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MOFA Attestation for UAE | Fast & Reliable Certificate Attestation

by Shethana Sep 03, 2025 6 MIN READ

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Looking for reliable MOFA attestation for UAE? This article covers the reasons behind the MOFA attestation, the list of documents that require it, the detailed attestation procedure, the breakdown of the fees, the timeframes, and why Arnifi is the optimal pick for hassle-free services. Be it for work, study, family sponsorship, or business, the MOFA attestation serves for the legalisation of documents in the UAE and other Gulf countries. 

1. Introduction

MOFA attestation for UAE comes as the final verification after completion of all the preliminary attestations such as the embassy attestation, consulate attestation, and others. It stands as the final and the most important part to legalise your documents for use in the UAE.

With MOFA attestation, all your documents will be accepted without issues in the UAE under all circumstances, whether moving to the country for employment, higher education, starting a business, or even family sponsorship. 

If you’ve already read our general attestation services for UAE guide, you know attestation involves multiple steps. MOFA attestation is the last and most significant part of this chain because, without it, even embassy-attested documents cannot be used officially.

2. Why MOFA Attestation is Important in UAE

Why is MOFA attestation for UAE so critical? Because MOFA attestation offers the final validation and authentication of UAE documents. After the MOFA stamp or seal is placed on your documents, government authorities, employers, banks, and legal offices accept them as genuine.

MOFA attestation becomes mandatory in the following cases:

  • Employment: Employers require MOFA-attested educational certificates before processing work permits.
  • Business Setup: MOFA attestation is needed for trade licenses and incorporation certificates. (See our detailed company incorporation guide).
  • Education: Universities in the UAE require MOFA-attested degrees for admissions.
  • Family Visas: Birth and marriage certificates need MOFA attestation for visa approval.
  • Legal Proceedings: Court submissions, medical documents, and power of attorney also need final MOFA verification.

For instance, even after your certificate of incorporation is attested by your home country and the UAE embassy, MOFA attestation finalizes its validity. Without this step, the document is incomplete for legal use in the UAE.

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3. Documents That Require MOFA Attestation

Below is a detailed overview of documents that require MOFA attestation for UAE:

  • Educational Certificates: Degree certificates, diplomas, and transcripts. These are necessary for job applications or higher education.
  • Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers, and medical records, usually required for family visas and legal processes.
  • Commercial/Business Documents: Trade licenses, company registration certificates, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and power of attorney. (Read more in our UAE company registration certificate guide).
  • Other Legal Papers: Court orders, adoption documents, or any document requiring UAE government acceptance.

MOFA attestation validates these documents for any official purpose, from employment to business expansion. Without it, your documents remain incomplete, even if prior embassy attestation is done.

4. Step-by-Step Process of MOFA Attestation in UAE

Here’s the process for MOFA attestation for UAE:

Step 1: Prior Attestation

Before submitting to MOFA, your documents must be attested by:

  • The issuing authority in your home country
  • Your country’s Ministry of External Affairs
  • The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country

Step 2: Submission at MOFA in UAE

Once you arrive in the UAE, submit your documents to MOFA via:

  • Online application on the official MOFAIC portal
  • Physical submission at service centers

Step 3: Payment of Fees

Pay the official MOFA attestation fees through the portal or at the service center.

Step 4: Collection of Attested Documents

Once completed, MOFA returns your documents stamped and sealed, making them valid for official use.

How Arnifi Helps: We handle everything from the first step of attestation services for UAE to the final MOFA clearance. No missed steps, no delays.

5. MOFA Attestation Fees in UAE

The cost of MOFA attestation for UAE varies depending on the document type and urgency:

Document TypeEstimated Cost (AED)
Educational Certificates150 per document
Personal Certificates150 per document
Commercial Documents200 per document
Urgent ServiceExtra 100–200 AED

Arnifi offers transparent pricing, so you know your expenses upfront without hidden charges.

6. Timeline: How Long Does MOFA Attestation Take?

Generally, MOFA attestation for UAE takes 1 to 3 working days for standard service, provided prior attestation steps are complete.

Document TypeStandard ProcessingExpress Service
Educational Certificates1–2 business daysSame day / within 24 hrs
Personal Certificates1–2 business daysSame day / within 24 hrs
Commercial Documents2–3 business days24–48 hrs

Delays may occur due to:

  • Missing earlier attestations (home country or embassy)
  • Incomplete documentation
  • Peak processing periods

For urgent cases, express MOFA services are available at an additional fee. Arnifi ensures your documents are processed within the promised timeline.

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Get in touch with our team to find out about our approach

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7. Benefits of Choosing Arnifi for MOFA Attestation

Here’s why Arnifi is your trusted partner for MOFA attestation for UAE:

  • End-to-End Management: From initial attestation to MOFA finalization.
  • Error-Free Processing: No risk of rejection due to incomplete steps.
  • Fast Turnaround: Standard and urgent services available.
  • Corporate & Individual Support: We handle both personal and business document attestations.
  • Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees.

If you also need assistance with business setup or compliance in UAE, Arnifi provides comprehensive services beyond attestation.

8. FAQs on MOFA Attestation for UAE

Q1. Is MOFA attestation necessary for every document in UAE?
Yes. All foreign documents meant for official usage must be MOFA attested.

Q2. Is it possible to submit an application for MOFA attestation using the internet?
Yes, you can submit applications via the MOFAIC online portal or at a service center.

Q3. How much am I supposed to pay for MOFA attestation in UAE?
Usually, AED 150–200 per document, with additional fees for expedited processing.

Q4. Is my physical presence mandatory for MOFA attestation?
No, Arnifi can complete the entire process on your behalf.

9. Conclusion

MOFA attestation for UAE indicates that your documents have the final and authentic verification. Be it a degree certificate for your job, a marriage certificate for a family visa, or a trade license for your company, you need to do this for all documents to comply with UAE regulations. 

To get attestation done swiftly and without errors, Arnifi handles the entire process. This way, you save a lot of time and effort. Get in touch with Arnifi and have your paperwork attested so you don’t have to face unnecessary delays in your future plans.

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