Government
MEA & MOFA Attestation
Getting foreign documents legally recognised in the UAE
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
What this involves
Attestation is the chain of verification that makes a document issued abroad legally valid in the UAE. Degree certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates and company documents all typically need it.
The chain runs from the issuing authority in the country of origin, through that country's foreign ministry, then the UAE embassy there, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each step must be completed in order.
It is slow and easy to get wrong. A document attested out of sequence, or missing a step, will be rejected and must start again — which is why it is worth beginning early and getting the sequence right the first time.
What's included
- Assessment of which documents need attestation
- Home-country notarisation and ministry attestation coordination
- UAE embassy attestation in the country of origin
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation
- Legal translation into Arabic where required
- Tracking and status updates throughout
Who this is for
- Employees needing degree certificates attested for a work permit
- Residents sponsoring family, needing marriage and birth certificates
- Companies registering foreign parent-company documents
- Anyone whose document was rejected for incorrect attestation
Not sure if you need this?
A short call will tell you whether this applies to your situation and what it actually costs — before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDocuments you'll need
We'll confirm exactly which of these apply to your case before you start gathering anything.
- Original document to be attested
- Passport copy of the document holder
- Existing UAE visa copy, if applicable
- Authorisation letter, where we act on your behalf
How long it takes
Typical government processing times. Individual cases vary by nationality and emirate.
Home-country attestation
5–15 working daysNotary and foreign ministry in the issuing country.
UAE embassy attestation
3–7 working daysAt the UAE embassy in the country of origin.
Legal translation
2–3 working daysInto Arabic, where the receiving authority requires it.
MOFA attestation
1–3 working daysFinal step at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What it costs
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| MOFA attestation, per document | AED 250 |
| Embassy attestation, per documentVaries significantly by country | AED 600 |
| Legal translation, per page | AED 120 |
| Full end-to-end handling, per documentExcludes third-party government fees | AED 1,400 |
These are indicative 2026 market ranges, shown so you can budget realistically. Government fees change and every case differs — we send a fixed written quote covering your exact activity, visa count and facility before you commit to anything.
Common questions
How long does attestation take end to end?
Usually three to six weeks, dominated by the home-country stages. Some countries are considerably slower. Start as early as you can — attestation is the most common cause of delay in a visa application.
Can I attest a document after arriving in the UAE?
The home-country steps must be completed in the country that issued the document, so if you have already left, it must be sent back or handled by someone there. This is why we recommend attesting before you relocate.
Which documents actually need attestation?
Most commonly degree certificates for skilled work permits, and marriage and birth certificates for family sponsorship. We confirm exactly what your case requires first — attesting documents you do not need is a common and avoidable expense.
Let's get this handled
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you exactly what's involved, what it costs and how long it takes.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109