Moving to the UAE for work, study, or business often means getting your documents attested first.
Attestation confirms that the seals and signatures on your certificates are genuine. Here is how the process works in the UAE.
What Is Attestation in the UAE?
Attestation is the official process of verifying that the seal and signature on a document are real. It confirms your paperwork is genuine, so UAE authorities, employers, or universities can accept it.
In the UAE, attestation is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The ministry was called MoFAIC until 2023, so older documents may still carry that name.
You usually need attestation when you apply for a UAE work visa, a Green Visa, the Golden Visa, or a Job Seeker Visa, and also for school admissions, marriage, or starting a business.
Many expats arriving on flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi sort out attestation soon after they land and settle into their Dubai accommodation.
Which Documents Can You Attest?
MoFA attests three main types of documents. The category your document falls into also decides the fee you pay.
Personal Documents
These cover your personal and family records, such as:
- Educational certificates and academic transcripts (counted as two separate documents)
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Medical reports and police clearance (good conduct) certificates
- Employment contracts, bank statements, and powers of attorney
Commercial Documents
These relate to companies and trade, such as:
- Contracts and agreements
- Trade licences and commercial registration
- Board resolutions and company name changes
- Trademark and patent registrations
Commercial Invoices and Certificates of Origin
These are handled separately through MoFA’s online eDAS system. Electronic attestation is mandatory for goods imported into the UAE worth AED 10,000 or more.
How to Get Your Documents Attested
The steps depend on where your document was issued. Most applications now start online through the MoFA website or the UAE MOFA app.
Documents Issued Inside the UAE
- Get the original document attested by the UAE authority that issued it.
- Apply for MoFA attestation through its online channels and log in with UAE Pass.
- Pay the attestation fee.
- Receive a confirmation email, then collect your document by email or courier.
Documents Issued Outside the UAE
- Get the document attested by the foreign ministry of the country that issued it.
- Have it attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in that country.
- Submit it to MoFA in the UAE for final attestation if it is still required.
Your document must be in Arabic or English, or come with an official translation. It also must not be laminated, as this can block verification.
Courier delivery usually takes one to three working days, while digital documents are emailed to you. You can attest up to five documents in a single application.
Attested documents are often the last step before a residence visa is issued. Once yours is processed, you can check your UAE employment visa status online.
The New Digital Attestation Service
In April 2026, MoFA launched a pilot for fully digital attestation. It is designed to be simpler and more efficient than the older paper-and-courier route.
The redesign cuts the process from eight steps down to three. Each attested document carries a QR code, reference number, and barcode, so its details can be checked instantly.
To use it, log in with your digital ID, choose “Attestation in the UAE,” then select “Digital Documents.” Add your document details and destination country, then submit.
During the pilot phase, the ministry says digital requests are completed within about two working days. The service is also being used to screen applications more closely, much like the AI checks now used for work permits.
UAE Attestation Fees
MoFA charges a flat fee based on the type of document. Courier charges, if you choose delivery, are added on top.
| Document Type | MoFA Attestation Fee |
|---|---|
| Personal documents (certificates, birth, marriage, etc.) | AED 150 per document |
| Commercial documents (contracts, trade licences, etc.) | AED 2,000 per document |
| Commercial invoices & certificates of origin (eDAS) | From AED 150, based on value |
Commercial invoice fees through eDAS start at around AED 150 and rise with the value of the invoice. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the MoFA website before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does UAE attestation take?
Courier-based attestation usually takes one to three working days. The digital service removes the courier step, and during its current pilot the ministry says requests are completed within about two working days.
Do my documents need to be in Arabic?
Your document must be in Arabic or English. If it is in another language, you will need an official legal translation before MoFA can attest it.
How can I check if a document is genuinely attested?
You can verify an attested document on MoFA’s official portal at verify.mofa.gov.ae by entering its reference number or scanning the QR code on it.
Sources
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Attestation of Official Documents and Certificates
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Commercial Invoice Attestation (eDAS 2.0)
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Services
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Official Name Change Statement (2023)
- Gulf Today – Ministry Launches Pilot Phase for Digital Document Attestation Service (2026)
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Document Verification Portal
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
