Certified True Copies: When You Need Them

What a certified true copy actually is

A certified true copy is a photocopy of a document that has been stamped and signed by an authorised professional, typically a licensed lawyer or chartered accountant, confirming that it's an accurate copy of the original. It lets you submit a copy instead of handing over your original passport, degree, trade licence or other document, which you'd rather keep in your own possession.

Certified true copy vs attestation, not the same thing

These two get confused often, but they solve different problems:

• Certified true copy: confirms a copy matches an original you already hold
• Attestation: confirms the original document itself is genuine, usually for cross-border recognition

Some situations need both, for example, an attested foreign certificate you also want certified so you can keep the original safe. See our full attestation guide if you're not sure which applies to your case.

When you'll typically be asked for one

• Bank account opening or loan applications
• Government authority submissions
• Business tenders and corporate applications
• Visa applications, so you can keep your originals

How it's done, and what it costs

1. 1Tell us what to certifyYou tell us which documents need certifying and how many sets.
2. 2Share the originalsYou provide the original documents.
3. 3CertificationA partner lawyer or chartered accountant stamps and signs the copies.
4. 4DeliveryYour certified set is delivered and stored securely in your vault.

DocuGulf's service fee is AED 249 per set, and turnaround is typically 1–2 days. Your certified copies are also kept in your vault so we can resend them if you need extra sets later.

Key takeaways

Key takeaways: A certified true copy proves a photocopy matches an original you keep, it's different from attestation, which proves the original itself is genuine. It's commonly required by banks, government offices, and tender or visa applications. A licensed lawyer or chartered accountant does the certifying. DocuGulf's fee is AED 249 per set, typically 1–2 days.

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All kinds of work is performed by licensed notaries, translators and approved typing centres. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.