MOFA attestation in the UAE is mandatory as it is a requirement to validate your certifications. Most employers in the country ask for your certificates and credentials before you can go to work.
It is also required by the UAE government to get your certificates and credentials attested so they would know that you are not using fake documents to secure a job. And whether you are applying for a visa, study, medical, and other purposes, your documents need to be verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who can get MOFA attestation in the UAE?
If you are a tourist, student investor, company, resident, or citizen, you need to get your documents attested by MOFA in the UAE. This means that all expats who are here to work or reside, your certificates need to bear the attestation of the ministry.
What type of documents are attested by MOFA?
MOFA can attest to the following documents: birth certificates, death certificates, education certificates, marriage contracts, divorce contracts, medical certificates, commercial contracts and invoices, and powers of attorney.
Every expat should remember that before you go to the locations of MOFA to get your documents attested, you have to make sure that all your certificates are original. No photocopies will be accepted by the ministry. You also need to ensure that all of the information in your certificates and credentials are true. If not, you will face consequences later on for forging such documents. If you are an expat who will work and live in the country, the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country needs to attest the documents first.
Step by step guide on how to get your documents attested
An online application is a best and most convenient way to get your documents attested in the UAE. Here’s the step by step guide on how to start with your attestation.
1. Register on MOFA’s website.
- If you don’t have your account yet, you can register on this website https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/Account/Login. If you already have SmartPass account, you can use a username and password to log in. By the way, the SmartPass account works both for expats and locals. You can use this account to get access to different UAE online smart services.
- Once you are on the registration page, make sure to opt for the customer type, which is either a company or an individual.
- Input all the required information and click Submit.
2. Apply for MOFA attestation.
- After your registration or log in, you will be automatically routed to a smart form.
- Fill out the smart form and provide all the needed information.
- Choose the right authority for your attestation and click Submit.
3. Wait for the review of your application.
- After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by MOFA.
- If all conditions are met, you will receive a message regarding the approval of your attestation.
4. Pay the fees for the attestation.
- After receiving the approval message, you have to pay for the attestation fees. It can also be done through the website.
- Just log in back on the website, go to “My Tasks” and make a payment.
5. Go to a Customer Happiness Center/UAE Embassy
- Once you are done paying the fee, you can now get your documents attested.
- For residents and locals, you can go to the nearest Customer Happiness Center.
- For expats, you can go to the UAE Embassy in your home country.
All of these steps apply whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah. Just a reminder to expats who are about to go to the UAE, the attestation is done in your home country through the UAE Embassy. Once you become a resident of the UAE and you want to attest to the other documents you need, you can directly go to a Customer Happiness Center.
Also, MOFA has a mobile app wherein you can do all of the procedures above. With your smartphone, you just have to download the MOFAIC app and follow the instructions above. The use of the application is ideal for expats who will need to use the MOFA/MOFAIC services continuously. It’s also easier to navigate the website since the app is very user-friendly.
How much are the fees to get your documents attested?
The fees will depend on which type of document you are going to attest. Some of the basic documents such as birth certificate, court certificates, certificate of good conduct, death certificate, employment contract, educational credentials, experience certificate, medical records, marriage contracts, police report, and power of attorney will cost you AED 150 each.
Meanwhile, other documents such as commercial licenses, Board of Director decisions, certificate of good standing, company setup contract, commercial agreements, financial statements, patent registration, ISO certificate, article of association, and other documents with commercial purposes will cost you AED 2,000 each. These documents are common to investors and entrepreneurs.
Where are the Customer Happiness Centers & the UAE Embassy located?
For the UAE Embassy in your home country, the location will depend per country. Make sure to do your own research first so you would exactly where the embassy is located.
As for the Customer Happiness Centers, here are the following locations:
Dubai Customer Happiness Centers
- Dubai Chamber in Deira
Contact: +971 4 283 8800
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays - MOFAIC Office Dubai in Consulates Neighborhood, Bur Dubai
Contact +971 4 404 0087
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays - Al Twar Centre in Al Twar Area 1
Contact +971 4 202 8112
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays - Al Manara Center in Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact +971 4 503 5103
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays
Abu Dhabi Customer Happiness Centers
- Marina Center in Ground Floor, Marina Mall
Contact 800 44444
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays
Ajman Customer Happiness Centers
- Ajman Chamber in Ajman Corniche Road
Contact +971 6 744 1777
7:30 AM to 2:30 PM on weekdays
Sharjah Customer Happiness Centers
- MOFAIC Office Sharjah in Maliha Road, Sharjah
Contact 800 44444
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays
Final Thoughts
Attestation is one of the requirements when you are applying for a job in the UAE. Without your attested documents, it will be harder to find a good company where you can show your professional skills and experience.
Follow the steps above so you won’t find yourself lost when navigating the MOFA website. If you have friends or relatives who need to do this procedure, make sure to share this article with them for reference. Sharing is caring!