When it comes to validating your documents in the UAE, MOFA attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation) is the final and most important step. Without MOFA attestation, your certificates — whether educational, personal, or commercial — will not be legally recognized in Dubai.
To make sure you don’t miss a single requirement, here’s the ultimate checklist for MOFA attestation in Dubai (2025 edition).
1. Gather the Right Documents
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- Original document (degree, marriage, birth, commercial, etc.)
- Copies of the document (if needed)
- Passport copy
- Valid UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
2. Complete Pre-Attestation in Home Country
MOFA will not accept your document unless it is already attested in the country of origin. That includes:
- Notary verification
- Attestation by the Ministry of Education or Home Department
- Ministry of External Affairs attestation
- UAE Embassy attestation in your home country
Example: An Indian degree must first be attested by the Indian HRD/MEA and then by the UAE Embassy in India before proceeding to MOFA in Dubai.
3. Ensure Arabic Translation (If Required)
Some documents may need to be in Arabic before MOFA attestation.
- Use a legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
- Both the original and translated copies should be submitted.
4. Verify Fees and Payment Options
MOFA charges fees for each document attested. As of 2025:
- AED 150 per personal document (birth, marriage, degree)
- AED 200–250 per commercial document (contracts, powers of attorney)
Payments can usually be made online or at MOFA service counters.
5. Book an Appointment (if needed)
While some MOFA attestation centers accept walk-ins, it’s safer to book an appointment in advance through:
- MOFAIC official website (mofaic.gov.ae)
- The UAE MOFAIC smart app
6. Visit an Official MOFA Attestation Center
Carry your documents to one of the MOFA attestation centers in:
- Dubai (near Consulates area)
- Abu Dhabi (main office)
- Sharjah and other Emirates (selected locations)
7. Collect Your Attested Document
Once attestation is complete, your document will have the official MOFA stamp/seal, making it valid for use in the UAE for:
- Visa applications
- Employment
- Business setup
- Education
- Court/legal procedures
Why This Checklist Matters
Skipping any step — especially home country attestation or embassy attestation — will cause MOFA to reject your application. Following this checklist ensures your documents are accepted without delays.
Final Thoughts
MOFA attestation in Dubai can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it’s a smooth process. Whether it’s for a degree certificate, marriage certificate, or commercial contract, each step is crucial to making your documents legally valid in the UAE.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t waste time juggling multiple authorities. Best Attestation provides end-to-end solutions for MOFA attestation in Dubai, ensuring your documents are processed quickly and without errors.
Contact Best Attestation today and get your MOFA attestation done stress-free.
