What is the Difference Between a True Copy and an Attested Copy?

When handling official documents in the UAE or abroad, you may come across the terms "true copy" and "attested copy." While they sound similar, they refer to two different levels of document verification, each with its own legal purpose.

1. What is a Certified True Copy?

A Certified True Copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been verified, signed, and stamped by an authorized individual — usually a lawyer, notary public, or Commissioner for Oaths — stating that the copy is identical to the original.

Used for:

• Submitting documents to banks, universities, or embassies

• KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements

• Business licensing or visa processes

• Applications where originals are not required but verification is needed

Who can issue it:

• Lawyers or legal consultants

• Notary Public offices

• True Copy Attestation

2. What is an Attested Copy?

An Attested Copy goes a step further than a true copy. It involves getting the document (original or copy) verified and authenticated by multiple government authorities, sometimes including embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Used for:

• Employment visa processing

• Immigration to foreign countries

• International educational applications

• Legal proceedings in foreign jurisdictions

Who attests it:

• Home country government departments

• UAE embassies abroad or foreign embassies in UAE

• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

• Additional translation and legal validation steps may apply

Summary: Key Differences

Feature	Certified True Copy	Attested Copy
Purpose	Verifies that a copy matches the original	Verifies the authenticity of the original
Verified By	Lawyer, Notary, Commissioner for Oaths	Government bodies, MOFA, embassies
Legal Weight	Valid for document verification	Required for international legal use
Common Use Cases	Bank, education, visa support	Work visas, embassy applications, court use

Need Help?

At True Copy Attestation, we provide both:

• Certified True Copy Services by licensed lawyers and consultants

• Full Attestation Services for MOFA, embassy, and legal documentation

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📞 Call: +971 4 330 0011📱 WhatsApp: +971 54 582 0984

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