All people moving to the UAE for employment, establishing their own business, or sponsoring family members must obtain attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attestation authenticates your documents so that they become valid for use in the UAE.
This guide explains the MoFA attestation process in the UAE and why it is necessary, as well as how it can be carried out by individuals and businesses.
What Is MoFA Attestation?
The final step in the UAE’s document legalization process is the MoFA attestation. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirms document validity for local use after the document receives authentication from the issuing country authorities and its UAE embassy abroad.
This is required for both personal documents (like birth, educational certificates or marriage certificates) and commercial documents (like any copy of the trading license or Article of Association).
Why Is MoFA Attestation Important?
The UAE government requires attestation to:
- To confirm that all international documents are genuine.
- To prevent forgery or fraud.
- To ensure that all personal and business related paperwork is recognized in the country legally.
Without MoFA attestation your documents will not be accepted for things like work permit applications, visa processing, business registrations, educational enrollments, court procedures etc.
Documents That Require MoFA Attestation
The following documents are required to be attested by MoFA:
For Individuals:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Educational Certificates (Degrees, Diplomas)
- Divorce Decrees
- Medical Certificates
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Powers of Attorney
For Businesses:
- Commercial Invoices
- Articles of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Agency Agreements
- Board Resolutions
- Contracts and Agreements
- Certificates of Good Standing.
How the MoFA Attestation Process Works in the UAE
Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Attestation in the Issuing Country
The document must first be attested by:
- The relevant ministry of the issuing country (for example, Ministry of Education for academic documents)
- The UAE embassy or consulate in that country.
Step 2: MoFA Attestation in the UAE
Once the document reaches the UAE:
- Submit the already attested document to MoFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
- Pay the required fees
- Obtaining the official MoFA stamp or digital attestation.
Where to Apply for MoFA Attestation?
You can apply for MoFA attestation at:
- MoFAIC service centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates
- Through Tasjeel or Amer centers (in collaboration with MoFA)
- Online portals, such as www.mofa.gov.ae
Attestation service providers are also used by many people to avoid going to the attestation centers in person and waiting in line.
MoFA Attestation Fees in the UAE
The fees may vary based on the type of document:
| Type of Document | Amount in AED |
| Personal documents | 150 |
| Commercial documents | 2,000 |
| Urgent service (if available) | Additional charge |
Note: Fees may change, so it is always best to check the official MoFAIC website or a notary lawyer.
Processing Time
The usual processing time for MoFA attestation in the UAE is:
- 1 to 3 working days for standard applications.
- Same day or next day for urgent submissions (if applicable).
Some delays may happen during public holidays or due to problems with the documents.
MoFA Attestation for Online and Digital Documents
MoFAIC has introduced smart services for attestation of digital documents. You can:
- Upload scanned documents.
- Pay online.
- Track application status via mobile app or portal.
This is especially useful for the individuals and companies that handle a number of documents remotely.
Tips for a Smooth MoFA Attestation Process
- Ensure all documents are either in Arabic or English. Otherwise you will need official translations.
- Verify the attestation process sequence before you present your documents to MoFA.
- You should take assistance from registered attestation agents or lawyers if you do not know how the process works.
- Have your original documents and their copies ready when you submit them to the attestation service.
- Track the application status online using your application number.
Challenges You Might Face
While the process is quite straightforward, there are some common issues:
- Incomplete chain of prior attestations
- Incorrect translations
- Expired or unofficial documents
- Holidays and system issues may cause delays.
This is why most people opt for the professional attestation services in order to have the process done effectively.
Who Needs MoFA Attestation?
This applies to:
- Job seekers who are presenting their qualifications and certificates for employment.
- Entrepreneurs who are registering their companies or opening branches.
- Families who are applying for spouse or child visas.
- Students who are applying for admission in schools or universities in the UAE.
- Trade licenses, agreements, or contracts verification by business owners.
In general, if you are going to submit a foreign issued document to a UAE authority then MoFA attestation will be required.
Final Words
In order to legalize your personal and business documents in the UAE, MoFA attestation is a necessary measure. For both individuals who are planning to relocate to the Emirates and companies that are looking to expand their operations in the UAE market, it is crucial to understand the process to avoid wasting time and causing inconvenience.
Need Help With MoFA Attestation in the UAE?
The attestation process is quite time consuming and at times can be very complicated. This is why many people and companies rely on professional services to take care of it for them. At Notary Public Dubai, our Notary Lawyers provides professional MoFA attestation services in the UAE to ensure that your documents are properly processed and on time. Whether it is personal certificates or commercial documents, our legal team is ready to assist you in every step of the process.
