How to Get Attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE – Complete 2026 Guide
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If you are planning to work, study, sponsor family, or start a business in the UAE, you will likely need Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation. This is the final legalization step that makes your documents officially valid in the UAE.
Many people get confused about the correct procedure. In this guide, we explain the MOFA attestation process in UAE step by step, including what you must do in your home country before applying in the UAE.
What is MOFA Attestation in UAE?
MOFA attestation is the official verification provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in the UAE. It confirms that your document has been properly authenticated and is legally acceptable for government use.
You may need MOFA attestation for:
Employment visa
Family visa sponsorship
Higher education
Business setup
Immigration
Legal matters
Step 1: Get Your Document Attested in Your Home Country
Before applying for MOFA attestation in UAE, your document must be authenticated in the country where it was issued.
This is a mandatory step.
Home Country Attestation Process
Your document typically goes through:
Notary Attestation
The document is first verified by a local notary public to confirm authenticity.
Ministry Attestation
It is then attested by the relevant government department (for example, Ministry of Education for educational documents).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
Your country’s MOFA legalizes the document for international use.
UAE Embassy Attestation
The UAE Embassy in your home country authenticates the document before it can enter the UAE.
Only after completing these steps can you proceed with MOFA attestation in UAE.
Step 2: MOFA Attestation in UAE
Once your document reaches the UAE, the final step is:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA UAE) Attestation
You can submit your document to:
MOFAIC service centers
Authorized service centers
Professional attestation agencies
After verification, MOFA stamps the document, making it officially valid inside the UAE.
MOFA Attestation Process in UAE – Summary
Notary in home country
Relevant Ministry in home country
Home country MOFA
UAE Embassy in issuing country
Final MOFA attestation in UAE
Skipping any step may result in rejection.
How Long Does MOFA Attestation Take?
Processing time depends on:
Document type
Issuing country
Embassy requirements
Standard or express service
Typical timeframe:
Standard: 3–7 working days
Express: 1–3 working days (if eligible)
Common Documents Requiring MOFA Attestation
Degree certificate attestation
School certificate attestation
Marriage certificate attestation
Birth certificate attestation
Police clearance certificate
Commercial documents
Power of Attorney
Can You Do MOFA Attestation Without Visiting Government Offices?
Yes. In 2026, you can complete the process through professional attestation services offering:
Door-to-door document pickup
Online submission support
Embassy coordination
Secure courier return
This saves time and prevents errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting documents without UAE Embassy attestation
Missing ministry verification in home country
Using photocopies instead of originals
Incorrect document sequence
Professional guidance prevents costly delays.
Why Professional MOFA Attestation Services Are Recommended
Handling international document legalization alone can be complicated. Professional services ensure:
Correct attestation sequence
Faster processing
Compliance with UAE regulations
Reduced rejection risk
Transparent pricing
Final Thoughts
Getting attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE requires completing proper legalization steps in your home country first. Once those steps are finished, MOFA UAE provides the final authentication required for legal use inside the country.
If you want a smooth and hassle-free experience, using a trusted attestation service provider ensures your documents are processed correctly and on time.