How To Notorize & Attest Documents from Third Countries for Immigration

[MichelleAlison]

Originally Posted by worchyld

I'm going to be calling:
* Local magistrate office
* Local notary office
* FCO
* UAE embassy

to get to the bottom of what is needed, who can do it, etc.

"what you mean by CNA?"

In Dubai Red Tape Explorer, 3rd Edition on page 11 it says;



The terms it gives are:



It does not say anything about gettiing documents apostilled.

It does say that you can ask the Notary to bind documents together with a cover page - to classify it as one document; thus reducing costs.

But I'm still going to get a few things confirmed with the FCO, UAE embassy and a local notary service to see what's what.

Please keep us informed of what happens.

Good luck

Michelle

[worchyld]

After calling, I've confirmed the following (for UK only).

1. Documents must first be signed by a UK solititor or notary public. Magistrates cannot act as notary public. My local one says they "can" sign things, but they aren't a notary public.

2. Documents must then be legalised by the FCO. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post. It costs £27 per document.

3. Documents must then be legalised by the UAE embassy. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post.

I've only called 1 Notary public at the moment and they quoted: £80+VAT for first signature and £20+VAT per signature after that. If there is a family of 4 - you're looking at £800+.

I've not checked with solititors or other notary publics yet, but I assume you can shop around to get the best price.

I've also not confirmed whether a notary public would classify a collection of education papers (AKA: National Record of Achievement) would be classed as 1 document or not. Also the Notary public I called could not tell me which of the documents would be stamped -- would it be the original, the copy, or both? (you're talking double/triple the cost).... though it would seem a bit odd to do a copy and then NOT stamp it.

In Dubai Red Tape Explorer, 3rd Edition on page 11 it says;

This paragraph in the "Red Tape" book seems to clarify everything;

Quote:
"Ensure all documents have been notarised (and attested if applicable) before moving to Dubai.... Notarisation procedures vary from country to country... it's best to contact your embassy in the UAE for precise instructions regarding authentication and costs. In all cases, a copy of the documents must be stamped by a Notary Public, then endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affiars and the UAE embassy"

[MichelleAlison]

Originally Posted by worchyld

After calling, I've confirmed the following (for UK only).

1. Documents must first be signed by a UK solititor or notary public. Magistrates cannot act as notary public. My local one says they "can" sign things, but they aren't a notary public.

2. Documents must then be legalised by the FCO. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post. It costs £27 per document.

3. Documents must then be legalised by the UAE embassy. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post.

I've only called 1 Notary public at the moment and they quoted: £80+VAT for first signature and £20+VAT per signature after that. If there is a family of 4 - you're looking at £800+.

I've not checked with solititors or other notary publics yet, but I assume you can shop around to get the best price.

I've also not confirmed whether a notary public would classify a collection of education papers (AKA: National Record of Achievement) would be classed as 1 document or not. Also the Notary public I called could not tell me which of the documents would be stamped -- would it be the original, the copy, or both? (you're talking double/triple the cost).... though it would seem a bit odd to do a copy and then NOT stamp it.

In Dubai Red Tape Explorer, 3rd Edition on page 11 it says;

This paragraph in the "Red Tape" book seems to clarify everything;

Quote:
"Ensure all documents have been notarised (and attested if applicable) before moving to Dubai.... Notarisation procedures vary from country to country... it's best to contact your embassy in the UAE for precise instructions regarding authentication and costs. In all cases, a copy of the documents must be stamped by a Notary Public, then endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affiars and the UAE embassy"

Thanks for the clarification. I think this information will be helpful to a lot of people, epecially those going to Dubai. I suppose I have to count ourselves lucky that we only had to get our documents legalised at the FCO. Saying that, we still had to get them translated and legalised in Argentina, but the cost was minimal when converted to pounds.

I knew it would be expensive, but the notary fee is incredible. Talk about ripping of the public? I suppose they think if you are leaving the country, you can afford anything?

Good luck and hopefully you can find a better price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

[worchyld]

i found a notary public that would charge £30 per document, with no VAT. The best thing to do is to ring around the UK members of the Notary Society in your area and get the best price and clarify with them what they do and what the process is. I found some to be very helpful.

[worchyld]

I've been in contact with a notary public who said that the UAE embassy can be a bit fussy when it comes to combining whole documents together and classifiying them as one document.

I've already emailed the legailisation department, but just in case -- has anyone combined whole education documents, classifying them as one document and had issues with the UAE embassy UK?

[pharmacyguy]

Hey Pooji and GSK,
Can you please provide us more insights about your experinces with your respective embassies?
We are in a very much similar situation as yours. We would like to know more what we need to do whether to send all documenst back to the country where they were issued (India/Pakistan) or get them attached by the respective consulates here in the US.

Pleae advise!

Thanks.

[Maz25]

Worchyld

In regards to having your documents notarised and attested in bulk, please do not make that mistake. This process has to be done separately for each document. Yes, it costs an arm and a leg!!! But, if you fail to get this done correctly, the UAE embassy will point blank refuse to legalise anything until you get it done properly. After standing in a queue for well over an hour, you won't be a happy bunny after being told to go away and get it done again! Most notaries will do everything for you for about £100 (a rip-off if you ask me but I guess if you are pressed for time...).

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by worchyld

After calling, I've confirmed the following (for UK only).

1. Documents must first be signed by a UK solititor or notary public. Magistrates cannot act as notary public. My local one says they "can" sign things, but they aren't a notary public.

2. Documents must then be legalised by the FCO. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post. It costs £27 per document.

3. Documents must then be legalised by the UAE embassy. There is no workaround. This can be done in person, or post.

I've only called 1 Notary public at the moment and they quoted: £80+VAT for first signature and £20+VAT per signature after that. If there is a family of 4 - you're looking at £800+.

I've not checked with solititors or other notary publics yet, but I assume you can shop around to get the best price.

I've also not confirmed whether a notary public would classify a collection of education papers (AKA: National Record of Achievement) would be classed as 1 document or not. Also the Notary public I called could not tell me which of the documents would be stamped -- would it be the original, the copy, or both? (you're talking double/triple the cost).... though it would seem a bit odd to do a copy and then NOT stamp it.

In Dubai Red Tape Explorer, 3rd Edition on page 11 it says;

This paragraph in the "Red Tape" book seems to clarify everything;

Quote:
"Ensure all documents have been notarised (and attested if applicable) before moving to Dubai.... Notarisation procedures vary from country to country... it's best to contact your embassy in the UAE for precise instructions regarding authentication and costs. In all cases, a copy of the documents must be stamped by a Notary Public, then endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affiars and the UAE embassy"

I used John Venn to have my documents notarised. They charged £60 + VAT per document. They will also send all docs to the FCO & UAE Embassy for about £100 + VAT. I did it all myself though!