For expats planning to live, work, or do business in the UAE, document verification is a crucial step. One of the most important procedures is MOFA UAE attestation, which ensures that your documents are legally recognized by the UAE government. Whether you’re applying for a job, starting a business, or bringing your family to the country, MOFA attestation is a mandatory process.

Explore why MOFA attestation is essential for expats, how the process works, and the MOFA attestation fee in UAE.

What is MOFA Attestation?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) UAE attestation is the process of verifying documents issued in or outside the UAE to ensure their authenticity. This certification is required for various legal and official purposes, including employment, education, and residency applications.

MOFA attestation applies to:

1. Educational Certificates – Degree, diploma, or school certificates for employment and higher education.
2. Personal Documents – Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and affidavits for family visa applications.
3. Commercial Documents – Business licenses, contracts, and invoices for setting up a company in the UAE.

Why is MOFA Attestation Important for Expats?

1. Employment in the UAE

If you’re moving to the UAE for work, your educational certificates must be attested to secure a work visa. Most employers require MOFA UAE attestation to verify the legitimacy of your qualifications.

2. Family Visa & Residency Permits

Expats who wish to sponsor their spouse, children, or parents need to provide attested marriage and birth certificates. The UAE immigration authorities will not process family visa applications without MOFA attestation Abu Dhabi or from any other emirate.

3. Higher Education & University Admissions

Planning to pursue higher education in the UAE? Attested academic certificates are required for university admissions, ensuring that your previous qualifications are recognized by UAE institutions.

4. Business Setup & Legal Transactions

Entrepreneurs and investors need MOFA UAE attestation for commercial documents, including business licenses and contracts. This ensures that agreements are legally valid within the UAE.

5. Buying or Selling Property

Expats looking to purchase property in the UAE need attested documents for legal verification. MOFA attestation is often required to process property transactions smoothly.

MOFA Attestation Process in the UAE

The MOFA attestation process follows these steps:

1. Notarization in the Home Country

   • If your document was issued outside the UAE, it must first be attested by the respective authorities in your home country.

2. UAE Embassy Attestation

   • After notarization, the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the home country must verify the document.

3. MOFA Attestation in Abu Dhabi or Other Emirates

   • Once in the UAE, the document must be attested by MOFA Abu Dhabi or a regional MOFA office to be legally accepted.

MOFA Attestation Fee in UAE

The MOFA attestation fee in UAE depends on the type of document:

• Educational Certificates: AED 150 – 200
• Marriage & Birth Certificates: AED 150 – 200
• Commercial Documents: AED 2,000 – 3,000

It’s always advisable to check the latest fees on the official MOFA UAE website, as charges may change.

For expats in the UAE, MOFA attestation is not just a formality—it’s a legal necessity for employment, residency, education, and business. Ensuring that your documents are attested can save you from unnecessary delays and complications.

Looking for MOFA attestation in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE? Ensure a smooth and hassle-free process with Fimkin’s expert attestation services. From document verification to final attestation, we handle it all efficiently. Contact us today for reliable assistance!