Understanding MOFA Attestation in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

When dealing with legal, educational, or business documentation in the UAE, MOFA attestation is a critical step for ensuring your documents are officially recognized and accepted by government bodies and institutions. Whether you’re applying for a visa, enrolling in school, or setting up a business, this process confirms the authenticity of your documents at an international level.

What is MOFA Attestation?

MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation is the final step in the document legalization process in the UAE. It confirms that your documents—issued abroad or locally—are authentic and valid for use within the UAE. This is often required for documents like:

  • Educational certificates (degree, diploma, transcript)

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates

  • Power of attorney and legal agreements

  • Commercial and business licenses

  • Police clearance certificates

Why is MOFA Attestation Important?

Without MOFA attestation, your documents may not be accepted by UAE authorities, immigration departments, banks, or even private institutions. It acts as a seal of approval confirming all prior attestations (such as from your home country’s authorities and UAE Embassy) are valid.

Step-by-Step MOFA Attestation Process in the UAE

Step 1: Document Preparation

Ensure your original documents are valid, signed, and legally acceptable. Photocopies are not allowed unless explicitly approved. If the document is issued outside the UAE, it must be attested in your home country first.

Step 2: Home Country Attestation (for foreign documents)

Foreign documents must go through:

  • Notarization from a local notary

  • Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country

  • UAE Embassy attestation in the issuing country

Step 3: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation

Once the documents arrive in the UAE (or if already issued locally), submit them to MOFA for final attestation. This can be done:

  • Online through the UAE MOFAIC portal

  • In-person at a MOFA customer service center

  • Through an authorized document clearing agent like Trustword

Step 4: Payment of Attestation Fees

MOFA charges an official fee per document, which varies depending on the document type (personal vs. commercial).

Step 5: Receive Attested Document

After successful processing, the document will bear the official MOFA stamp or sticker, making it legally valid in the UAE.

Trustword’s Role in MOFA Attestation

At Trustword, we simplify this entire process by handling:

  • Document verification

  • Translation (if required)

  • Embassy and MOFA submissions

  • Real-time tracking and secure delivery

Whether you’re an individual or a business, our team ensures fast, compliant, and stress-free attestation services.

Need your documents attested?
Contact Trustword today to book a consultation and get your paperwork processed without delays.

📞 +971 563 483 874 | ✉️ info@trustword.ae

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April 24, 2025

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