If you need a UAE document recognised abroad – or a foreign document recognised in the UAE – MOFA attestation is the step that makes it official. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) verifies the stamps and signatures on your document so that banks, universities, courts, and government bodies will accept it. Here’s exactly how the process works in 2026, including the current fees and the fastest way to get it done without leaving home.
What Is MOFA Attestation?
MOFA attestation is the final legalisation stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It confirms that a document – a degree, a marriage certificate, a salary certificate, a commercial agreement – has passed through the correct chain of verification and is genuine. Documents issued outside the UAE generally need attestation from the UAE embassy in the issuing country first; documents issued inside the UAE need the relevant local authority’s stamp (for example, a notary or the Chamber of Commerce) before MOFA will attest them.
MOFA Attestation Fees in 2026
- Personal documents – educational certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, salary certificates: AED 150 per document.
- Commercial documents – agreements, invoices, certificates of origin and other company papers: AED 2,000 per document.
- Each document is charged separately – a degree plus a marriage certificate means two AED 150 fees.
- Courier collection and delivery is available at an additional charge if you’d rather not visit a centre.
How to Apply Online (the 2026 Way)
The entire process can now be completed digitally, 24/7:
- Log in with UAE Pass on the MOFAIC attestation portal at mofa.gov.ae or through the UAE MOFA smart app. UAE Pass authentication is mandatory.
- Select the document type – choose whether it was issued inside or outside the UAE, pick the category and country of issuance, and upload clear scans. The document must be in English or Arabic (or accompanied by a legal translation) and must not be laminated.
- Wait for review, then pay. You’ll receive an SMS when the application is approved for payment. Pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Receive the attestation. Digital attestations are often completed within about 2 hours during working hours; standard requests are processed within 3 business days. Physical documents can be couriered both ways.
Documents That Commonly Need MOFA Attestation
- Educational certificates – for jobs, university admissions, and golden visa applications
- Marriage and birth certificates – for family sponsorship and school enrolment
- Salary certificates – when used for applications abroad
- Powers of attorney, court documents, and NOC letters used abroad
- Commercial documents – agency agreements, memoranda of association, certificates of origin
Practical Tips Before You Apply
- Get the chain right. MOFA is the last stamp, not the first. Foreign documents need home-country and UAE-embassy attestation first; UAE documents need their issuing authority’s stamp.
- Don’t laminate originals – laminated documents are rejected.
- Translate first if needed. Documents in other languages need a legal translation into Arabic or English before attestation.
- Check the destination country’s requirements – some also require their own embassy’s stamp after MOFA.
In Conclusion
MOFA attestation in 2026 is faster and simpler than it has ever been: AED 150 per personal document, a fully online portal with UAE Pass, and turnaround as quick as a couple of hours. The only part that trips people up is the attestation chain before MOFA – get the earlier stamps right and the final step is effortless.
How Can SetHub Help?
SetHub’s document services team manages the full attestation chain every week – notarisation, embassy stamps, legal translation, MOFA, and courier logistics – for individuals and companies alike. If you’d rather hand the whole file to someone who does this daily, schedule a call online and our experts will get back to you within one business hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MOFA attestation cost in 2026?
AED 150 per personal document and AED 2,000 per commercial document, plus optional courier fees.
How long does MOFA attestation take?
Digital attestation is often completed within about 2 hours during working hours; standard requests take up to 3 business days.
Can I complete MOFA attestation fully online?
Yes. The entire process runs through the MOFAIC portal or the UAE MOFA app with UAE Pass, including courier pickup and delivery.