If you’re planning to live, work, study, or sponsor your family in the UAE, MOFA attestation is one of the most crucial steps you’ll need to complete. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai (MOFA UAE) is responsible for verifying and validating all types of personal, educational, and commercial documents so they can be legally used within the United Arab Emirates.

Whether you’re submitting your degree for employment, your marriage certificate for a family visa, or business papers for trade registration, MOFA attestation ensures your documents are officially recognized by UAE authorities.

What Is MOFA Attestation?

MOFA attestation, also known as Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, is the final step in the UAE document legalization process. It involves verifying that your documents—already attested by the relevant foreign authorities and UAE Embassy—are genuine and valid for official use in the UAE.

Once your documents are stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai, they become legally acceptable by all UAE government departments, employers, universities, and courts.

Why Is MOFA Attestation Required?

The MOFA attestation confirms that your documents are authentic and issued by legitimate authorities in your home country. Without this final attestation, even properly verified documents from abroad are not legally valid in the UAE.

You need MOFA attestation in Dubai for:

• Employment visa applications

• Family or dependent visa processing

• Educational degree equivalency

• Business setup or trade license registration

• Legal proceedings (court use)

• Medical or insurance-related approvals

Simply put, MOFA attestation is the UAE government’s way of confirming the authenticity of your foreign or local documents.

Types of Documents That Require MOFA Attestation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai attests various categories of documents, including:

1. Educational Documents

• Degrees, diplomas, and certificates

• School leaving certificates

• Transcripts or mark sheets

2. Personal Documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Divorce certificates

• Death certificates

• Police clearance certificates

3. Commercial Documents

• Company trade licenses

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Invoices and contracts

• Power of attorney and legal agreements

Each document type follows a specific attestation process depending on where it was issued.

Step-by-Step Process of MOFA Attestation in Dubai

Let’s break down how the MOFA attestation process works from start to finish:

Step 1: Document Verification in the Issuing Country

If your document was issued abroad, it must first be verified by the relevant authorities in that country.
For example:

• Educational documents – verified by the university and education ministry.

• Personal documents – verified by local authorities such as Home Department or Ministry of Justice.

Step 2: UAE Embassy Attestation in the Home Country

After local verification, your document must be attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This confirms that the document has been officially authenticated by the home government.

Step 3: MOFA Attestation in Dubai

Once the document reaches the UAE, you must take it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai for final attestation. MOFA will check the previous stamps and issue its own official seal, completing the legalization process.

After this step, your document becomes legally valid for all official and legal purposes within the UAE.

MOFA Attestation for UAE-Issued Documents

If your document was issued in the UAE, such as a medical report, salary certificate, or commercial license, it must still go through MOFA attestation to be used abroad or for specific legal procedures.

In this case, the process involves:

1. Notarization by a UAE notary public or relevant department.

2. Attestation by the UAE’s Ministry of Justice (if required).

3. Final attestation by MOFA Dubai.

This ensures that UAE-origin documents are also legally recognized internationally.

How to Apply for MOFA Attestation in Dubai

You can complete MOFA attestation in Dubai in two ways:
1. Online via the MOFAIC e-services portal
2. In person at an approved MOFA attestation center

Online Attestation

• Visit the MOFAIC website (https://www.mofaic.gov.ae).

• Log in or create an account.

• Upload scanned copies of your documents.

• Pay the attestation fee (AED 150 per document).

• Wait for confirmation and schedule an appointment if needed.

In-Person Attestation

You can also visit a MOFA Dubai office or Customer Happiness Center to get your documents stamped in person. Bring originals, copies, and proof of prior embassy attestation.

Required Documents for MOFA Attestation

Before applying, make sure you have:

• Original document(s) to be attested

• Copy of your passport

• Copy of UAE residence visa or Emirates ID

• Proof of prior embassy attestation (if foreign document)

• Payment receipt or fee confirmation

Missing or incomplete documents can delay the attestation process.

Processing Time for MOFA Attestation in Dubai

The processing time for MOFA attestation depends on how and where you apply:

• Online submissions: Usually completed within 1–2 working days

• In-person at MOFA centers: Can be completed on the same day

MOFA’s efficient e-services have made the process much faster and more convenient.

MOFA Attestation Fee in Dubai

The standard fee for MOFA attestation is AED 150 per document.
You can pay through the MOFAIC online portal or directly at the center using a card. Fees may vary slightly depending on document type and urgency.

Authorized MOFA Attestation Centers in Dubai

You can visit the following MOFA attestation offices in Dubai:

• MOFA Dubai Office – Bur Dubai

• MOFAIC Customer Happiness Centre – Al Qusais

• Dubai Mall Customer Happiness Centre

• Tasheel and Amer Centers (authorized submission points)

Always confirm timings before visiting, as office hours may vary during weekends or public holidays.

Common Issues That Delay MOFA Attestation

To avoid delays or rejections, ensure that:

• The document is properly attested by the UAE Embassy.

• All previous seals and stamps are clear and visible.

• The document is original and unlaminated.

• You are applying under the correct document category.

• Payment and reference details are correct.

Any discrepancy in the previous attestation steps can cause rejection by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai.

Benefits of Professional MOFA Attestation Services

Getting MOFA attestation done can be complicated, especially if you have multiple documents or are unfamiliar with embassy procedures. That’s why many people rely on professional attestation services in the UAE.

Benefits include:

• End-to-end processing (from Embassy to MOFA)

• Collection and delivery of documents

• Error-free attestation

• Real-time status updates

• Saves time and effort

Experts ensure your documents are legally recognized without delays or rejections.

Conclusion

The MOFA attestation process in Dubai is an essential step for anyone needing to use personal, educational, or business documents officially in the UAE. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai verifies the authenticity of your certificates, ensuring they meet all legal standards required by UAE authorities.

Whether you’re applying for a job, visa, or starting a business, having your documents attested by MOFA guarantees smooth legal processing and recognition across all government departments.

For a fast, reliable, and stress-free experience, you can always consult professional attestation services in the UAE to handle your document verification from start to finish — ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.