Introduction
In the UAE, document attestation is a mandatory step for validating certificates and official papers. One of the most crucial stages in this process is the MOFA attestation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) verifies the authenticity of documents, making them legally valid for use within the UAE or abroad.
Whether you’re applying for a job, pursuing higher education, or setting up a business, this 2025 MOFA attestation guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA attestation is the final government-level verification process carried out by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It confirms that a document has already been notarized and attested by relevant authorities and is now valid for legal, professional, or educational use.
When Do You Need MOFA Attestation?
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Employment Visa Applications (attested degree certificates).
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Higher Education Admissions in the UAE or abroad.
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Business Setup & Trade Licenses for corporate documents.
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Family Visa / Dependent Visa Applications (marriage and birth certificates).
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Legal Proceedings requiring authenticated documents.
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International Use of UAE-issued documents.
MOFA Attestation Process in the UAE (2025 Updated)
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Document Notarization – Get the document notarized by a notary public.
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Legal Translation (if required) – Non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
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Attestation by Relevant Authorities – Education certificates, business documents, or personal certificates must first be verified by issuing authorities.
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MOJ Attestation – The UAE Ministry of Justice attests documents verified by the notary.
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MOFA Attestation – Final step where MOFA applies its official stamp or e-seal, confirming authenticity.
Documents Commonly Attested by MOFA
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Academic certificates (degrees, diplomas)
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Personal documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
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Business and commercial documents (trade licenses, incorporation certificates)
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Court orders and legal judgments
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Power of Attorney and contracts
MOFA Attestation Fees in 2025
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Personal documents: AED 150 per document (approx.)
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Commercial documents: AED 2,000 per document (approx.)
(Note: Fees may vary depending on document type and urgency.)
Benefits of Professional MOFA Attestation Services
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Saves time with hassle-free processing
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Avoids rejection due to errors or missing steps
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Provides guidance on correct document sequence
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Offers door-to-door collection and delivery options
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Ensures urgent or same-day attestation when required