The Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a vital legal document that defines a company’s structure, business activities, shareholding pattern, and internal governance. If the MOA is issued outside the UAE and is to be used for company formation, branch setup, or legal proceedings within the UAE, it must be officially attested to be recognized by UAE authorities.
Why MOA Attestation is Required
MOA attestation is essential when:
- Opening a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company in the UAE
- Forming a new company with foreign shareholders
- Applying for a trade license in free zones or mainland
- Participating in UAE government tenders or legal contracts
- Opening corporate bank accounts
MOA Attestation Process (Step-by-Step)
For MOA issued outside the UAE:
- Notarization in the country of origin
- The MOA must first be notarized by a legal authority or public notary.
- Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the origin country
- Confirms that the notarized document is recognized by the national government.
- Attestation by the UAE Embassy in that country
- Validates the document for UAE government use.
- Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Final legalization step inside the UAE, making the MOA officially recognized for legal and commercial use.
For MOA issued within the UAE:
- If you are modifying or submitting an MOA within the UAE (e.g., through a Notary Public or free zone), it may still require MOFA attestation for use with certain government departments or for cross-border transactions.
Where is MOA Attestation Needed?
- Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Free zone authorities (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, RAKEZ)
- UAE courts and notaries
- Banks, consulates, and legal firms
End-to-End MOA Attestation by Best Attestation
At Best Attestation, we handle your MOA attestation from start to finish, including:
- Document pickup and delivery from all Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ)
- Coordination with UAE and foreign authorities
- Certified legal translation (if needed)
- Express and regular processing options
Book your service now or call us at +971 55 854 2916 to simplify your business setup or expansion in the UAE.
What is MOA attestation?
MOA attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a company’s Memorandum of Association issued in another country so that it is legally recognized in the UAE. It involves a series of attestations by the issuing country and UAE government authorities.
Why do I need to attest the MOA?
You need MOA attestation if you’re:
Setting up a branch or subsidiary in the UAE
Opening a corporate bank account
Registering your company with free zone or mainland authorities
Participating in legal contracts or tenders in the UAE
What is the process of MOA attestation?
The attestation process includes:
Notarization in the issuing country
Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country
Attestation by the UAE Embassy in the same country
Final attestation by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in the UAE
How long does MOA attestation take?
The process usually takes 7 to 12 working days, depending on the country of origin and type of service selected (standard or express).
Is MOA attestation required for UAE free zones?
Yes, most free zones and mainland business jurisdictions in the UAE require attested MOAs if one or more shareholders are foreign entities.
Can I get my MOA attested without traveling abroad?
Absolutely. Best Attestation offers end-to-end service, handling the process in both the home country and UAE. You don’t need to travel or visit any government office.
Do you offer MOA attestation in all Emirates?
Yes! We offer MOA attestation services across all Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, with free document pickup and delivery.
