Fees and steps checked on
The MOFA attestation requirements are short: the document must be the original (or a UAE digital original with a QR code), in Arabic or English or legally translated, already attested by the authority that issued it, and not laminated. A document from abroad must also carry its home-country foreign ministry stamp and the UAE embassy attestation. If one earlier stamp is missing, MOFA cannot attest the document.
Price: once the document is ready, MOFA attestation of a UAE personal document is from AED 250 plus VAT with us, all official fees included. See attestation fees.
Looking ahead: see MOFA attestation rules 2027.
General requirements for MOFA attestation
Every document, whatever its type, must meet these rules.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Original | The paper original, or for the digital route an original UAE PDF with a QR code, barcode, link or reference number. Scans and photos are not accepted. |
| Language | Arabic or English, or with a legally certified translation. |
| Earlier attestation | Already attested by the issuing authority (UAE documents) or by the home foreign ministry and UAE embassy (documents from abroad). |
| Condition | Not laminated. Digital PDFs must not be password protected. |
| Applicant | UAE PASS for individuals, the MOFA company login for companies, or someone applying on your behalf. |
Documents required for MOFA attestation, by document type
| Document | Before MOFA (issued abroad) | Before MOFA (issued in the UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree certificate | Notary or education authority where required, foreign ministry, UAE embassy | Attestation by the issuing university or authority |
| Marriage certificate | Foreign ministry, UAE embassy; translation if needed | Attestation by the issuing court or authority |
| Birth certificate | Foreign ministry, UAE embassy | MOHAP birth certificates: digital MOFA and embassy attestation in one procedure |
| School certificate | Home education ministry where required, foreign ministry, UAE embassy | Emirates Schools Establishment digital certificate attestation |
| Power of attorney | Notary, foreign ministry, UAE embassy | Notary (Dubai Courts or Ministry of Justice) |
| Company documents | Notary, chamber of commerce where required, foreign ministry, UAE embassy | Chamber of commerce signature attestation |
| Commercial invoice | Not on this route | eDAS 2.0, mandatory for goods of AED 10,000 and above |
Degree attestation requirements
- The original degree certificate, not a scan.
- For UK degrees, a qualification certificate is first certified by a UK notary or solicitor, then legalised by the FCDO.
- For US degrees, the institution must be US-based and accredited by a recognised regional accreditor, and each document is apostilled individually.
- For recognition in the UAE, a separate recognition certificate may also be needed. See equivalency certificate in the UAE.
See degree certificate attestation.
Marriage certificate attestation requirements
- The original marriage certificate or official marriage record.
- The home-country foreign ministry stamp and the UAE embassy attestation.
- A legal translation if it is not in Arabic or English.
A family residence visa in Dubai asks for an attested birth certificate and a certified marriage contract. See marriage certificate attestation and documents to attest for a UAE family visa.
Birth certificate attestation requirements
- The original birth certificate, with the home-country chain for a foreign one.
- For a UAE birth certificate issued by MOHAP, the MOFA and embassy attestation can be done digitally while applying through MOHAP, in one procedure.
See birth certificate attestation.
Commercial document requirements
UAE company documents usually need the chamber of commerce step first. Dubai Chambers attests signatures for members, usually in about 2 hours. MOFA then attests the document. Commercial invoices and certificates of origin go through eDAS 2.0 instead. See commercial document attestation.
Power of attorney requirements in Dubai
A power of attorney signed in Dubai is notarised by the Dubai Courts notary. A power of attorney signed abroad for use in the UAE follows the home chain: notary, foreign ministry, UAE embassy and MOFA. See power of attorney attestation.
Medical certificate and sick leave requirements
Sick leave and medical reports follow their own health authority route before any MOFA step. A Dubai-issued sick leave is attested by the Dubai Health Authority, and the request is usually made within one month of issue. See sick leave attestation and medical certificate attestation.
What you need to apply
- The prepared document, meeting every requirement above.
- UAE PASS for the MOFA website or app, or someone to apply on your behalf, which MOFA allows.
- A delivery address for courier collection and return.
- Payment of the official fees and courier. If we apply for you, they are all in our total price.
The full application steps are in MOFA attestation online.
A quick checklist before you apply
- Is it the original, or a UAE digital original with a verification feature?
- Is it free of lamination, and not password protected if digital?
- Is it in Arabic or English, or does it have a legal translation?
- Does it carry every earlier stamp for its route?
- Do the names match your passport on every page?
If any answer is no, fix that first. Otherwise the ministry cannot attest the document.
Common reasons documents fail the requirements
- Apostille only. The UAE is not in the Apostille Convention, so the UAE embassy step is still needed.
- Laminated originals. These cannot be attested.
- Missing issuing authority stamp on a UAE document.
- Bundled apostilles on US documents. Each document must be apostilled separately.
See why attestation gets rejected, or read the overview of MOFA attestation.
