How to Get MOJ Attestation in the UAE Requirements Fees and Timeline
A missing stamp or untranslated document can delay a power of attorney, company resolution, court paper, or commercial agreement by days. MOJ attestation in the UAE exists to prevent that problem by confirming that a document is legally valid, genuine, and acceptable for official use.
The UAE Ministry of Justice, often called MOJ, handles several attestation and notarization-related services for legal documents, corporate papers, and official instruments. Depending on the document, the process may involve a UAE Public Notary first, followed by MOJ attestation or e-attestation. In some cases, the document may also need Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation afterward.
This guide explains the common requirements, expected fees, processing timeline, and step-by-step process so you can prepare your documents with fewer delays.
What MOJ attestation means in the UAE
MOJ attestation is the process of verifying a document through the UAE Ministry of Justice or related official channels. It helps confirm that the document, signature, seal, or notarization is legally recognized.
This type of attestation is commonly used for:
Power of Attorney documents
Affidavits and declarations
Court judgments and legal orders
Board resolutions
Memorandum of Association documents
Shareholder agreements
Commercial contracts
Other legal instruments used inside or outside the UAE
The exact process depends on the type of document, where it was issued, and how it will be used. For example, a Power of Attorney signed in the UAE may need a different route than a company agreement prepared outside the UAE.
This article is for general information only. For legal matters, document-specific advice, or disputes, check with the official authority or a qualified legal professional.
MOJ attestation requirements in the UAE
The main moj attestation Requirements are usually straightforward, but small errors can cause rejection. Before submitting anything, check that the document is complete, signed where required, and presented in the correct language.
Here are the common requirements.
Requirement | What you usually need |
Original document | The document that needs attestation, such as a Power of Attorney, affidavit, judgment, board resolution, agreement, or contract |
Identification | Passport copy and, where applicable, Emirates ID of the applicant or authorized representative |
Prior notarization | UAE Public Notary notarization when the document type requires it |
Translation | Arabic or English document, or a legal translation approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice |
Authorization | If someone applies on behalf of another person or company, authorization or representation documents may be required |
Supporting papers | Company trade license, board approval, passport copies, or related attachments when relevant |
Original documents must be complete
MOJ will not usually attest an incomplete document. This means signatures, dates, attachments, annexures, and stamps should be in place before submission.
For business documents, make sure the company name, license details, shareholder names, and signatory authority match the supporting records. For personal legal documents, check names against the passport or Emirates ID.
Identification must match the applicant
A passport copy is commonly required. An Emirates ID may also be needed if the applicant is a UAE resident. If an authorized representative submits the application, the representative may need to show their own ID as well as proof of authorization.
For corporate documents, the signatory may need to prove that they can legally sign on behalf of the company.
Some documents need UAE Public Notary first
Not every paper can go straight to MOJ attestation. Many legal instruments need to be notarized first by a UAE Public Notary.
Examples may include:
Power of Attorney documents
Affidavits
Declarations
Certain company resolutions
Legal undertakings
Some commercial agreements
Once the notary step is complete, the document may then be eligible for MOJ attestation or further official use.
Arabic or English is usually required
Documents should generally be in Arabic or English. If the document is in another language, it may need an official legal translation from a Ministry of Justice-approved translator.
In many legal settings, Arabic is especially important because it is the official legal language in the UAE courts. If the document will be used in court or before a government authority, a certified Arabic translation may be required.
Fees for MOJ attestation and related services
Fees vary by document, service type, and whether the process includes notary work, MOJ e-attestation, translation, or later MOFA attestation. The figures below are common guide ranges, not a final quote.
Service type | Typical fee range |
Standard notary attestation | Around AED 50 |
MOJ or e-attestation steps | Around AED 100 to AED 200 |
MOFA attestation for personal or employment documents, if needed | Around AED 150 |
MOFA attestation for commercial documents, if needed | Around AED 2,000 |
The most common MOJ-related notary and attestation fees fall between AED 50 and AED 200. A simple notary attestation may be near the lower end. A broader e-attestation or attestation-related process may cost more.
Extra costs may apply for:
Legal translation
Typing center support
Courier or collection services
Service provider assistance
Express handling
MOFA attestation after MOJ
Amendments if the document is rejected
Before paying, confirm whether the quoted price includes only MOJ-related fees or also translation, notarization, MOFA, and service charges.
Timeline for MOJ attestation
MOJ attestation is usually fast when the document is ready and the application is complete. In many standard cases, processing takes 1 to 2 working days through official e-attestation or public notary channels.
Same-day or express processing may be available through some official counters or service providers, depending on the document, workload, and whether translation or notarization is already complete.
Scenario | Expected timeline |
Complete document with no translation needed | Often 1 to 2 working days |
Document needs UAE Public Notary first | Usually longer, depending on appointment and review |
Document needs legal translation | Add time for certified translation |
Express service available | Same day may be possible |
Rejected or incomplete document | Timeline resets after correction |
The biggest cause of delay is not the attestation itself. It is usually one of these issues:
The name on the document does not match the passport
The document is missing a signature or stamp
The wrong person signed for a company
The translation is not from an approved legal translator
The document needed notary approval first
Supporting papers are missing
Step-by-step process to get MOJ attestation
The process can vary by document type, but most applications follow the same basic path.
1. Confirm the document type
Start by identifying exactly what needs attestation. A Power of Attorney, court judgment, Memorandum of Association, and commercial contract may each have different requirements.
Ask where the document will be used. If it will be submitted to a UAE court, a bank, a government authority, or a foreign authority, that may change the required route.
This is where many applicants compare general moj Requirements and document-specific rules. A document that works for one authority may not be enough for another.
2. Check whether notarization is required
If your document needs to be notarized by a UAE Public Notary, complete that first. The notary may verify signatures, identity, company authority, or the legal form of the document.
For example, a Power of Attorney usually needs careful review because it grants legal authority to another person. A company resolution may need proof that the signatory has the right to bind the company.
3. Prepare the required identification
Gather valid identification for the applicant and any authorized representative. This usually means:
Passport copy
Emirates ID copy, if applicable
Authorization document, if someone else is applying
Company documents, if the document is corporate
For companies, the authority may request a trade license, shareholder details, or evidence that the signer is a manager, director, partner, or authorized person.
4. Translate the document if needed
If the document is not in Arabic or English, arrange a certified legal translation. Use a translator approved by the Ministry of Justice when MOJ acceptance is required.
Do not rely on informal translations. Even if the meaning is correct, the authority may reject it if the translation is not officially certified.
For court-related documents, Arabic translation may be required even when an English version exists.
5. Submit the application through the correct channel
Submission may be done through official e-attestation channels, public notary channels, service centers, or authorized service providers. The available route depends on the document and service.
During submission, the authority will usually review:
The document format
Signatures and stamps
Identification documents
Translation, if any
Prior notarization, if required
Payment of applicable fees
Keep the payment receipt and application reference. These are useful if you need to track the status or collect the attested document.
6. Pay the applicable fees
Pay the official fee shown for the selected service. The amount may differ based on whether the service is a simple notary attestation, an MOJ e-attestation step, or a wider document legalization process.
If you also need MOFA attestation later, budget separately for that stage.
7. Collect or download the attested document
Once approved, you may receive a stamped physical document, an electronic attestation, or a document with a digital verification record, depending on the service type.
Check the final document before using it. Confirm that:
The name is spelled correctly
The stamp or digital attestation appears clearly
All pages are included
Attachments are also covered, if required
The document matches the version you submitted
If you find an error, raise it quickly with the service channel used for submission.
When MOFA attestation may be needed after MOJ
MOJ attestation and MOFA attestation are not the same. MOJ focuses on legal and justice-related verification. MOFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is often used when a document needs recognition for international use or after earlier government-level attestations.
You may need MOFA attestation when:
A UAE document will be used outside the UAE
A foreign authority asks for UAE government legalization
The document is part of an immigration, employment, education, or business process abroad
A commercial document needs external recognition
MOFA fees are usually separate. As a guide, personal or employment documents may cost around AED 150, while commercial documents may cost around AED 2,000. Always check the latest official fee before applying, because government charges can change.
Common mistakes to avoid
The process is simple when the document is prepared well. Most problems come from avoidable paperwork issues.
Submitting a copy instead of the original
Many attestation services require the original document. A copy may not be accepted unless the service specifically allows it.
Using an unapproved translation
A general translation may look correct, but it may not be valid for MOJ purposes. Use an approved legal translator when required.
Skipping the notary step
If the document needs UAE Public Notary approval, MOJ attestation will not fix that missing step. Complete the notary process first.
Forgetting company authority documents
For corporate papers, the authority may need proof that the signer can act for the company. This can include a trade license, constitutional documents, board approvals, or authorization papers.
Assuming fees include everything
MOJ, notary, translation, MOFA, typing, courier, and service provider fees can be separate. Ask for a breakdown before you begin.
For help with the process, requirements, and next steps, you can review this MOJ attestation service guide.
FAQ
How long does MOJ attestation take in the UAE?
Most complete applications take 1 to 2 working days. Same-day service may be possible in some cases, especially when the document is already notarized and does not need translation.
Do I need the original document for MOJ attestation?
Usually, yes. The original document is commonly required. Some electronic services may accept digital records, but this depends on the service and document type.
Does every document need Arabic translation?
Not every document needs translation, but documents should generally be in Arabic or English. If the document is in another language, an approved legal translation is usually required.
Is MOJ attestation the same as MOFA attestation?
No. MOJ attestation relates to legal validity through the Ministry of Justice or related notary channels. MOFA attestation is a separate step often needed for international use.
How much does MOJ attestation cost?
Common MOJ-related notary and attestation fees range from AED 50 to AED 200. Extra charges may apply for translation, MOFA attestation, service providers, or express processing.
Final takeaway
MOJ attestation in the UAE is easier when the document is complete, correctly translated, and notarized when required. For most applicants, the key steps are simple: confirm the document type, prepare the original and ID, complete any notary requirement, arrange approved translation if needed, submit through the right channel, and pay the correct fee.
If everything is in order, expect the process to take about 1 to 2 working days. If the document needs translation, notary review, company authorization checks, or MOFA attestation afterward, allow more time and budget for those extra steps.
Comments