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If you live, work, or do business in the UAE, you’ll likely be asked for a passport true copy in Dubai at some point whether for opening a bank account, setting up a company, applying for a tenancy, or completing KYC for a financial service. This guide explains what a “true copy” is, how notarization works in Dubai, when you need it, and the fastest paths to get it done right the first time. For a broader look at attestation for all document types, see our pillar guide: Complete overview: “Documents Attestation Services: The Complete Guide for Personal and Corporate Papers.”
Q Links Legal Translation Services supports residents and companies across Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center, DIFC, Business Bay, Al Barsha, and JLT with document preparation, certified translation, and coordination for notarization and legalization online or with doorstep delivery so you can meet deadlines without guesswork.
What Is a Passport True Copy in Dubai?
A passport “true copy” (sometimes called a “certified true copy”) is a copy of your passport that has been verified against the original and officially certified as a true and accurate reproduction. In Dubai, this verification is typically done by the Dubai Courts Notary Public (including e-Notary) or authorized private notaries. The notary affixes an official stamp and/or electronic seal confirming the copy matches the original.
Key points to understand:
- Purpose: A passport true copy in Dubai allows you to submit a compliant copy of your passport without surrendering the original to every requesting party.
- Notarization: “Notarization” is the legal act by which the notary confirms the copy’s authenticity against the original.
- Scope: True copy notarization does not validate the passport’s underlying validity only that the copy matches the presented original.
- Jurisdiction: For use in the UAE, a Dubai issued notarized true copy is generally sufficient. For use outside the UAE, you may also need legalization/apostille and translation (see below).
Source:
[1] Dubai Courts Notary Public eNotary portal. (n.d.). moj.gov.ae. Retrieved December 22, 2025, from https://www.moj.gov.ae/en/services/esystems/e-notary.aspx
When Do You Need a Passport True Copy in Dubai?
While requirements vary by institution, these are the most common scenarios in which you will be asked for a passport true copy in Dubai:
- Banking and Finance: Opening personal or corporate bank accounts, investment onboarding, KYC/AML updates, or credit applications.
- Company Formation: Incorporation in mainland or free zones (including DIFC), shareholder KYC, director onboarding, and licensing renewals.
- Immigration and Visa Processes: Sponsorship, dependent visas, and certain government transactions.
- Real Estate and Tenancy: Landlord or agency verification, Ejari-related processes, and tenancy contract support.
- Education and Professional Licensing: University admissions, equivalency processes, professional memberships, and board certifications.
- Legal and Court Matters: Power of attorney (POA) support files, litigation exhibits, and compliance documentation.
- Overseas Use: Submissions to foreign embassies, regulators, or universities (often with apostille/legalization and translations).
Tip: Requirements may differ across Dubai neighborhoods and free zones (e.g., DIFC, Business Bay, JLT). Always confirm whether the receiving party needs a paper notarized copy, a digitally sealed notarized copy, or both.
True Copy vs. Notarization vs. Legalization vs. Apostille
These terms are related but not identical. Use the right pathway based on where your document will be used.
| Term | What It Means | Where It’s Done | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Copy (Notarized) | An official certification that a copy matches the original passport. | Dubai Courts Notary Public, e-Notary, or authorized private notary. | For most UAE transactions; sometimes step 1 for overseas use. |
| Notarization | The act performed by the notary to authenticate a document or copy. | Dubai Courts Notary Public/e-Notary; certain free zone authorities. | Required whenever an organization asks for “notarized” documentation. |
| Legalization/Apostille | Confirms the notary’s authority for use abroad (apostille or embassy). | MOFAIC (for apostille/legalization), then foreign embassy if needed. | Required when using the document outside the UAE, depending on country. |
| Certified Copy by Professional | A lawyer, CPA, or similar certifies a copy—but not always accepted in UAE. | Private professional (jurisdiction varies). | May be accepted by some foreign institutions; check requirements first. |
Since 2023, the UAE recognizes the Apostille Convention for eligible countries. Depending on the destination, you may obtain an apostille through MOFAIC rather than full embassy legalization. Always verify the destination country’s rules before proceeding.
Source: UAE MOFAIC Apostille / Legalization Guidance. (2024, June 21). mofauae.com. Retrieved December 22, 2025, from https://www.mofauae.com/post/step-by-step-guide-dfa-apostille-for-uae-visa
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Passport True Copy in Dubai
Here’s a practical pathway to obtaining a passport true copy in Dubai. The exact steps can vary slightly between in-person and online e-Notary channels.
1) Option A: In-Person via Dubai Courts Notary Public or Authorized Private Notary
- Prepare your documents: Original passport, clear photocopy (color recommended), Emirates ID or other valid ID, and any required forms. If a representative attends on your behalf, bring a valid power of attorney.
- Book an appointment (if required): Some notary locations accept walk-ins; others prefer appointments, especially during peak times in Trade Center, Business Bay, or Al Barsha.
- Attestation at the notary desk: The notary verifies the original passport against the copy.
- Pay the applicable fee: Fees follow the official schedule. Retain your payment receipt.
- Collect the notarized true copy: You’ll receive the document with official stamps and/or a notarial certificate. Some notaries also provide a digitally sealed version.
2) Option B: e-Notary (Remote Notarization)
- Register on the e-Notary portal: Create or log into your account and select the service for a passport true copy in Dubai.
- Upload documents: Provide scanned images of the passport data page(s) and any supporting identification as required. Use high-resolution color scans.
- Identity verification: Complete video call verification or other e-KYC steps as instructed.
- Payment and issuance: Pay fees online. On approval, you receive an electronically notarized true copy or instructions for collection if a physical copy is needed.
e-Notary is efficient for professionals in DIFC or JLT, founders in Business Bay, and residents along Sheikh Zayed Rd who prefer remote, paperless workflows.
3) Special Cases
- Minors/Dependents: A parent or legal guardian typically must attend with identification and supporting documents. Check if a notarized consent or POA is needed.
- Representatives: If an assistant, PRO, or service provider attends, a valid POA and their ID are usually required.
- Non-English/Non-Arabic Passports: While the passport itself can remain in its original language, the notarial certificate and application may be in Arabic. Certified translation may be requested by the receiving authority Q Links can help.
Document Checklist and Quality Standards
Use this checklist to avoid repeat visits and delays:
- Original passport: Valid and not excessively damaged. If the passport is expired, confirm acceptance with the receiving party.
- Color copy of relevant pages: Data page, signature page (if separate), and any observation pages required by the receiving institution.
- Emirates ID or alternative ID: For identity confirmation at the notary office or e-Notary verification.
- Appointment confirmation: Where applicable, bring booking details or reference numbers.
- Power of Attorney (if represented): Ensure POA is valid, notarized, and legalized if it was issued outside the UAE.
- Translations (if requested): Certified Arabic or English translation prepared by an accredited provider such as Q Links Legal Translation Services.
Quality tips:
- Prefer color copies/scans; confirm if the receiving party accepts black-and-white.
- Resolution: 300 dpi or higher for scans; avoid cropped edges or glare.
- Legibility: All data must be readable, including MRZ lines and signatures.
Using Your Notarized True Copy Abroad: Legalization, Apostille, and Translation
If the passport true copy in Dubai will be used outside the UAE, additional steps may be required:
- Notarization in Dubai: Obtain the notarized true copy first.
- MOFAIC Step: Depending on the destination country’s requirements, obtain an apostille (for Hague member countries) or standard legalization.
- Embassy/Consulate Legalization (if needed): For non-apostille countries, the destination embassy may require an additional stamp.
- Certified Translation: If the receiving party requires documents in a specific language, arrange a certified translation. Q Links provides legal translations accepted by UAE authorities and widely recognized by foreign institutions.
Because legalization rules vary, verify requirements in advance with the foreign institution or their published guidance. Q Links can help you map the quickest, compliant route, whether the document will be submitted in Europe, North America, or Asia.
Local Guidance Across Dubai’s Business Hubs
Turnaround time often depends on how prepared you are and which channel (in person vs. e Notary) you choose. Here’s how professionals across key districts typically get it done:
- Sheikh Zayed Rd & Trade Center: Opt for e Notary to avoid peak traffic. If you prefer in person, plan appointments to align with your schedule and request courier return of completed documents.
- DIFC: Corporate teams often coordinate multiple true copies for directors and shareholders. Clarify whether the receiving party requires an e sealed copy or an original hard copy with wet stamp.
- Business Bay: Founders and startups prefer bundled services true copies, company formation documentation, and translations handled together for speed.
- Al Barsha: Families and students frequently need true copies for school admissions and visa processes; book early during peak academic seasons.
- JLT: Multinational teams may need apostille and translation pipelines for multiple jurisdictions. Batch requests to reduce per-document handling time.
Q Links Legal Translation Services provides online coordination and doorstep delivery across these neighborhoods, minimizing disruption to your workday.
How Q Links Legal Translation Services Supports Your Process
Q Links is a Dubai-based language translation company specializing in legal, certified, and general translation for both personal and corporate needs. We also help you streamline the steps around notarization and legalization so your documents are accepted on the first submission.
- Pre check: We review scans for clarity, ensure correct pages are included, and flag issues that could cause rejection.
- Translation: Certified Arabic/English translations and into other languages as required by the destination authority.
- Application support: Guidance on notary service selection (in person vs. e Notary) and document sequencing for overseas use (apostille/legalization).
- Coordination: We liaise with notary channels, help with appointment planning, and arrange courier pickup/return anywhere in Dubai.
- Compliance-first approach: We align your documents with the receiving party’s specifications, reducing follow-up requests.
Soft CTA: Share your requirement with Q Links, and we’ll map a quick, compliant path for your passport true copy in Dubai fully remote or with doorstep convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting low quality scans: Blurry or cropped images cause delays and rejections.
- Using expired passports without confirmation: Some processes require a valid, unexpired passport; confirm before you notarize.
- Assuming notarization equals legalization: For foreign submissions, you may still need MOFAIC apostille/legalization and embassy stamps.
- Overlooking translation requirements: If the receiving party requires a specific language, arrange certified translation beforehand.
- Representative without proper POA: Notaries typically require a valid, notarized POA for third-party submissions.
- Data privacy oversights: Redact non essential pages if advised, and transmit documents via secure channels only.
Timeline and Cost Considerations
Processing times can range from same-day to 2 to 3 business days depending on the channel, volume, and completeness of your file. e-Notary often accelerates straightforward cases, while physical stamp requirements can extend timelines. Fees are set by the authorities; plan for notary fees, potential MOFAIC charges, embassy fees (if applicable), and translation costs.
Practical Example Scenarios
- Startup founder in Business Bay: Needs three notarized passport true copies for free zone incorporation. Solution: e Notary for speed, plus certified translations for a foreign bank onboarding.
- Family in Al Barsha: Requires a true copy for school admissions abroad. Solution: In-person notarization, MOFAIC apostille, and translation into French—coordinated end-to-end.
- Consultant in DIFC: Bank requests a digitally sealed notarized copy only. Solution: e Notary issuance with verifiable e-seal and secure digital delivery.
- Property tenant near Trade Center: Agency requests a stamped hard copy. Solution: In person notarization, courier return the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dubai Courts Notary Public (including e Notary) and authorized private notaries can issue notarized true copies. Certain free zone authorities may recognize or facilitate notarization within their jurisdictions. Always confirm the receiving party’s acceptance criteria.
Yes, many applicants use the e Notary system to complete the process remotely, subject to identity verification and documentation quality. If the receiving party requires a physical stamped copy, you may still need collection or courier delivery.
Straightforward cases can be completed the same day or within 1 to 2 business days. Timelines vary depending on notary workload, the completeness of your file, and whether legalizations or translations are also required.
Within the UAE, the notarial certificate is often issued in Arabic, and the passport remains in its original language. However, the receiving institution especially overseas may require a certified translation into a specific language. Q Links can advise and provide recognized translations.
Fees depend on the notary service (in person vs. e Notary), document volume, and any subsequent legalization/apostille or translation needs. Verify the current schedule directly with the notary service and MOFAIC.
Conclusion: Your Fast Path to a Passport True Copy in Dubai
Whether you’re onboarding with a bank, forming a company, or filing paperwork abroad, a passport true copy in Dubai properly notarized and, if needed, legalized and translated keeps your process moving. If you’re unsure which path fits your case, Q Links Legal Translation Services can help you prepare, translate, and coordinate each step with online and doorstep options across Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center, DIFC, Business Bay, Al Barsha, and JLT. For a comprehensive context on document attestation across personal and corporate papers, visit: Complete overview: “Documents Attestation Services: The Complete Guide for Personal and Corporate Papers.“
Ready to proceed? Share your timeline and destination requirements with Q Links, and we’ll map a compliant, efficient path from notarization to final submission.
