Fees, requirements and process for online document attestation in the UAE. This helps prevent identity fraud, fake qualifications and false claims.
Dubai: If you have a degree certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate or any other official document issued outside the UAE, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) before it can be legally used in the country.
You can complete the MOFA certificate attestation process yourself online using the official MOFA website or mobile app, or you may choose to use a typing centre or professional attestation service to do it on your behalf.
Certificate attestation in the UAE applies to a wide range of documents issued both inside and outside the country, and the process can be completed entirely online, from application to payment and courier collection.
Why is certificate attestation necessary in the UAE?
Certificate attestation confirms that an official document is genuine, authentic and issued by a recognised authority, and has not been forged, altered or misused.
Documents that typically require attestation include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- University degrees and diplomas
- Police clearance certificates
Most governments, including the UAE, do not automatically recognise foreign-issued documents. Attestation allows UAE authorities to legally accept and trust documents issued abroad.
In the UAE, attested documents are commonly required for work permits and labour cards, family visa sponsorship, residence visa applications and other official and legal procedures
The attestation process adds multiple layers of verification, including checks by:
- Authorities in the document’s country of origin
- Foreign affairs ministries
- UAE embassies and consulates
This helps prevent identity fraud, fake qualifications and false claims.
source: Gulf News
About MOFA
Since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971, the country has adopted a foreign policy rooted in the promotion of security, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the world. This approach – an essential pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy – was laid down by the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. Today, the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues to strengthen, advance, and expand this legacy through pioneering initiatives and contributions across the humanitarian, political, and economic spheres.
The UAE’s foreign policy is grounded in the country’s core values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of cultural dialogue among nations. It also reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global standing through active diplomacy and a constructive role in resolving conflicts peacefully.