Attestation is the process of authenticating documents for use in UAE or abroad. It typically involves multiple steps: home country authentication, UAE embassy legalization and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation. Typing centers manage the entire chain on your behalf.
What Is Document Attestation?
Document attestation is a verification process that confirms the authenticity of a document for use in another country. A chain of stamps and signatures proves that the document is genuine and issued by a recognized authority. Without attestation, foreign documents are not accepted by UAE government departments, courts or employers.
Documents Commonly Attested
- Educational certificates: Degrees, diplomas, transcripts — required for employment and higher education
- Marriage certificates: Required for family visa sponsorship
- Birth certificates: Required for child visa and school registration
- Company documents: Trade licenses, certificates of incorporation, MoA
- Police clearance certificates: Required for employment and visa applications
- Power of attorney: For property transactions and business matters
- Medical certificates: For visa and employment purposes
Steps in the UAE Attestation Process
- Home country notarization / HRD / MEA authentication — Get your document authenticated by the relevant authority in the country of origin (e.g., Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Office, HRD department)
- UAE embassy legalization — The UAE embassy in the home country legalizes the document before it enters the UAE
- MOFA attestation in UAE — The final step: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation once the document arrives in the UAE
Typing centers coordinate every step, liaising with home country agents, embassies and MOFA.
MOFA Attestation
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation is mandatory for all personal documents before they are accepted by UAE authorities. MOFA attestation can be booked online via mofa.gov.ae. Typing centers handle the appointment booking, document submission and follow-up with MOFA.
Chamber of Commerce Attestation
For commercial documents — invoices, certificates of origin, company letters — attestation by the UAE Chamber of Commerce is required before MOFA attestation. Typing centers familiar with Chamber requirements ensure your commercial documents meet the correct format before submission.
How Typing Centers Help
Typing centers manage the full attestation chain:
- Document review and completeness check
- MOFA appointment booking
- Courier coordination for documents sent from abroad
- Follow-up on attestation status
- Collection and safe return of attested documents
Attestation Fees
- MOFA attestation: AED 150 per document
- Chamber of Commerce: AED 100–200 per document
- UAE Embassy legalization (home country): varies by country, typically AED 100–400
- Typing center service fee: varies by document type and number of steps involved
Confirm total fees with your typing center before starting the process.