MOFA Attestation Process in UAE: Complete 2024 Guide

Document attestation is one of the most confusing aspects of doing business or relocating to the UAE. MOFA attestation—performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (also called MOFAIC)—is typically the final step that makes your foreign documents valid for UAE government use.

What is MOFA Attestation?

MOFA attestation is the UAE government’s verification that a foreign document has been properly authenticated through the correct chain of authorities. When MOFA stamps your document, they’re confirming that:

1. The document originated from the country it claims to
2. The issuing country’s authorities have verified its authenticity
3. The UAE Embassy in that country has confirmed the government stamps are genuine

MOFA does not verify the content of your document—they verify the authentication chain.

The Complete Attestation Chain

Before your document reaches MOFA, it must pass through several authentication steps. The exact chain depends on your document’s origin country.

For Hague Convention Countries (US, UK, most EU countries)

Documents from countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention follow this chain:

1. Notarization (if required) - by a licensed notary in the issuing country
2. Apostille - from the designated authority (Secretary of State in the US, FCO in the UK)
3. MOFA Attestation - the final UAE step

The apostille replaces the need for embassy legalization for these countries.

For Non-Hague Countries (India, Pakistan, Philippines, most Arab countries)

Documents from non-Hague countries require the full chain:

1. Notarization - in the country of origin
2. State/Provincial Attestation - if applicable (like MEA in India)
3. Foreign Ministry Authentication - from the issuing country
4. UAE Embassy Attestation - by the UAE Embassy in the issuing country
5. MOFA Attestation - the final step in the UAE

Documents That Require MOFA Attestation

Not every document needs MOFA attestation. Here’s when you typically need it:

Always Required

• Degree certificates for employment or Golden Visa applications
• Birth certificates for dependent visa sponsorship
• Marriage certificates for spouse visa applications
• Police clearance certificates for employment visas
• Commercial documents for company setup or licensing

Sometimes Required

• Medical certificates - depends on the specific authority
• Driving licenses - some emirates require attestation for conversion
• Bank statements - rarely, but some government procedures require it

Not Required

• Documents for private use only
• Documents already issued by UAE authorities
• Internal company documents (unless for government submission)

MOFA Attestation Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Verify Document Completeness

Before visiting MOFA or using their e-service, ensure your document has all required stamps from the authentication chain. MOFA will reject incomplete documents.

Check for:

• Home country notarization (where applicable)
• Apostille OR embassy chain (depending on country)
• Clear, legible stamps
• No alterations or corrections

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method

Online through MOFA e-Services:

• Faster processing (usually same-day to next-day)
• Available for most document types
• Requires uploading clear scans
• Payment via online gateway

In-person at MOFA offices:

• Required for some document types
• Locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates
• Bring originals and copies
• Payment on-site

Step 3: Pay the Fee

MOFA attestation fees are standardized:

• Standard processing: AED 150 per document
• Urgent processing: Additional fees apply

Fees may change—verify current rates on the official MOFA website.

Step 4: Receive Attested Document

Processing times:

• Online submissions: Usually same-day to 1-2 business days
• In-person: Often same-day if submitted early

Your document receives the MOFA stamp with a unique verification number.

Common MOFA Attestation Mistakes

We’ve seen these errors cause delays and rejections:

1. Missing Steps in the Chain

The most common issue. If your document is from India and you skip MEA attestation before UAE Embassy attestation, MOFA will reject it. Every step must be complete.

2. Expired Apostilles or Embassy Stamps

Some attestations have validity periods. UAE Embassy stamps typically don’t expire, but some country-specific stamps do. Check validity before proceeding.

3. Poor Document Quality

MOFA may reject documents that are:

• Poorly scanned (illegible text or stamps)
• Photocopies instead of originals
• Damaged or altered

4. Wrong Document Type

Some documents have specific attestation requirements. A birth certificate and a commercial invoice follow different procedures. Using the wrong process leads to rejection.

5. Name Discrepancies

If your name is spelled differently on your document versus your passport, this will cause problems throughout the process—not just at MOFA. Address discrepancies before starting attestation.

After MOFA: What Comes Next?

MOFA attestation completes the authentication chain, but you may still need translation:

For Government Submission:

• Arabic translation is required for all non-Arabic documents
• Translation must be by an MOJ-certified translator
• Translation happens AFTER attestation is complete

For DIFC/ADGM:

• English documents are usually accepted
• Arabic translation may be required for coordination with mainland courts

Country-Specific Notes

India

Indian documents require MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) attestation before UAE Embassy attestation. MEA operates through regional offices. After MEA, visit the UAE Embassy in Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai.

Pakistan

Pakistan documents require verification from the relevant authority (HEC for education documents, NADRA for identity documents) before MOFA Pakistan attestation, then UAE Embassy attestation.

Philippines

PSA or DFA authenticated documents require UAE Embassy attestation in Manila before MOFA UAE attestation.

UK

UK documents need FCO apostille. For some documents, a solicitor or notary must certify them first. The apostille replaces embassy legalization.

USA

US documents require apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state (not the federal State Department in most cases). The apostille replaces embassy legalization.

How We Help

We don’t process MOFA attestation directly—that’s a government function. But we help in several ways:

1. Document Assessment: We check if your document has all required stamps before you proceed
2. Guidance: We explain which steps you need based on your document type and origin
3. Translation: We provide MOJ-certified translation after attestation is complete
4. Coordination: For full-service packages, we work with attestation agents to streamline the process

Key Takeaways

• MOFA is the final step, not the only step
• The chain before MOFA depends on your document’s country of origin
• Apostille countries follow a shorter chain than non-apostille countries
• Translation comes AFTER attestation, not before
• Name consistency matters throughout the process

Need help understanding your specific attestation requirements? Send us your document via WhatsApp—we’ll confirm what stamps you need before you start the process.