MOFA Attestation in Dubai
MOFA Attestation Services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman Across UAE
25+ years Exp | 4.9* Client Rating | 99% Success Rate | 24 Hours Delivery
The process of MOFA attestation makes your document officially accepted in the UAE or another country. In this process, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) verifies whether your document contains genuine stamps and signatures. This process is necessary because without it, your documents will not be accepted in any office in the UAE.
At HHS Lawyers, we can assist you with:
- Review and drafting of all documents that are required for the purpose of MOFA attestation.
- Procedural guidance on the steps that need to be taken before the process of attestation itself.
- Compliance with the submission requirements of the MOFA.
- Assistance in the process of legal translation and/or notarization.
- Co-ordination of the entire process of attestation before the UAE Embassy.
Why Choose Us for MOFA Attestation?
Countries We Serve for MOFA Attestation
List of Documents for MOFA Attestation Services:
| Personal Documents / Services | Procedure Type | Fees Per Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Marriage certificate attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Death certificates attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of divorce certificates | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of passport copy | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of power of attorney (for abroad usage only) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of degree | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of school certificates and school records | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of educational certificate | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Diploma certificate Attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Graduate Diploma Certificate Attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Graduate certificate attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Advanced Diploma Certificate Attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Doctoral Degree Certificate attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Commercial / Mutual agreements | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Medical Certificate Attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Police clearances | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation Consent letter for children to travel overseas | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of overseas travel permission for minors | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Social Security | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of the Mark list | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Sponsorship declaration | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Gift deed attestation | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Undertaking expenses for studies | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Driving License | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Housemaid “no relationship" affidavit | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Certificate of Good Standing | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Nativity certificates Attestation | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Last Will (Will Drafting Services are available) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Grants of Probate (Will Drafting Services are available) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Bankruptcy documents | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Pet travel scheme documents | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Certificate of no-impediment | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Civil Partnerships | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation – Social Security Administration letters | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED |
| Corporate Documents / Services | Procedure Type | Fees Per Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Commercial power of attorney Attestation (for use abroad only) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Commercial Invoice Attestation | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Certificate of Origin Attestation | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Certificate of Incorporation (for abroad use only) | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Board of resolution certificate Attestation (for abroad use only) | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Memorandum of association Attestation (for incorporated out of the UAE only) | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Articles of association (for incorporated outside of UAE only) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of the Statement of Capital | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of Annual Return | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of the ISO certificate | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Direction identification number (DIN) / trade documents (sales deeds / MOU / agreements) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of the Bill of Lading | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of the Certificate of origin | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of a Commercial invoice | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Export License | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Free Sale Certificate | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Bank Statements | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Export certificates | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of Import documents | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of certificate of analysis | True Copy | 350 AED | |
Attestation of distributorship agreements | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation of corporate board resolution(s) | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED | |
Attestation – Appointment of distributor or authorization of agent | Attestation / Affidavit | 1050 AED |
Documents that can be attested by MOFAIC
| Category | Documents Eligible for MOFA Attestation |
| Personal & Civil Status Documents | • Birth certificates • Marriage certificates • Divorce certificates • Death certificates • Police clearance certificates • Medical reports • Powers of attorney • Guardianship or custody papers • Adoption documents |
| Educational Documents | • School certificates • Diplomas • University degrees • Transcripts • Professional qualification certificates |
| Commercial & Business Documents | • Commercial invoices • Certificates of origin • Contracts and agreements • Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) • Articles of association • Shareholder or board resolutions • Trade licenses • Commercial court judgments |
| Legal & Judicial Documents | • Court orders • Affidavits • Notarized documents • Legal declarations • Arbitration awards |
| Foreign Documents (Issued Outside the UAE) | • Any document issued abroad that has been attested by the issuing country’s authorities and the UAE embassy/consulate |
| UAE-Issued Documents Requiring Final Attestation | • Notarized UAE documents • Ministry-approved certificates • Government-issued letters |
Step-by-Step MOFA Attestation Process in Dubai
The process differs depending on whether your document was issued inside or outside the UAE.
For Documents Issued Outside the UAE (Foreign Documents):
Foreign documents should undergo the complete process of attestation prior to being attested by the MOFA UAE. Failure to do so will cause the MOFA UAE to reject the documents.
Required Prior Steps (in the home country):
Step 1: Home Country Attestation
Obtain the document attestation from the local authorities (for example, university/local Ministry of Education in case of educational documents, notary/local authorities in case of personal documents such as birth/marriage certificates, etc.), and then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent) of the issuing country.
Step 2: UAE Embassy/Consulate Attestation
The document has to be attested at the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country where the document was issued. This is a mandatory process in most cases.
Step 3: Translation (if required)
If the document is not in English or Arabic, it needs to be translated by an official/legal translator for UAE/MOFA-approved purposes, along with the attested original document.
Step 4 – Submit to MOFA in Dubai
The applicant needs to log in to the MOFA website (www.mofa.gov.ae) or the MOFA Smart App using UAE Pass
- Choose the attestation service for a document issued outside the UAE and fill in the required application information.
- Pay the required fees.
- Choose a courier service for collection and delivery of documents.
- On the agreed pickup date, present the original document (along with the official translation if required) to the courier.
The applicant may also choose to visit a MOFA Customer Happiness Centre in person with the original document, Emirates ID, and payment.
Step 5 – Receive the Attested Document
The UAE MOFA stamp or digital seal is placed on the document by MOFA.
For Documents Issued Inside the UAE:
Documents issued in the UAE and needed abroad must first be attested by MOFA in the UAE and then taken to the embassy or authority of the destination country.
What Is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA attestation (formerly known as MOFAIC) means the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially checks and stamps your documents so they are accepted by UAE government offices, employers, courts, and other authorities. This step proves that your document has already been verified by the right authorities in the country where it was issued and/or inside the UAE, making it valid for any official use.
In simple words, MOFA puts an official UAE stamp on your document to confirm it is real. It is the final and most important step in the UAE document attestation process.
Additionally, MOFA’s digital attestation system is now connected with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for birth and death certificates, and with the Emirates Schools Establishment for school certificates. The system gives you a Digital Trusted Document with a QR code so anyone can check and verify your document online immediately.
Why Is MOFA Attestation Required in Dubai?
MOFA attestation is the final UAE stamp that confirms:
- Your document is real and issued by a recognized authority.
- All earlier stamps from your home country and embassy are correct.
- The document is valid for use in Dubai and across the UAE.
This step is required for:
- UAE work visas and employment
- University admissions and education
- Family visa and sponsorship
- Business registration and licensing
- Legal and court procedures
If the MOFA attestation is skipped or not done properly, your document will not be accepted. The consequences of not having your document attested properly by the MOFA include:
- Visa rejection or long delays
- Trouble starting a job
- Rejection of birth, marriage, or degree certificates
- Delays or failure in business registration
- Having to start the entire attestation process all over again from start.
This is why, as discussed above, the MOFA attestation in Dubai is considered one of the most important document legalization processes in the UAE.
Who Needs MOFA Attestation in Dubai?
The main purpose of MOFA attestation in the UAE is to ensure that both individuals and companies use genuine, trusted, and accepted documents by all UAE authorities. Therefore, without MOFA attestation in Dubai, it is impossible to use any documents from outside the UAE for visa, job, study, legal, or business purposes.
Individuals:
Individuals in the UAE who need MOFA attestation include:
- Job seekers who need to get their degree certificates, diplomas, or experience letters attested.
- Residents who need to sponsor their families and get their birth certificates and marriage certificates attested.
- Students who need to get their educational certificates attested to join schools or universities in the UAE.
- Expatriates who need to get their police clearance certificates, medical reports, or powers of attorney attested.
Businesses and companies requiring MOFA attestation:
Companies in UAE also make use of MOFA attestation services to make their documents valid for business setup and other business activities:
- Entrepreneurs and investors who require attestation of their:
- Powers of attorney
- Articles of association (AoA)
- Shareholder agreements while incorporating or expanding their businesses in the UAE.
- Businesses and companies that engage in international trade and require attestation of their:
- commercial invoices
- contracts
- MoUs
- Judgments while completing their international trade activities.
MOFA Attestation Fees and Timeline in Dubai
| Category | Details |
| Fees for Personal & Educational Documents | AED 200 per document (our professional fees are separate) |
| Fees for Commercial Documents | AED 2,100 per document (our professional fees are separate) |
| Extra Costs | • Legal translation: AED 60 – 150 per page • Courier delivery charges • Extra fee for urgent service |
| Late Payment Fine | If you do not pay on time, MOFA may charge an extra AED 500. Note: The fine is applicable to Commercial Invoices for imported goods (valued at AED 10,000+) if they are not attested within the 14-day grace period after customs declaration. |
| Standard Timeline | 1–2 working days |
| Express / Urgent Timeline | Faster service available for urgent cases |
| Maximum Timeline | Some documents may take up to 5 working days, depending on type and pre-attestation steps |
Notes: The fees and duration for MOFA Attestation may vary at any time. The fees may differ depending on the type of your documents, the issuing country, and the service you choose.
Common MOFA Attestation Mistakes
| Mistake | What Happens |
| Submitting a photocopy | Application is rejected immediately. |
| Missing UAE Embassy stamp | MOFA will not accept the document. |
| Laminated documents | MOFA cannot stamp it; a new original is needed. |
| Choosing the wrong document category | Payment may be lost or the application may be rejected. |
How HHS Lawyers Can Assist in MOFA Attestation
HHS Lawyers provides legal help with all types of attestation matters, including:
- Document review and verifying your documents prior to submission. This is to ensure that your documents comply with all MOFA attestation UAE regulations.
- Drafting and reviewing powers of attorney for personal or business purposes that require MOFA attestation in Dubai.
- Drafting commercial documents for business setup, MoUs, and other business contracts that require MOFA attestation in UAE.
- Provide document translation services certified by the UAE’s Ministry of Justice.
- Offering notarization services for documents that require notarization prior to MOFA attestation.
- Assisting in court document attestation for use in UAE courts and/or in other countries’ courts.
- Explaining Apostille vs. MOFA attestation for countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention.
Talk to Our MOFA Attestation Experts
MOFA attestation is necessary in the UAE. Without it, your documents will be accepted for visas, jobs, business setup, court proceedings, and any other purpose. Seeking the right advice on the process helps you avoid delays and costs. Talking to our experts ensures that the MOFA attestation UAE process is quick and easy.
At HHS Lawyers, our lawyers will check your documents and fix any issues with them (if any). We will make sure that the documents meet the requirements of the MOFA attestation process. This way, your documents will be accepted at the first time and without much hassle. Get in touch with our experts and make the process easy and hassle-free.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between MOFA attestation and Embassy attestation?
Embassy attestation is carried out in your home country at either the UAE Embassy or UAE Consulate. MOFA attestation is the final step that is carried out inside the UAE. For most foreign documents, both steps are needed.
Can I apply for MOFA attestation online in Dubai?
Yes. You can apply for attestation online through the UAE MOFA website. You can upload your documents and pay online, then get your attestation done without having to visit their office. This may not be possible for all documents.
How long does MOFA attestation take in Dubai?
The processing time for MOFA attestation in Dubai is 2 to 5 working days. However, urgent processing is also available, which costs extra, and in such cases, the processing time is 24 to 48 hours.
Is MOFA attestation compulsory for a family visa in the UAE?
Yes. In order to apply for a family visa in the UAE, it is compulsory to get the marriage and birth certificates attested by MOFA. Otherwise, it will be rejected.
Does a MOFA-attested document expire?
MOFA’s stamp does not have an expiry date. But some offices, employers, or schools may ask for a document that was attested within the last 6–12 months. It is always best to check with the relevant authority before submitting the document.
What if I wish to send my document to MOFA without home country attestation?
MOFA will not accept it. All documents from another country must first be attested by:
- the correct authority in the home country, and
- the UAE Embassy/Consulate in that country.
Only then can MOFA in the UAE attest the document.
Can commercial documents be attested at MOFA in Dubai?
Yes. Commercial documents like powers of attorney, memorandums of association, board resolutions, contracts, and commercial invoices can be attested by MOFA. The fee for commercial documents is AED 2,000 for each document, which is quite higher than the fee for personal or educational documents.
I got a job in Dubai. Do I need MOFA attestation?
Yes. When employment in Dubai is concerned and you are presenting the educational certificates or professional documents, the attestation of MOFA is obligatory after the homeland and the UAE Embassy attestations.
My application is a family visa. Is MOFA attestation obligatorial?
Yes. To obtain a family residence visa in the UAE, marriage certificates and birth certificates should be attested by MOFA.
I have my document attested in my native country. Is MOFA still needed?
Yes. Home-country attestation, as well as UAE Embassy attestation, is not enough. The last step, which is obligatory, is MOFA attestation in the UAE.
This will be the last time I will be in the UAE. Should I continue with attestation by MOFA?
Yes. In the case of documents issued in UAE and being used outside the country (employment, education, business), the outbound MOFA attestation must be done before embassy legalization.
I have an urgent requirement. Is it possible to approve MOFA on the same day?
Yes, same-day or express MOFA attestation can be offered based on the type of a document and the completeness of the previous attestations.
Is it possible to carry out MOFA attestation online?
Yes. MOFA attestation is initiated via the MOFAIC online site incorporating application making, UAE Pass authentication, and pick-up of courier.
What should MOFA do when they discover a mistake or forgery in my paper?
MOFA can decline the application and in severe instances, prosecution can be initiated. The UAE regards the forging of documents as a crime.
Does MOFA have any requirement of attestation of commercial documents?
Yes. MOA, board resolutions, invoices, incorporation certificates and powers of attorney must be attested by MOFA to be used in businesses and corporations.
Does MOFA attestation need to be translated?
Yes. All documents that are not in Arabic, or English, have to be translated by a legal Arabic translator to be submitted to MOFA.
My document was repudiated before. Is it possible to have MOFA attestation re-applied?
Yes, but on the condition of rectifying the matter as:
- Lack of attestation of UAE Embassy.
- Unfinished previous attestations.
- Incorrect translation
- Disagreement in personal information.
Are passports and Emirates IDs required to be attested by MOFA?
No. MOFA does not attest passports, identity cards and immovable property documents.
Does the UAE have MOFA attestation that must be used in court?
Yes. Any document written in a foreign language presented to the courts of UAE should be MOFA attested to be legally admissible.
Is it possible that my documents can be submitted by another person to MOFA to be attested?
Yes. The documents may be provided via an authoritative representative, courier or law service provider.
What is the duration of the MOFA attestation?
Very important, MOFA attestation lasts indefinitely, although the validity of the accepting authority (employer, embassy, court) may have conditions.
Is attestation of certificates obligatory in MOFA?
Certs to be used only in the UAE or abroad, and that which are official and legal, immigration, employment, education, or business.
