Presentation of foreign-issued documents to UAE authorities require MOFA attestation as the UAE official procedure for document validation. The issuing process of MOFA attestation enables local authorities to officially recognize foreign documents for employment, education, immigration and business setup procedures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) operates as MOFA to conduct authentications of personal and commercial documents that establish their official validity. This article explains the MOFA attestation process in the UAE, explaining the step-by-step procedure and detailing the essential documents required for successful authentication.
Documents Required for MOFA Attestation in UAE
MOFA attestation in UAE serves to verify the authenticity of a document as well as confirm its original place of legal issuance. The required attestations for documents vary depending on their type, and may necessitate either a notary stamp or authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin. Documents that require MOFA Attestation in UAE include and are not limited to:
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Employment offers letters or job contracts
- Medical fitness certificates
- Police clearance reports
- Commercial licenses or invoices
- Power of attorney and legal affidavits
MOFA Attestation Process in UAE
Below is a step-by-step guide to MOFA attestation:
Step 1: Initial Verification:
Ensure the document is original, and properly certified by the issuing body.
Step 2: Notarization in the Home Country:
The attestations required for documents vary based on their type and may involve either notarization or authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the document’s country of origin.
Step 3: UAE Embassy Attestation:
Submit the verified document to the UAE embassy or consulate based in your home country for their legalization process.
Step 4: MOFA Attestation in UAE:
Once in the UAE, submit the document to MOFAIC for final attestation. You may visit a service center or apply online via the official MOFAIC website or app.
Step 5: Payment and Delivery:
Pay the attestation fees. Documents are usually returned via courier, or you can collect them in person.
MOFA Attestation Fees in UAE
Fees vary depending on the document type and urgency. On average:
- Standard service: 2–3 business days
- Express service: Within 1 business day (additional charges apply)
Also Read: Benefits of Hiring PRO Services in Dubai
Seek the Expert Services of Trusted MOFA Attestation Service Providers in UAE
In the UAE, document attestation can be handled with efficiency and professionalism through service providers such as Payroll Middle East. Their offerings include both standard and express attestation for various types of documents, along with legal translation and document collection services. Payroll Middle East ensures secure and seamless payroll processing, along with expert PRO services in UAE, in full compliance with UAE regulations. Contact us today and we shall be glad to assist you.
FAQs About MOFA Attestation UAE
Q1: You need MOFA attestation as a requirement in the United Arab Emirates.
Yes. Proof of document validity through attestation becomes necessary for anyone who plans to live, work, study or conduct business in the UAE.
Q2: The duration of MOFA attestation process spans from two to three working days but urgent applications can finish within 24 hours.
Presumably MOFA will require 2–3 working days for processing but urgent services finish within 24 hours.
Q3: The validity period of MOFA attestation depends on how many days it is conducted.
Once completed, the attestation remains valid permanently unless otherwise specified.
Q4: Can I do MOFA attestation from outside the UAE?
Yes. Begin the process in your home country by getting the document verified by your local authorities and the UAE embassy. Once in the UAE, complete the final attestation at MOFAIC.
