Copies, translation and attestation
Document Attestation in Dubai: Notary and MOFAIC Steps
Document attestation in Dubai usually has two parts. A notary public checks your signature or the paper. Then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) attests the document online. We take care of both.
We have in-house, in person notary public services, online notary public services and home visit private notary services. Our notary attestation Dubai service covers the first step, and we handle the MOFAIC step for you.
In short
- Price: handling from AED 150 for a personal document, from AED 300 for a commercial one. MOFAIC fees are paid on top at cost.
- Who signs: the owner of the document, or the person who signs it.
- What to bring: the original document, original Emirates ID or passport, and ID for any other signer.
- Where: notary step in person, at home or office, or online. MOFAIC step online.
- Next step: send us a photo of the document on WhatsApp.
Three ways to get the notary step done
In person with our in-house notary public
The notary public checks each signer's original ID, reads the document, watches you sign and applies the seal. We prepare and check the document first.
Home or office visit
We come to your home or office. Price on request, plus the Dubai private notary government fee of AED 1,000 per trip outside the place of work.
Online
UAE law lets a notary use IT tools in place of personal appearance (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022, Article 18). See our e-notary guide.
What happens at MOFAIC
MOFAIC provides its attestation services online only, through its website and the UAE MOFA app. Its Customer Happiness Centres are closed. You sign in with UAE PASS, and the system decides between digital and courier-based attestation.
- Digital attestation of UAE-issued documents: MOFAIC states within 2 hours in official working hours.
- Courier-based attestation: MOFAIC states 1 to 3 business days inside the UAE.
- Anyone can attest documents on your behalf. That is how we help.
These are MOFAIC's own times, not ours. Attestation is MOFAIC's act. We prepare the file, submit it for you and return it.
Government fees at MOFAIC
| Document type | MOFAIC fee |
|---|---|
| Individual (personal) document | AED 150 |
| Commercial document | AED 2,000 |
MOFAIC lists a power of attorney of a personal nature as an individual document. It lists a general power of attorney or a commercial power of attorney as a commercial document. So the type of power of attorney changes the fee.
Which documents go through attestation
- Personal documents. Certificates, to-whom-it-may-concern letters, employment contracts and offers, and a personal power of attorney.
- Company documents. A commercial power of attorney, a board resolution or a memorandum of association. See our company power of attorney page.
- UAE-issued papers. MOFAIC says UAE-issued documents are attested first by the issuing body. For example, a birth certificate goes through the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the local health authority first.
No apostille for UAE documents
The UAE does not appear in the status table of the Hague Apostille Convention. A UAE document therefore goes through MOFAIC attestation, not an apostille. The embassy of the country where you will use it may ask for a further step. Ask the office that requested your document what it needs.
Step by step
How it works
1
Send us a photo of the document and tell us where you will use it.
2
We check what steps it needs and tell you the price before you pay.
3
The notary public checks each signer's original ID, reads the document, watches you sign and applies the seal, where a notary step is needed.
4
We submit it for MOFAIC attestation and send it back to you. You can check the status on MOFA Verify with the reference number and the issue date.
Mistakes to avoid
Mistakes that get a document refused
- A name that differs from the passport. Check every line.
- A missing earlier step. A UAE-issued paper may need its own authority first.
- The wrong document type. A general power of attorney is commercial at MOFAIC.
- An unsigned or unsealed copy. MOFAIC attests the document, so send the right one.
- No translation where the receiving office needs Arabic or English. See our translation services.
Prices
Price
| Item | Our service price | Government fee, paid on top at cost |
|---|---|---|
| MOFAIC attestation, personal document (handling) | From AED 150 | MOFAIC AED 150 per personal document |
| MOFAIC attestation, commercial document (handling) | From AED 300 | MOFAIC AED 2,000 per commercial document |
| Home or office visit for the notary step | Price on request | AED 1,000 per trip outside the place of work (Dubai private notary) |
All service prices are starting prices and are negotiable. Government fees are paid on top, at cost, exactly as the authority charges them. We confirm your final price before you pay. See the notary fees page for the notary fee basis.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between notary attestation and MOFAIC attestation?
A notary checks who signs and seals the document. MOFAIC attests the document for use outside the UAE or with other authorities. Many documents need both, in that order.
How much does document attestation cost in Dubai?
Our handling starts from AED 150 for a personal document and AED 300 for a commercial one. MOFAIC charges AED 150 or AED 2,000 on top. We confirm the final price before you pay.
Can someone attest my document for me?
Yes. MOFAIC says anyone can attest documents on your behalf. We do this when you send us the document.
Is there an apostille in the UAE?
No. The UAE is not in the Apostille Convention status table. Documents go through MOFAIC attestation.
How do I check that a document was attested?
Use MOFA Verify at verify.mofa.gov.ae with the reference number and issue date.
More in copies, translation and attestation
Getting a document ready for MOFAIC or for use abroad.
Contact
Book your notary appointment
- Phone and WhatsApp: +971 52 947 5935
- Email: support@privatenotarydubai.com
- Hours: Office open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Dubai time). WhatsApp and online requests answered 24/7.
See all private notary services, or ask about signature approval.
- Phone+971 52 947 5935
- WhatsApp+971 52 947 5935
- Emailsupport@privatenotarydubai.com
- AddressJebel Ali, Main Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE