Whether you’ve recently secured a job or welcomed a new addition to your family in the UAE, chances are you’ll need to submit documents that require attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Certificates attestation issued both within and outside the UAE need a MoFA stamp to be considered valid. Among the documents typically requiring attestation are diplomas, transcripts of records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical reports, and employment contracts.
In the past, residents had to visit MoFA centers for document attestation. However, the process is now more convenient as it can be completed anytime, anywhere through the ministry’s online platform.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Before starting the application, ensure your certificate meets the requirements:
- It must be the original document in English or Arabic (or an official translation).
- It should be attested by the appropriate governing bodies prior to submission. If issued abroad, it needs to be stamped by the UAE Embassy, Consulate, or an accredited foreign mission in the UAE.
- It should not be laminated.
Log in to the platform to complete this step swiftly. Alternatively, you’ll need to register.
Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Services’ tab and select ‘Services for Individuals’, which will direct you to the ‘Documents Attestation’ option.
You’ll need to provide details about the document you’re submitting, including its country of origin. Note that you can attest more than one certificate simultaneously.
During this process, you’ll also select your preferred courier service.
Payments can be made via credit card, direct debit, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay. Fees are applied for each document.
Attestation of individual certificates, whether issued within or outside the UAE, incurs a fee. Note that diplomas and transcripts of records are considered separate documents.
The same fee applies to invoices. However, documents utilized for commercial purposes, like company setup contracts and commercial licenses, are charged at Dh2,000.
Hand over your document/s to the courier at the designated time and location.
If there are no issues with the submitted document, you’ll receive it back with the MoFA stamp within three days, depending on your chosen courier service.
Should any issues arise, the document will be returned to you with instructions on necessary actions.
