In most cases only the original can be attested for the UAE. MOFA asks for an original document, or a UAE digital original with a QR code, that is not laminated. A notarised copy works in a few home country chains, such as UK solicitor-certified copies, but never replaces the original at MOFA.
Why does MOFA want the original?
Attestation is a chain of checks on seals and signatures. Each authority confirms the stamp of the authority before it: the notary or registry, then the foreign ministry, then the UAE embassy, then MOFA. A photocopy only shows a picture of a stamp, and nobody in the chain can check a picture.
MOFA's own requirements say a document must be original or a digital document with a QR code, in Arabic or English or officially translated, already attested by the issuing authority, and not laminated. The full list is on MOFA attestation requirements.
Other foreign ministries think the same way. India's Ministry of External Affairs, for example, asks for the original plus a photocopy for its records, and states plainly that it does not legalise photocopies.
Original, certified copy or notarised copy: what is the difference?
| What you have | What it is | Can it be attested for the UAE? |
|---|---|---|
| Original | The paper issued by the university, registry or court | Yes, this is the normal case |
| UAE digital original | A PDF from a supported UAE issuer with a QR code or reference | Yes, on the MOFA digital route; scans and photos are refused |
| Photocopy or scan | A copy with no certification | No |
| Certified true copy by a Dubai notary | A copy the notary confirms matches the original | Not for MOFA; useful for offices that want a copy on file |
| Notarised copy made in the home country | A copy certified by a notary or solicitor where the document was issued | Only where that country's chain accepts copies |
| Laminated original | An original sealed in plastic | No |
A Dubai certified true copy is made by a notary under Executive Council Resolution No. 72 of 2025. It has its uses, which are explained on certified true copy in Dubai, but attestation for a visa or job is not one of them.
When is a copy accepted?
Some home country chains accept a certified copy because the thing being legalised is the notary's or solicitor's signature, not the document underneath.
- United Kingdom. The FCDO says copies, qualification certificates and powers of attorney must first be certified by a UK notary or solicitor. The apostille then covers that signature. Public registry and court-sealed documents skip this step. See UK certificate attestation.
- Greece. The UAE Embassy in Athens wants personal civil documents in the original, but accepts other documents as an original or a true copy once the Greek foreign ministry has stamped them. See Greece certificate attestation.
- Romania. The UAE Embassy in Bucharest uses the same rule: civil status certificates in the original, other documents as an original or a true copy after the Romanian foreign ministry.
- Germany. The usual route for academic documents starts with a true copy made by the university itself.
The common thread is that the copy is certified in the country that issued the document. A Dubai notary copy of a British degree cannot enter the UK chain, because the FCDO only recognises signatures of UK notaries, solicitors and officials.
Even when a copy is accepted, the receiving office in the UAE may still ask to see the original. Ask them before you choose the copy route.
Why does lamination block attestation?
Every authority in the chain puts its stamp, sticker or certificate on the document, often on the back. Lamination seals the paper, so nothing can be added and the original seal cannot be examined. MOFA does not attest laminated documents, and UAE missions such as New Delhi, Athens and Bucharest refuse them too.
Peeling the plastic off does not help. It usually damages the paper and the document is still refused. The only real fix is a replacement or duplicate from the issuer. If you are not sure your certificate counts as laminated, send a photo first. More rejection causes are on why attestation gets rejected.
What should you do if you only have a copy?
- Ask the receiving office what it wants. An attested original and a certified copy are different things. Get the answer in writing if you can.
- Order a new original or official duplicate. Universities issue duplicate degrees, and registries issue fresh birth, marriage and death certificates. In the UK and many other countries, a registry certificate is itself a certified copy of the register entry and is treated as the official document.
- Use the copy route only where it exists. If your country's chain accepts certified copies, have the copy certified there by a notary or solicitor.
- Run the full chain. Home authority, foreign ministry, UAE embassy and MOFA attestation, or the digital embassy route that includes MOFA.
- Keep a colour scan of the finished document and its stamps for your own records.
Do UAE documents need the original too?
Yes. For a UAE-issued document, MOFA either attests the paper original, collected by an approved courier, or a digital original downloaded from the issuer with its QR code. A scanned PDF or a phone photo is refused on the digital route. MOFA attestation of a UAE personal document through us starts from AED 250 plus VAT, all official fees included. See attestation fees.
How we help
We are a private document service in Bur Dubai, not MOFA and not a government office. Send a photo of the front and back of your document on WhatsApp. We tell you whether the original can be attested as it is, whether it looks laminated, and if your country allows a certified copy route. You get the total price, all official fees included, before any work starts.
