Document Attestation in the UAE: MOFA, Embassy & Certificate
Al Qalam Typing Center in Sharjah provides complete document attestation services in the UAE — including MOFA attestation, embassy attestation, notary attestation, and certificate legalisation. Our team processes your documents through the correct official channels so they are legally accepted by UAE government departments, courts, embassies, and international institutions.
What Is Document Attestation in the UAE?
Document attestation (also called legalisation) is the process of having an official authority verify the authenticity of a document so it is recognised in another country or by a specific institution. In the UAE context, attestation means having your document verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — and sometimes by the relevant country’s embassy — before it is accepted for visa, residency, education, or legal purposes.
Unattested foreign documents — such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational degrees — are not legally recognised by UAE government entities for visa and residency applications.
Types of Document Attestation
MOFA Attestation (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
MOFA attestation is the final and most common step for documents used within the UAE. After a document has been attested by the issuing country’s own authorities and the UAE embassy in that country (or via apostille for Hague Convention member countries), MOFA in the UAE applies its stamp confirming the document is genuine and valid for use in the UAE.
MOFA attestation is required for: marriage certificates, birth certificates, educational degree certificates, and many commercial documents used in legal or government procedures.
Embassy Attestation
Before MOFA attestation, most foreign documents must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country, or by that country’s embassy in the UAE. The specific sequence varies by document type and country of origin. Al Qalam advises on the correct attestation chain for your specific document and nationality.
Notary Attestation
Some documents require attestation by a UAE notary public before MOFA processing — particularly for commercial documents, powers of attorney, and court submissions. Al Qalam handles notary coordination as part of the complete attestation process.
Apostille
For documents originating from countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille stamp from the issuing country replaces the embassy attestation step. The UAE joined the Apostille Convention in January 2024. Al Qalam advises whether your document qualifies for apostille processing.
Which Documents Need Attestation?
- Marriage certificates — Required for spouse family visa applications
- Birth certificates — Required for children’s family visa applications
- Educational degree certificates — Required for professional license and some visa categories
- Experience certificates and employment letters — May be required for certain visa categories
- Power of attorney documents — For legal and property transactions in the UAE
- Company incorporation documents — For business setup, banking, and commercial contracts
- Medical reports and police clearance certificates — For some visa categories
Step-by-Step Attestation Process
- Document assessment — Al Qalam reviews your document and determines the correct attestation chain based on document type and country of origin.
- Home country attestation — The document must first be attested by the relevant authority in the issuing country (state/federal authority, notary, or government department).
- UAE Embassy attestation (or apostille) — The UAE embassy in the issuing country attests the document, confirming the home country stamp is genuine.
- MOFA UAE attestation — Al Qalam submits to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the final attestation stamp.
- Document returned — Fully attested document is returned to you, ready for use in any UAE government or legal process.
Note: Steps 2 and 3 must be completed in the issuing country before Al Qalam can process the UAE MOFA step. We can advise on how to arrange this if the document originates from outside the UAE.
Document Attestation Fees (2026)
MOFA attestation fees in the UAE are set by the Ministry and vary by document type. As a general guide:
- MOFA attestation per document: AED 150–300 (government fee)
- Urgent MOFA processing: Additional AED 150–300 (same/next day)
- Notary attestation: AED 100–300 per document
- Al Qalam service fee: Charged per document for coordination and submission
Fees for overseas attestation (home country + UAE embassy) vary by country and are not included in the above. Contact us with your specific document and we will give you a complete cost breakdown.
Processing Time for Attestation
- MOFA attestation (normal): 3–7 working days
- MOFA attestation (urgent): Same day or next working day
- Notary attestation: 1–2 working days
Al Qalam’s Document Attestation Service
- Government-approved attestation processing since 2014
- We advise on the exact attestation chain required for your document type and nationality — no wasted steps
- Combined with legal translation when Arabic translation is needed alongside attestation
- Combined with family visa processing — marriage and birth certificate attestation handled as a package
- Physical submission to MOFA on your behalf — no queuing required
- Open 7 days, 9 AM–11 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to attest my marriage certificate for a spouse visa?
Yes. The marriage certificate must be MOFA-attested before it is accepted by GDRFA for a family visa application. This is one of the most common documents we attest for clients. We handle the entire process — including advising on home country attestation if not yet done.
Is attestation the same as translation?
No. Attestation confirms a document is genuine. Translation converts the content of a document into another language. For many UAE government processes, you need both — an attested document AND a certified Arabic translation. Al Qalam provides legal translation services in the same visit.
My country recently joined the Hague Apostille Convention. Do I still need embassy attestation?
If both your home country and the UAE are Hague Convention members, an apostille from your home country typically replaces the UAE embassy attestation step. The UAE joined in January 2024. Visit us with your document and we will advise on the correct process for your specific nationality and document type.
Related Services
- Legal Translation Sharjah — Certified Arabic-English translation for attested documents
- Family Visa UAE — Requires MOFA-attested marriage and birth certificates
- Business Setup Sharjah — Company documents often require attestation for international use
Submit your documents for attestation: Call 06 520 0939 or WhatsApp 055 608 8726. Open 7 days, 9 AM – 11 PM.