It is the official process of validating document authenticity by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It verifies that seals and signatures on documents issued in the UAE or overseas are legitimate.
Think of it as your document’s official stamp of approval for international use. Just like you need a passport to travel abroad, your papers need this special verification to be accepted in foreign countries.
It is usually the final step in the document verification process before it is considered valid for international use.
It ensures your documents are legally recognized internationally.
The process typically takes 0–3 business days, and there is no expiration date for the validity of the document after it has been attested.
Types of Documents that Need MOFA Attestation
| Category | Examples | Purpose of Attestation |
|---|---|---|
| Educational | Degree certificates, diplomas, transcripts, school leaving certificates | Employment visa, university admissions, educational equivalency |
| Personal | Birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, medical reports | Family visa, childbirth registration, health insurance, legal claims |
| Commercial/Business | Power of attorney, commercial invoices, Memorandum of Association (MOA), contracts | Company setup, trade license issuance, import/export documentation |
| Legal | Court orders, affidavits, police clearance certificates | Immigration cases, legal settlements, and residency visa applications |
| Religious | Conversion certificates, religious marriage documents | Personal record updates, visa sponsorship |
MOFA Attestation Process in the UAE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation is the final and crucial step in legalizing documents for use in the United Arab Emirates. This process authenticates that your papers, whether issued in the UAE or abroad, are valid and officially recognized by the government.
Step 1: Pre-Attestation in Country of Origin
If your documents are issued outside the UAE, they must first go through a series of attestations in your home country:
- Notary Public or relevant local authority (e.g. Ministry of Education for academic documents)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country
- UAE Embassy/Consulate in that country
💡 Note: This step ensures the UAE recognizes the document as already verified by the issuing country.
Step 2: Document Translation (if required)
- If the document is not in Arabic, a certified translation is typically required.
- Ensure the original and translated documents are attached together during submission.
Step 3: Apply for MOFA Attestation in the UAE
Once the document is legalized in its country of origin, it can be submitted to MOFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) in the UAE.
You have two ways to apply:
1. Online via the MOFAIC website or app
- Register or log in to your account
- Upload scanned copies of the documents
- Choose the attestation type and pay the required fee
- Select delivery method or appointment location
2. In-person at MOFAIC Service Centers
- Bring the original documents
- Fill out an application at the center
- Pay fees by card
- Submit and collect attested documents (usually same-day or within a few days)
MOFA Attestation Fees (as of 2025)
- Personal documents: AED 150 per document
- Commercial documents: AED 2,000 per document
- Educational documents: AED 150–200 depending on category
⚠️ Fees may vary based on document type and urgency. Always check MOFAIC’s official site for updated pricing.
Processing Time
- Standard: 2–3 working days
- Urgent/Express: Same-day service (at select centers or with additional fee)
Where to Get MOFA Attestation in UAE
Some of the major MOFAIC centers:
- Dubai: Al Manara Center, Customer Happiness Center – Al Twar
- Abu Dhabi: Al Qubaisi Building, Al Wahda
- Sharjah: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Al Dhaid Road
Still Confused About MOFA Attestation?
We’re here to help. Get a personalized checklist and expert guidance.
Common Problems when Attesting Documents for MOFA
- Missing prior attestations: Skipping embassy or home-country verification often leads to MOFA rejecting the document.
- Using photocopies instead of originals: MOFA only accepts original documents, and submitting copies delays the process.
- Incorrect or incomplete translations: Unofficial or partial Arabic translations result in resubmission or outright rejection.
- Mismatched personal details: Inconsistent names or dates across documents can halt attestation entirely.
- Unrecognized issuing authority: MOFA won’t attest documents from institutions not officially recognized by your home government.
- Applying under the wrong category: Selecting the wrong document type or purpose during submission may cause processing failure.
- Expired or tampered documents: Outdated or altered documents are not accepted and may trigger legal concerns.
- Wrong payment method or amount: Incorrect fee payments or invalid cards can lead to application rejection at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A MOFA Attestation Cost?
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs costs AED 150 per document for both personal and educational certificates. This fixed fee applies to all documents regardless of their country of origin. Additional courier service charges will be added for document delivery within the UAE.
Does A MOFA Attestation Expire?
No, MOFA attested documents do not have an expiry date. Once your document receives official attestation, it remains valid indefinitely. You can obtain attested copies through the Emirates Schools Establishment website, mobile app, or receive electronically attested PDF copies via email for your records.
How To Check MOFA Attestation Original Or Fake?
To verify authentic MOFA attestation, contact the official UAE certificate attestation authorities to confirm signature styles and processing times. Compare the document seal with genuine samples if available. Check for consistent signature quality and proper official formatting. Suspicious documents with perfect signatures may indicate forgery.
