If you’re planning to live, work, study, or do business in the UAE, one of the most important steps you’ll face is document attestation—and at the final stage of that process lies MOFA Attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). It is a mandatory requirement for validating the authenticity of documents in the United Arab Emirates.
But many individuals and organizations ask: How much does MOFA attestation cost in Dubai? What are the different fees for personal, educational, or commercial documents? And how can you ensure a smooth process?
At Attestation Services Dubai, we answer these questions daily and provide hassle-free MOFA attestation services to clients across the UAE. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about MOFA attestation fees, associated services, and how to complete the process efficiently and affordably.
What is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – UAE) attestation is the final stage of document authentication in the UAE. After your documents are notarized and certified by your home country’s authorities and the UAE embassy, MOFA attestation confirms their legality and makes them valid for official use inside the UAE.
It applies to various types of documents including:
- Educational certificates
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Power of attorney
- Commercial documents
- Invoices and trade licenses
- Medical reports
- Court papers
Without MOFA attestation, your documents are not legally recognized by UAE authorities.
Why Is MOFA Attestation Important in Dubai?
The UAE government takes document authenticity seriously. MOFA attestation is essential for:
- Employment visa processing
- Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
- Academic admissions and equivalency certificates
- Starting a business or opening a bank account
- Real estate or property transactions
- Legal proceedings or civil claims
- Healthcare-related applications and insurance claims
At Attestation Services Dubai, we streamline the MOFA attestation process to make it efficient, cost-effective, and error-free.
MOFA Attestation Fee in Dubai: Detailed Breakdown
As of the most recent updates, the MOFA attestation fee varies based on the type of document and the entity requesting the attestation (individual or company). Here is a general breakdown:
1. Personal and Educational Documents
These include degrees, diplomas, marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, and more.
- MOFA Attestation Fee: AED 150 per document
This applies whether the document is issued inside or outside the UAE, as long as previous steps (embassy attestation, legalization, etc.) are completed.
2. Commercial and Business Documents
This category includes trade licenses, commercial invoices, board resolutions, MOAs, powers of attorney for business, and other corporate paperwork.
- MOFA Attestation Fee: AED 2,000 per document
This higher fee reflects the importance and legal weight of commercial documentation in business transactions and government compliance.
3. Medical Documents and Reports
Medical documents intended for insurance or court purposes also require MOFA attestation.
- MOFA Attestation Fee: AED 150 per document
Medical reports may also require additional translation if not issued in Arabic.
4. In-Country Issued Documents
Even documents issued inside the UAE must be attested by MOFA if they are to be used for government applications, international submission, or legal formalities.
- Fee: Same as above, AED 150 for personal and AED 2,000 for commercial
Please note that these fees are subject to periodic revision by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We recommend contacting Attestation Services Dubai for the most up-to-date fee structure.
Factors That Affect MOFA Attestation Fees
While the MOFA fee itself is standardized, several other factors can affect the total cost of the attestation process:
1. Country of Document Origin
Documents from different countries may require additional steps before reaching the MOFA stage—such as:
- Notarization in the home country
- Authentication by foreign ministries
- UAE embassy attestation
These additional processes may involve their own costs.
2. Translation Requirements
If your document is not in Arabic, an official legal translation may be required before or after MOFA attestation. Translation services may cost between AED 100 to AED 250 per page depending on language and complexity.
3. Urgency and Express Services
If you require fast-track or same-day processing, a premium fee may apply. We offer expedited services at Attestation Services Dubai upon request.
4. Pickup and Delivery Services
Some clients prefer end-to-end document handling with collection from home or office and delivery after completion. This adds convenience and may include nominal service fees depending on your location.
How to Apply for MOFA Attestation in Dubai
Here’s a simplified version of the MOFA attestation process:
Step 1: Pre-Attestation in Home Country
Documents issued outside the UAE must first be attested by:
- A notary public
- Ministry of External Affairs (or equivalent)
- UAE embassy in the home country
Step 2: Submit to MOFA in the UAE
After reaching Dubai or any other Emirate, submit your document for MOFA attestation through:
- A local typing center
- The MOFA online portal
- Authorized attestation agents like Attestation Services Dubai
Step 3: Pay the MOFA Attestation Fee
Payment can be made online or at the MOFA center via card. If you work through an agent, the fee is typically included in the package.
Step 4: Document Collection
Once attested, you will receive the document with an official MOFA sticker or stamp, certifying its validity within the UAE.
Why Choose Us for MOFA Attestation Services in Dubai
At Attestation Services Dubai, we provide expert, end-to-end solutions to make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s what sets us apart:
✔ Government-Registered Agent
We are authorized and experienced in dealing with UAE ministries and embassies.
✔ Fast and Reliable
Standard and express MOFA attestation services available. Most documents are completed in 1–3 working days after submission.
✔ Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. You pay exactly what’s quoted, and we explain all fees clearly.
✔ Free Pickup and Delivery (Dubai)
We offer door-to-door service for residents in Dubai, saving you time and travel.
✔ Multilingual Support
We speak Arabic, English, Hindi, Tagalog, and more—making the process easier for our diverse clientele.