Complete Guide on Attesting Documents in Zimbabwe for Use in the UAE

If you’re moving to the UAE, it’s likely you’ll need to attest your documents so they’re recognized as valid in the country. This process is essential for a range of documents, including academic certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. Attestation is a method of authenticating your documents to ensure their validity. In the UAE, attested documents are required as a means of verifying their authenticity.

To obtain an employment visa in the UAE, your company might request attested certificates, although this isn’t always the case. For most lower-category jobs, such as waitstaff, cleaners, general hands, and housekeeping positions, an academic certificate isn’t necessary for visa processing. However, if you’re being considered for a position in a higher job category, it’s more likely you’ll need to provide an attested certificate. Regardless, it’s advisable to have your academic certificate attested before moving to the UAE.

Here’s the full process, starting with the steps you need to take in Zimbabwe:

Stage 1: Certification (In Zimbabwe)

For any university certificate, you must obtain a letter from the University’s Deputy Registrar confirming your enrollment and successful graduation.
Cambridge certificates must first be certified by the British Council.
ZIMSEC certificates need certification by ZIMSEC.
To attest a marriage certificate, get it certified by the Registrar of Marriages at the Makombe Building.
Birth certificates should be computerized and include security features and watermarks.
All other documents must be certified by a Notary Public.

Take note: If you are going to Dubai for job search just attest your highest academic qualification certificate only, there is no need to attest birth certificate, etc for job search. If you have more than 1 diploma or degree certificate there is no need to attest all of them just attest 1 only, the highest one.

Stage 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (In Zimbabwe)

After completing Stage 1, the next step for all types of documents is attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe.

You need to book an appointment in advance, as walk-ins are not accepted. To book, email legalconsular@gmail.com.
They charge $20 per document.
The Ministry is located at the Munhumutapa Building, on the corner of Samora Machel Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street in Harare. Attend at your scheduled time.

Stage 3: Zimbabwe Embassy (In UAE)

Once you’ve completed the initial attestation in Zimbabwe, proceed to the Zimbabwean Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate in Dubai.

Appointment booking is required. Email consular@zimembassyuae.com to schedule.
The fee for document stamping is 120 AED per document.
You can find more information on the embasy website zimembassyuae.com

Stage 4: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (In UAE)

The final step involves sending your document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. This process is now entirely online.

Initiate the process on the MOFAIC website by visiting www.mofaic.gov.ae/en.
The fee is 206 AED per document.
For a detailed guide on this online process, visit https://mydubaipedia.com/how-to-attest-certificates-in-uae-online-a-step-by-step-guide/.

Important Points to Note

The original document and a colored copy are required from Stage 1 until the final stage of the attestation process.
All stamps will be applied to the copy; the original document will not be stamped.
If someone is attesting documents on your behalf in Zimbabwe, provide them with an affidavit as proof of authorization.
If you’re in the UAE, you can obtain the affidavit from the embassy.

Please be aware that the process and steps outlined above are subject to change. We strive to keep this article updated but advise you to conduct your own research to ensure you understand the procedure at the time of your application.