If you are planning to work, study, or start a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), your documents must be legally verified. The final and most important step in this legalization process is MOFA Attestation Dubai.
MOFA Attestation Dubai (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation) confirms that your educational, personal, or commercial documents are genuine and recognized by the UAE government. Without this attestation, your certificates cannot be officially used in the UAE for visa, employment, or business purposes.
What Is MOFA Attestation in Dubai?
MOFA Attestation in Dubai is the process by which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) verifies and stamps documents that have already been attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin (e.g., Pakistan, India, the UK, etc.).
It is the final stage of document legalization in the UAE and is required for documents issued both inside and outside the country. After MOFA Attestation Dubai, your document becomes legally valid for official use anywhere in the UAE.
Why Is MOFA Attestation Dubai Important?
MOFA Attestation Dubai is mandatory for many purposes, including:
- Applying for a UAE employment visa
- Family visa or spouse visa processing
- University admission or educational equivalency
- Business registration or trade license setup
- Property purchase, bank procedures, and legal contracts
Without MOFA attestation, UAE authorities will not accept your certificates, even if they are verified by your home country’s embassy.
Types of Documents That Require MOFA Attestation Dubai
MOFA attests different kinds of documents depending on their use. The main categories include:
1. Educational Documents
- Degree Certificates
- Diploma Certificates
- School or College Transcripts
- Professional Certificates
2. Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Police Clearance Certificates
3. Commercial Documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Power of Attorney
- Business Agreements and Invoices
Step-by-Step Process for MOFA Attestation Dubai
To complete MOFA Attestation Dubai, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Pre-Attestation in Home Country
Before submitting your documents to MOFA Dubai, they must first be attested by the relevant authorities in your home country, including:
- Notary Public or Local Authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in home country)
- UAE Embassy in that country
For example, if your document is issued in Pakistan, it must be attested by:
- Issuing Authority (e.g., University, NADRA, Chamber of Commerce)
- MOFA Pakistan
- UAE Embassy in Islamabad
Step 2: Submit to MOFA Dubai
After UAE Embassy attestation, the document can be submitted to MOFA Dubai for the final verification and stamp. This confirms that all previous attestations are valid and recognized by the UAE government.
Step 3: Pay the MOFA Attestation Fee
You can pay the MOFA attestation fee online through the UAE MOFAIC website or via typing centers.
After payment, submit the receipt along with your documents for final processing.
Step 4: Receive the MOFA Stamp
Once approved, MOFA Dubai will place an official stamp and signature on your document, marking it as legally valid for use across the UAE.
Documents Required for MOFA Attestation Dubai
To complete the attestation successfully, you will need:
- Original document(s)
- Passport copy of the applicant
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Copy of the UAE entry visa or residence visa
- UAE Embassy-attested document (from home country)
- MOFAIC payment receipt
Tip: Always ensure your document has the UAE Embassy stamp before submitting it to MOFA Dubai.
MOFA Attestation Fee in Dubai
The MOFA Attestation Dubai fees vary depending on document type:
- Personal or Educational Documents: AED 150 per document
- Commercial Documents: AED 2,000 per document
Payments can be made through the MOFAIC website, UAE PASS app, or approved service centers.
Where to Get MOFA Attestation in Dubai
You can visit any authorized MOFAIC service center in Dubai or use smart attestation services. Popular locations include:
- MOFAIC Customer Happiness Center – Dubai
- Location: Al Qusais, Dubai
- Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tawaseel and Amer Centers
- Offer document submission services for MOFA attestation.
- Online MOFAIC Portal
- Website: https://www.mofaic.gov.ae
- You can upload documents, pay fees, and track status online.
How to Apply Online for MOFA Attestation in Dubai
Here’s how to apply through the MOFAIC online portal:
- Visit MOFAIC official website.
- Click on “Attestation of Official Documents.”
- Log in using your UAE PASS or create a new account.
- Upload your scanned document.
- Pay the attestation fee online.
- Choose a service center for document submission.
- Receive your document with the MOFA stamp.
This digital method saves time and allows users to track their attestation request in real-time.
Processing Time for MOFA Attestation Dubai
The typical processing time depends on the document type:
- Personal or Educational Documents: 1–2 working days
- Commercial Documents: 2–4 working days
Online applications may be processed within 24 hours if submitted correctly.
Benefits of MOFA Attestation Dubai
- Ensures documents are legally recognized in the UAE
- Required for visa processing and employment
- Confirms the authenticity of foreign and UAE-issued documents
- Helps in business registration, trade, and contracts
- Simplifies family sponsorship and residency applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following errors during MOFA Attestation Dubai:
- Submitting documents without UAE Embassy attestation
- Missing original documents or passport copies
- Paying incorrect fees or using outdated payment channels
- Submitting unverified translations (for non-English/Arabic documents)
Always check the MOFAIC website for the latest rules before starting the process.
MOFA Attestation for UAE-Issued Documents
If your documents were issued inside the UAE (such as employment contracts, experience certificates, or company papers), you can submit them directly to MOFA Dubai without foreign attestation.
Just ensure the document is verified by the relevant UAE authority (like the Ministry of Education or Ministry of Justice).
Conclusion
MOFA Attestation Dubai is the final and most essential step in the legalization of your documents for official use in the United Arab Emirates. Whether for education, employment, marriage, or business, this attestation certifies your papers as authentic and legally recognized across the UAE.
By following the proper UAE Embassy attestation in your home country and completing the MOFA attestation in Dubai, you can ensure smooth visa processing, job validation, and document acceptance in all government and private institutions.
For convenience, use the MOFAIC online system or visit authorized service centers to complete your attestation quickly and efficiently.
