If you’re planning to live, work, study, or start a business in the UAE, one critical step you cannot overlook is MOFA attestation in Dubai. This final stage of document legalization ensures that your certificates and official papers are recognized by the UAE government.
What is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA stands for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and attestation by MOFA is the final and official verification step for documents issued abroad or in the UAE. It confirms the authenticity of a certificate, making it legally valid for use in the Emirates.
Whether it’s an educational certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate, or commercial document, MOFA attestation is mandatory for legal acceptance in Dubai and across the UAE.
Why is MOFA Required in Dubai?
MOFA attestation is often required for:
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Employment visas
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Student visa applications
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Family/spouse visa processing
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Company formation
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Higher education enrollment
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Real estate transactions
It serves as proof that the document is genuine and has been validated by the issuing country and its respective UAE Embassy before final UAE recognition.
MOFA Attestation Process in Dubai
Here’s a step-by-step overview:
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Notarization: If your document is issued outside the UAE, it must be notarized by the local authorities.
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Home Country Attestation: Get the document attested by the relevant government body (e.g., Ministry of External Affairs).
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UAE Embassy Attestation: Submit it to the UAE Embassy in your home country for further verification.
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MOFA : Once in the UAE, the document must be submitted to the MOFA for the final attestation.
You can apply for this at MOFAIC service centers or through authorized attestation service providers in Dubai.
Required Documents
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Original certificate
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Passport copy of the applicant
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Visa copy (if available)
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Fee payment receipt (online or offline)
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Any supporting documentation as needed
How Much Does MOFA Cost in Dubai?
MOFA attestation fees in Dubai vary depending on the type of document:
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Personal documents: AED 150–200
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Educational documents: AED 150–200
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Commercial documents: AED 2,000 or more
Fees may be updated periodically, so it’s best to check directly on the MOFAIC official portal.
Benefits
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Legal acceptance of your documents across UAE institutions
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Smooth visa processing
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Eligibility for job offers, education, and government procedures
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Increased trust and recognition for your credentials
