you plan to live, work, or do business in the UAE, MOFA Attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation) is an essential step to validate your official documents. The MOFA Attestation confirms that your certificates — educational, personal, or commercial — have been legally verified by the concerned authorities and are now officially recognized in the United Arab Emirates.
This attestation is mandatory for visa processing, employment, higher education, and business registration purposes. Without it, your documents may not be accepted by UAE government departments or private institutions.
What is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA Attestation is the final authentication step performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. It validates that your documents have already been attested by the relevant authorities and the UAE Embassy in your home country.
In simple terms, this attestation ensures that your documents are officially accepted by UAE authorities for any legal or professional use.
Why is MOFA Attestation Important?
The MOFA Attestation adds final legitimacy to your documents. Here are a few key reasons why it’s crucial:
For Employment: Required for work visa processing and job verification.
For Education: Needed to pursue higher education or apply for equivalency certificates.
For Immigration: Essential for family visa applications or spouse sponsorship.
For Business: Mandatory for commercial agreements, trade licenses, and power of attorney.
For Legal Procedures: Required in courts or notary offices to confirm document authenticity.
In short, MOFA Attestation is your key to making any document legally valid in the UAE.
Documents That Require MOFA Attestation
You may need MOFA Attestation for different types of documents, including:
1. Educational Certificates
Degree Certificate
Diploma
School Certificate
Transcript or Mark Sheet
2. Personal Documents
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Certificate
Death Certificate
Police Clearance Certificate
3. Commercial Documents
Certificate of Incorporation
Trade License
Board Resolution
Power of Attorney
Invoice or Contract
Each type requires a specific attestation sequence before reaching MOFA.
Step-by-Step Process for MOFA Attestation in the UAE
The MOFA Attestation process involves a few key stages. Follow these carefully:
Step 1: Local Authority Verification
First, get your documents verified by the local authorities in the country of origin, such as the education board or municipal office.
Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
The document must be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent department.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation
Next, the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country must attest your documents, confirming they are legitimate and properly verified.
Step 4: MOFA Attestation in the UAE
Finally, once the documents reach the UAE, they must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah for the final attestation stamp.
After this step, your document becomes valid for all official and legal use within the UAE.
How to Apply for MOFA Attestation Online
The UAE has made the process simple through online applications. Here’s how you can get MOFA Attestation:
Visit the official MOFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) website or mobile app.
Create an account or log in with your UAE Pass.
Choose the “Attestation of Official Documents and Certificates” service.
Upload scanned copies of your documents.
Pay the required attestation fee online.
Submit the physical documents at an approved MOFAIC service center.
Collect your attested documents once the process is complete.
MOFA Attestation Fees in the UAE
The cost of MOFA Attestation depends on the document type:
Educational or Personal Documents: AED 150 per document
Commercial Documents: AED 200 to AED 500 per document
Express services may cost slightly more but offer faster processing times.
MOFA Attestation Locations in the UAE
You can get MOFA Attestation done at:
MOFA Dubai Office – Near Bur Dubai Consulate area
MOFA Abu Dhabi Office – Al Bateen area
MOFA Sharjah Office – Near Government Complex
Authorized typing centers offering MOFAIC submission services
Each location operates during standard government hours, and you can check their availability online before visiting.
Documents Required for MOFA Attestation
Before submitting, ensure you have the following:
Original document(s)
Copy of applicant’s passport and visa
Payment receipt or e-fee confirmation
Prior attestation stamps (from embassy and home ministry)
Authorization letter (if a third party is applying)
Make sure all information matches across documents to prevent rejection.
How Long Does MOFA Attestation Take?
Normally, the MOFA Attestation process takes:
Standard Service: 2–3 working days
Express Service: Within 24 hours
Timelines may vary based on the document type, verification level, and workload at the MOFA office.
Tips for Smooth MOFA Attestation
Always bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted.
Ensure all previous attestations (e.g., embassy, ministry) are complete.
Double-check document spelling and details.
Keep your payment receipt and tracking number safe.
Use authorized agents if you cannot visit personally.
Benefits of MOFA Attestation
Having MOFA Attestation on your documents provides:
Legal Acceptance in UAE
Ease of Visa and Employment Processes
Business Legitimacy
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Smooth Family Sponsorship Procedures
It enhances document credibility and ensures compliance with UAE law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MOFA Attestation is a mandatory step for anyone intending to work, study, or do business in the UAE. It certifies the authenticity of your documents, making them valid for official use. Whether it’s a degree, marriage certificate, or trade license, having it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi ensures complete legal recognition.
By following the correct procedure and using authorized services, you can get your MOFA Attestation quickly and confidently — paving the way for a smooth and successful experience in the UAE.
