Signing the Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union (IMM 5409) in Dubai

What IMM 5409 is, and when IRCC asks for it

IMM 5409 exists because IRCC’s application categories that use marital or relationship status need a formal way for an unmarried couple to declare their relationship. Rather than a marriage certificate, IRCC accepts this statutory declaration, backed by supporting evidence, as proof of a common-law relationship. It is used across several IRCC application streams that ask applicants to declare their relationship status, so check your specific application’s instructions for whether IMM 5409 is the correct form for your case.

Who can witness it outside Canada

A statutory declaration must be sworn before someone legally authorised to administer oaths or declarations for the jurisdiction you are signing in. Inside Canada that is typically a commissioner of oaths or notary public. Outside Canada, the person authorised in the country where you sign will differ, and IRCC’s own guidance sets out who qualifies.

In Dubai, this signing is generally arranged before a notary public, who verifies your identity and witnesses the signature. If your specific IRCC stream asks for a different type of witness, check the form’s instructions or IRCC’s guidance before booking, since the requirement can vary by application type.

How a UAE notary treats a declaration about unmarried cohabitation

A UAE notary public witnesses your signature and confirms your identity in line with the standard notarial process, the same as for any other sworn declaration. If you have a question about how your specific declaration will be handled, raise it with us when you book, so we can check before your appointment.

Signing in Dubai: both partners, ID, appointment

Both partners normally need to complete and sign the form, each declaring the relationship from their own side, though the exact requirement depends on the IRCC application involved. To book your appointment, both partners should be ready to attend in person with:

• Valid passport
• Emirates ID or, if visiting, your visa page
• The completed IMM 5409 form, or the draft you want checked before signing
• Any supporting documents you plan to submit alongside it

We book the notary appointment for you and confirm the documents to bring before the day.

Supporting proof of the relationship

IRCC generally expects a statutory declaration of common law union to be supported by evidence that shows the couple share a life together. Common examples include a joint tenancy or lease contract, joint utility bills, joint bank statements, and correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address. IRCC’s own guidance sets out what it considers common-law and the evidence it expects, and this should be checked directly for your application rather than assumed. We do not set or verify this requirement; it is an IRCC matter.

Book your notary appointment

Tell us which IRCC application you are completing IMM 5409 for, and we will check the form and book your notary public appointment for both partners to sign in Dubai.

Call or WhatsApp +971 54 380 1094, email support@notaryservicesdubai.com, or visit us at Empire Heights Tower B, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai.

Related reading: affidavits in Dubai and how to get one, Canadian immigration documents attestation, commissioner of oaths in Dubai, notary public in Dubai.