How to Attest Documents in the UAE (MOFA Attestation)
MOFA attestation means the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that a document and its seals are real. Then authorities in the UAE or abroad can accept it. A document issued in the UAE goes to MOFA after the government entity that issued it adds its attestation or seal. Documents issued digitally skip this step. A document issued abroad must first be attested in the country that issued it. First the home-country authority attests it, then the UAE embassy there. After that, MOFA attests it in the UAE. If the document is going abroad, the embassy of the destination country in the UAE usually attests it after MOFA.
At a glance
- Cost:
- AED 150 per personal/educational document; AED 2,000 per commercial document
- Total time:
- 2 hours (digital, eligible docs) to 3 working days (courier)
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- mofa.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Identify the attestation chain for your document
For a document issued in the UAE: first get the attestation or seal of the government entity that issued it. Then go to MOFA. Documents issued digitally are exempt from this first step. For a document issued abroad: first get it attested in the country that issued it. The right authority attests it, then the UAE embassy there. After that, MOFA attests it in the UAE. If the document is going abroad after MOFA, the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the UAE usually attests it next.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Same day
Apply on mofa.gov.ae or the MOFA app
Log in with UAE Pass. Choose the Documents Attestation service. You do not need to upload any attachments. A courier delivers the original document to MOFA.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Same day
Hand over the original to the courier
Put the original document inside an envelope before you hand it to the delivery company. The document must have the seal of the government entity that issued it. It must not be laminated. For documents certified electronically, you must attach the QR code or the verification link.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At application From AED 150 per document
Pay the MOFA fee
MOFA charges AED 150 for each personal-status document. Educational documents count as personal-status documents. A commercial document costs AED 2,000. A commercial contract can count as more than one document, based on what is inside it. So the fee for a commercial agreement can vary. Commercial invoices and certificates of origin via eDAS 2.0 cost AED 150 each.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 2 hours to 3 working days
Wait for attestation
Digital attestation is fast. For the UAE-issued documents that qualify (birth, death, and police clearance certificates), it can finish in as little as 2 hours during working hours. Attestation by courier takes 1 to 3 business days. Track your request under Tasks (My Requests) on mofa.gov.ae. Or call 800 44444.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Immediate on completion
Receive the attested document
The original document comes back by courier. Or the digital attestation appears in your MOFA account. Check the attestation reference on the MOFA verification portal before you rely on the document.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Varies
Get destination-embassy attestation if going abroad
Most destination countries ask their own embassy or consulate in the UAE to attest the document after MOFA. Embassy fees are different for each country. Check the fee with the embassy before you go.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laminated documents be attested?
No. MOFA does not accept laminated documents. Get a new original from the authority that issued it.
Does the document need to be in Arabic or English?
Yes. Your document must be in Arabic or English. Or you must attach a legal translation.
Can someone else submit my document?
The application is in your name, under your UAE Pass. But any person can hand the envelope with the original document to the courier for you.
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