MOFA Attestation in Dubai

MOFA Attestation in Dubai

By Published On: April 24, 2025Views: 32

Foreign documents are widely used all over the world. Therefore, legal recognition and validity are essential for these documents for its utility. Nevertheless, individuals and companies must follow certain steps to ensure the legality and validity of the foreign papers used in Dubai. Dubai is a wonderful city that is home to a great number of foreigners and expatriates. Anyone who wants to apply for residency, family visa, work permit, conduct business, getting married requires the documents. Let us explore more:

MOFA: An attestation and responsible authority in Dubai

The foreign documents should be notarized and legal in the home country first. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) further attests them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFA in Dubai is a responsible authority of Dubai that scrutinizes all types of foreign documents. MOFA conducts the attestation, which is termed as the final and ultimate verification step.

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Procedures

MOFA attestation is the wholesome procedure conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFA in the UAE. The process of attestation confirms the legal status and validity of the document issued outside the UAE.

The documents are properly verified and authenticated by using adequate channels. It gives recognition to the mere piece of paper, which can easily be used for various official purposes inside the Emirates.

MOFA attestation ensures the validity and legitimacy of the documentation or paperwork in the UAE. It is important to understand the process and specifications attached to MOFA attestation in Dubai.

There are certain specifications for MOFA attestation, which must be fulfilled. MOFA requires the following documents including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, certifications, diplomas, and much more. It also validates and legitimizes commercial documents, power of attorneys, legal contracts, and agreements, police clearance certifications, and medical reports.

How essential is MOFA Attestation in UAE?

Without proper MOFA attestation, the document cannot be used anywhere around the UAE. The official authorities like immigration offices, UAE courts, banking systems, educational institutions, and corporations require the attested paperwork. Without this, the documents are not acceptable or more considered inside the UAE.

The prime objective served by MOFA attestation is the prevention of fraudulent activities and the use of forged documents in UAE. Any attested document is considered the final verification document. It ensures the authenticity of the documents and papers within the various UAE institutions. MOFA attestation is compulsory in different scenarios and situations in the UAE.

What are the Documents required for MOFA attestation

It is mostly required for employment, immigration, education, marriage, and for formation of businesses set up in the UAE. For employment purposes, MOFA attestation proves that all the educational qualification and work experience in legit and valid. The schools, colleges, and universities admission requires the need of it.

Why it is required

MOFA attestation is required for visa applications, residency transfers, work permits, family sponsorship visas, and much more. For marriage registration, there is a need for a valid and legality of marriage papers. It authenticates the marital status.

Furthermore, for the formulation of business in UAE, MOFA attestation is necessary. It requires the submission of agreements, contracts, and other financial documents. It offers the green signal to the documents that are legitimate and valid anywhere in the UAE.

Step-By-Step MOFA Attestation in UAE

There are some specific steps involved in MOFA attestation that must be followed. It assists in a structured and systematic process to be carried out without any break or halt. The final step takes place only at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFA office in UAE. Before the MOFA attestation, there are certain requirements from other official authorities as well that must be fulfilled.

Notarization from Home Country

  • Foremost step is the notarization from the home or origin country. For instance, if any document originates from outside the UAE, the licensed notary public from the issuing nation should notarize it. It has to be attested by local notary or some local authority there.
  • Secondly, the Foreign Ministry of the Origin Country must attest the document. Once notarization is done, the document is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any other equivalent authorities from the issuing nation.
  • Thirdly, the UAE embassy or the consulate in the origin country must attest the documents or papers. This is a confirmation that the UAE government has acknowledged the authenticity of the foreign document.
  • Moving forward, the document once reaches the UAE will be attested by MOFA. Once the attestation is done, the procedure is completed. This gives the document a green light and an acknowledgment of its validity and legitimacy in the UAE.

Is MOFA Attestation required for UAE-issued documents?

In UAE, all the documents need the MOFA attestation. Any document issued by the UAE still needs it especially those, which are needed abroad. This is the case in educational degrees, marriage certifications, and much more. MOFA is responsible for verifying the local documents. Once attested the documents can be used in foreign embassies and consulates.

Particularly, the expats who are returning to their home country it is vital. Besides, any UAE company that is expanding internationally operates worldwide and requires MOFA attestation. It is essential to avoid fraud, errors, blunders, and any other illegal activities.

It is quite common in Dubai to seek legal expertise while MOFA attestation services. They assist in better handling of the entire procedure.

Is there any fee for the MOFA Attestation?

Yes, there is a proper cost of MOFA attestation. Normally the fee is dependent upon the type and nature of the document. For personal documents, the fee is around AED 150, which may go up to AED 200 per document. Please check with MOFA for the latest fee structures.

  • On the other hand, for commercial documents the fee is different. There is a high cost for commercial documents, which is approximately AED 2000 per document. For educational documents, the fee stands at AED 150 per document.

Normally the fee varies according to the nature of the document and whether it is issued locally or internationally. Additionally, service charges are applicable if someone opts for third-party agents or courier services for delivery.

How to apply for MOFA Attestation?

MOFA attestation can be obtained using various channels. It is available offline as well as online. There are online and offline methods. There is an official online application of MOFA. It is named as UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) website, which is available with easy access.

  • Online Methods: Account Needed/Registration

All you need to do is to create an account and log in with the UAE pass. All you need to do is to fill in the attestation form. Once the form is filled, upload the scanned copies of the requirements papers. Here you need to select the type of document and reason for the Attestation. The fee is applied on attestation. For payment, there are secure online ways available on the official website. Submit the documents at the designated customer care center and schedule a courier pickup.

  • Offline Method

On the other hand, there is an offline application pathway. It is done by physically visiting the MOFA attestation center in UAE. The offices are situated all around UAE. At the physical centers, you need to present the original documents along with their copies for attestation. Besides, they might need to submit more related papers including passport copies, Emirates ID, or more. The fee is applicable which is collected once an attested document is ready. Normally, the turnaround time is 2 to 5 working days.  In case of urgency, there are additional charges for prompt delivery.