Step 1: Attestation in the Country of Origin

Before a document can be attested in the UAE, it must usually be attested by the issuing country’s authorities, such as:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Education (for educational certificates)
• Chamber of Commerce (for commercial documents)
• Notary public or relevant government body

Timeline: Typically 1–5 working days, depending on the country and document type.

Step 2: Attestation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate

The document is then attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in the issuing country. This step confirms the authenticity of the document for use in the UAE.

Timeline: Usually 2–7 working days, depending on the embassy’s workload.

Step 3: Attestation by UAE MOFAIC

Once the document reaches the UAE, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). MOFAIC verifies the previous attestations and confirms the document’s validity in the UAE.

Timeline: Typically 1–3 working days. Some premium services offer same-day attestation.

Step 4: Additional Free Zone or Local Authority Attestation (if Required)

Certain authorities, universities, or government departments may require further attestation, such as by a free zone or local UAE authority.

Timeline: Usually 1–3 working days.

Total Estimated Document Attestation Timeline

Overall, the UAE document attestation process can take anywhere from 7 to 20 working days, depending on the document type, country of origin, and service speed. Using professional attestation services can reduce delays and simplify the process.