MOFA Attestation Dubai 2026: Locations, Fees, Turnaround

Where to Get MOFA Attestation in Dubai

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) handles final attestation for most personal and educational documents in the UAE. In Dubai, the main service centre is at Al Tawar Centre on Al Nahda Road. A second counter operates inside the Dubai World Trade Centre for walk-ins. Both sites follow the same 2026 fee schedule and processing rules.

Arrive before 2 pm on weekdays for same-day collection when possible. Bring the original document plus a clear photocopy. No appointment is required for standard personal documents, but educational certificates may need an online slot booked via the ICP portal first.

Current MOFA Fees in 2026

Each stamp costs AED 150 for documents up to five pages. Additional pages cost AED 10 each. If your document already carries an attestation from another emirate, you pay the same AED 150 fee again for the Dubai stamp. Payment is accepted by card or cash at the counter.

Express service is not offered at MOFA counters. Any company claiming next-day turnaround for an extra fee works as an agent and adds its own charges on top of the official AED 150.

Free Versus Paid Options

You can complete the process yourself at no extra cost beyond the AED 150 stamp. Many expats choose agents for convenience, especially when multiple documents need stamping. Typical agent mark-ups range from AED 200 to AED 400 per document, plus any courier fees.

Online submission is available only for documents that already hold UAE embassy attestation from abroad. In these cases, upload scans through the MOFA portal, pay AED 150, and collect the stamped original from your chosen Dubai centre.

Step-by-Step Process

First, confirm your document type needs MOFA attestation. Most contracts, degrees, and birth or marriage certificates do. Next, complete any required prior steps such as notarisation at a Dubai court or verification by the relevant ministry. Then visit the MOFA counter with originals and copies. Pay, wait for the stamp, and collect the same day or within three working days.

Keep the receipt. Some government departments later ask to see it when you submit attested documents for visas or company formation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not laminate documents before attestation. MOFA will reject laminated papers. Also check that the preceding attestation is from the correct authority. For example, a Canadian degree needs Canadian embassy attestation first, then MOFA. Skipping this step adds delays and extra trips.

Finally, verify working hours on the official MOFA site before travel. Counters close early during Ramadan and public holidays.

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