Living or working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) often involves a number of formal procedures, especially when it comes to legal documentation. Whether you’re moving to the UAE for employment, education, marriage, business setup, or residency, you’ll likely need to get your documents officially attested. One of the most critical steps in this process is obtaining attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC).
This article provides a complete guide on how to get your documents attested from MoFAIC in the UAE, explaining what document attestation means, why it’s necessary, what types of documents require it, and step-by-step instructions for completing the process. If you’re seeking reliable information on uae document attestation, this comprehensive guide is for you.
What is Document Attestation?
Document attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document so that it is legally recognized by a foreign government or institution. In the UAE, this is especially important because the authorities require validated documents for various official purposes, including employment contracts, visa applications, company formation, higher education enrollment, and family sponsorship.
Why is MoFAIC Attestation Important?
The MoFAIC attestation is typically the final and most crucial stage in the document authentication process. It confirms that all prior attestations from other authorities (such as your home country’s notary public, ministries, or embassies) are genuine. Once the document is stamped by MoFAIC, it becomes legally valid and acceptable for use in the UAE.
Without MoFAIC attestation, many official procedures cannot proceed — such as applying for a work visa, sponsoring a family member, getting married, or enrolling in school.
When Do You Need MoFAIC Attestation?
You may need MoFAIC attestation for a variety of documents depending on your purpose for being in the UAE. Some common situations include:
- Employment visa processing
- Student visa applications
- Family sponsorship (spouse or children)
- Marriage registration or certificate validation
- Business registration and licensing
- Power of attorney usage in UAE courts or business
- Real estate transactions
If any of these situations apply to you, uae document attestation through MoFAIC is likely a required step.
Types of Documents That Require Attestation
MoFAIC attests different categories of documents, including:
1. Educational Documents
- Degree certificates
- Diplomas
- School transcripts
2. Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
3. Commercial or Business Documents
- Power of attorney
- Board resolutions
- Company incorporation certificates
- Memorandums of association
4. Medical Documents
- Medical reports for treatment abroad
- Vaccination certificates (especially for travel purposes)
In all cases, before submitting to MoFAIC, your document must be attested by the issuing country’s relevant authorities, and in some cases, the UAE Embassy in that country.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Documents Attested from MoFAIC in the UAE
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure the document is:
- Original (in most cases)
- Valid (no expired or outdated documents)
- Already attested by previous authorities (e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, or the relevant embassy)
For foreign documents, this means:
- Attested by your country’s notary or ministry
- Attested by the UAE embassy in your home country
Step 2: Translate (If Required)
If your documents are not in Arabic, an official Arabic translation may be required. You must use a certified translator approved by UAE authorities. In some cases, bilingual documents are accepted, but confirm requirements before submission.
Step 3: Register on the MoFAIC Website or App
To proceed with uae document attestation, you must register with the MoFAIC system. You can do this via:
- The MoFAIC Website: https://www.mofaic.gov.ae
- The UAE MoFAIC Smart App (available on Android and iOS)
Create an account using your Emirates ID or personal details if you’re a resident, or passport details if you’re an international applicant.
Step 4: Submit an Online Attestation Request
Once registered, log in and navigate to the “Attestation Services” section. Select the type of document you want to attest and upload a scanned copy of it (usually in PDF format).
You’ll need to:
- Choose the correct document category (personal, educational, commercial, etc.)
- Enter basic document details (issuing authority, country, etc.)
- Choose your preferred MoFAIC service center for physical document submission or courier pickup/drop-off
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
Fees vary depending on the type of document:
- Personal and educational documents: approx. AED 150 per document
- Commercial documents: approx. AED 2,000 or more (depending on complexity)
You can pay online via credit/debit card. Once payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation with a service request number.
Step 6: Submit Physical Documents (if required)
Depending on the service mode you selected, you will:
- Visit the nearest MoFAIC Customer Happiness Center to submit your original document
- Or schedule courier pickup (offered in many Emirates)
Make sure to carry the original document, a copy of your Emirates ID or passport, and the payment confirmation receipt.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
MoFAIC usually processes attestation requests within 2–5 working days. You will receive updates via SMS or email.
Once approved, your document will be stamped and returned via courier or available for collection, depending on your chosen option.
MoFAIC Service Centers in the UAE
Here are a few major centers where you can get your documents attested in person:
- Dubai – MoFAIC Customer Happiness Center, Bur Dubai
- Abu Dhabi – MoFAIC Main Office, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street
- Sharjah – Al Dhaid Road, Government Services Complex
- Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah – Local Customer Service Centers
Appointments are recommended, but many centers also accept walk-ins.
Tips for Smooth UAE Document Attestation
Here are a few expert tips to make the process easier:
- Always double-check that your document has been attested by your country’s authorities before submitting to MoFAIC.
- Translate documents with approved legal translators only.
- Keep multiple certified copies of important documents for backup.
- Use a courier service if you can’t visit the center in person.
- Start the process well in advance, especially if attestation is required for employment or visa processing.
Remember: Bold, accurate documentation is essential to your legal and professional success in the UAE.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting documents with missing prior attestations
- Uploading low-quality or incorrect scans
- Forgetting to translate non-Arabic documents
- Delaying the process until just before a visa or legal deadline
- Using unauthorized translation or courier services
Taking shortcuts can cause delays or rejections — which could mean rescheduling job starts, school admissions, or business licensing.
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