affidavit can automatically be completed remotely. Eligibility and technical requirements can depend on the service and the document involved.

Step 5: Attend the Notary or Complete the Electronic Verification

For an in-person process, bring the required identification and supporting records and follow the notary’s instructions. The notary or authorised official checks the relevant identity and legal-capacity requirements before completing the authentication.

For an eligible electronic process, follow the official portal’s verification and submission steps. Do not rely on an unofficial form or an old online guide because service procedures can change.

Step 6: Complete Translation or Further Authentication If Required

If the affidavit will be submitted to a UAE court and it is prepared in another language, check whether certified Arabic legal translation is required. The translation should be completed by a translator accepted for the intended legal use.

If the affidavit is intended for use outside the UAE, the receiving country may require additional formalities. Depending on the destination and document, this can include authentication by the relevant UAE authority, embassy or consulate procedures, or another legalisation route. The correct sequence should be confirmed for the specific destination rather than assumed to be identical for every country.

Common Mistakes That Can Cause Problems

Signing the affidavit before the notary appointment

If the procedure requires the signature to be witnessed or authenticated, signing beforehand can create a problem. Follow the notary’s specific instructions about when and where to sign.

Using incorrect identity details

A spelling difference, wrong passport number or outdated identification detail can create unnecessary delays. Make sure the affidavit matches your current official records.

Making statements that cannot be verified

An affidavit should contain facts that the deponent can honestly confirm. Do not exaggerate, speculate or present another person’s statement as personal knowledge.

Leaving out supporting documents

If the affidavit refers to a certificate, contract, ownership record or other document, check whether the receiving authority expects that document to accompany the affidavit.

Using a generic template for the wrong purpose

An affidavit template found online may not satisfy the requirements of the authority receiving it. The purpose of the document should determine its structure and wording.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Affidavit Notarised in Dubai?

The timeframe depends on the service route, document type, completeness of the application and whether additional translation or authentication is required. The UAE Ministry of Justice currently lists three working days as the service duration for its published application of affidavits and authentication service. citeturn120047search0

That published timeframe should not be treated as a guaranteed deadline for every affidavit or every Dubai notary route. If your document has an urgent court or overseas submission deadline, confirm the expected completion time before starting.

Can Someone Sign an Affidavit on My Behalf in the UAE?

Generally, you should not assume that another person can simply sign an affidavit for you. An affidavit is a statement attributed to the deponent, and the relevant authority may require the deponent’s identity verification and participation in the oath or authentication procedure.

If you are outside the UAE or unable to attend, ask the receiving authority and the competent UAE or foreign notarial authority what alternative procedure is available. A power of attorney is not automatically a substitute for a person’s own sworn statement.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Notarise an Affidavit in Dubai?

A lawyer is not necessarily required for every affidavit. However, professional drafting or review can be valuable when the affidavit will be used in litigation, property matters, business transactions, inheritance, immigration or another situation where the wording may have significant consequences.

A lawyer can also help identify the documents needed, structure the facts clearly and coordinate translation or further authentication where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an affidavit notarised in Dubai?

The timeframe varies by service and case. The UAE Ministry of Justice currently lists three working days for its published application of affidavits and authentication service, subject to the service requirements being met. citeturn120047search0

Can I get an affidavit notarised online in Dubai?

Some notarial and affidavit services have electronic channels. The UAE Ministry of Justice lists an E-Notary System and an online application process for its affidavit and authentication service. Whether your particular affidavit qualifies for remote completion depends on the service and document requirements. citeturn120047search0turn120047search4

What documents do I need for an affidavit?

Common requirements include identification for the applicant, identification for any required witnesses and documents connected with the matter. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the affidavit. citeturn120047search0

Does an affidavit need to be in Arabic in Dubai?

There is not one universal language rule for every affidavit. If the document is being submitted to a UAE court, Arabic-language requirements and certified translation rules may apply. Confirm the language requirements with the receiving authority before finalising the document.

Can a Dubai affidavit be used in another country?

It may be accepted by a foreign authority, but additional authentication, legalisation, translation or other formalities may be required. The requirements depend on the destination country and the purpose of the document.

Get Your Affidavit Drafted and Notarised Correctly

The most important step is to prepare the affidavit for the authority that will actually receive it. A correct identity record, clear factual statement, proper witnessing or authentication and any required translation or legalisation can prevent avoidable delays.

If you need help preparing an affidavit in Dubai, Affidavit Services Dubai can help you understand the drafting, notarisation and document requirements relevant to your situation.

Legal disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Notarial, translation and authentication requirements can vary according to the purpose of the affidavit, the competent authority and the destination country. Obtain professional advice for your specific circumstances before signing or submitting a sworn statement.