Commercial document attestation in the UAE is required to make business documents legally valid for banking, licensing, customs clearance, and government approvals. In 2026, companies must complete notarization, embassy legalization, and MOFA UAE stamping in the correct order to avoid rejection. This guide shows the exact steps, official fees, timelines, portal process, and the fastest combined legalization option.
What is commercial document attestation?
Commercial document attestation in the UAE is the official legal process that validates corporate documents so that UAE authorities accept them without rejection.
Most business rejections happen because companies skip one legalization step or upload unclear scans to the MOFA portal.
This guide shows the exact order, official fees, and fastest path to get your documents approved without delays.
How to Complete Commercial Document Attestation in the UAE
Commercial document attestation in 2026 can take as little as 48 hours when documents arrive complete and courier delivery is fast.
You start with notarization in the issuing country.
Then you complete the foreign ministry approval.
After that, you get the UAE Embassy stamp.
Finally, you submit the document to MOFAUAE for the final seal.
2026 Update: Faster MOFA Attestation Abroad
Some UAE embassies now offer combined legalization and MOFA attestation in select countries. This update helps speed up the process for documents issued outside the UAE.
How the Combined Service Works
If your document qualifies, you get one stamp from the UAE Consulate that includes both embassy and MOFA approval on the same page.
How This Saves You Time and Money
- One-Stop Service Abroad
No need to get the MOFA stamping again inside the UAE. - Simplified Steps
What was once four steps is now one. - Capped Cost
Fixed at AED 2,300 per document.
Key Rules You Should Know
- Not Automatic
You must ask for the “Combined Legalisation and Attestation” when applying. - Check Eligibility
Not all documents or countries qualify. Always confirm with the consulate. - No Courier Needed
Since the final stamp is issued abroad, you avoid sending originals to MOFA in the UAE. This saves 1–3 working days.
Why This Change Matters in 2026
This is part of the UAE’s digital transformation to simplify bureaucracy and help businesses enter the market faster and more efficiently.
Why is business document verification mandatory?
Business document verification is mandatory because it ensures all companies operating in the UAE follow federal laws and maintain transparent corporate structures.
The UAE government maintains high standards for international trade. Therefore, they require every foreign-issued business paper to undergo strict scrutiny. This process prevents shell companies from entering the local market illegally. Additionally, it provides legal certainty when two companies enter into a partnership. For example, a landlord in Dubai will only sign a lease with a foreign firm if their power of attorney is fully attested. This transparency helps the UAE remain a top global destination for secure business investment. Using a commercial registration number UAE linked to your license further solidifies your company’s identity. Consequently, the government can track all legal business activities easily.
Common commercial documents requiring attestation
The most common commercial documents requiring attestation include Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), board resolutions, and trade licenses.
Why These Documents Require MOFA UAE Attestation
- Used in cross-border business operations
- Required for branch setup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or UAE Free Zones
- Needed for license renewals and new approvals
- Recognized as legal corporate assets — carry higher scrutiny
- Without attestation, they are not valid in legal, banking, or licensing systems
Always prepare a clear checklist of documents before applying. Missing or unverified files cause rejection and delays.
MOFA UAE commercial attestation fees 2026
The MOFA UAE commercial attestation fee in 2026 is 2,000 AED per document, excluding courier charges and prior embassy fees.
| Document Type | MOFA Official Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
| Board Resolutions | 2,000 AED | 2,500 – 4,000 AED |
| Trade Licenses | 2,000 AED | 2,500 – 4,000 AED |
| Power of Attorney | 2,000 AED | 2,500 – 4,000 AED |
| MOA / AOA | 2,000 AED | 2,500 – 4,000 AED |
While the MOFA fee is fixed at 2,000 AED, the total cost is often higher. This is because you must pay for notarization in your home country first. Furthermore, courier services like Aramex charge for picking up your physical documents. Some specialized documents follow a different fee structure. However, for most corporate legal papers, the 2,000 AED rate applies. Paying these fees through the official MOFA portal is fast and secure. You can use a credit card or UAE PASS to finish the payment.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Attestation Process (2026 Update)
The attestation process for foreign documents involves a chain of verifications from the issuing country to the final UAE authority. As of 2026, the process is primarily digital and can now be completed faster through a new “combined legalisation” option in some cases. You can start the official application via the MOFA website or mobile app, and you must log in using UAE Pass.
| Stage | Key Action | Notes for 2026 |
| 1. Verification in Issuing Country | Have your document notarized locally and then attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. | This step remains mandatory. For some countries (e.g., the US, UK, India), this stage may involve getting an Apostille instead of traditional attestation, as the UAE accepts these. |
| 2. UAE Embassy/Consulate Legalisation | Submit your document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country for their stamp. | Major Update: Some consulates now issue a digital legalisation page that may include the final MOFA attestation. If it does, you can skip Step 4. Ask your consulate if this “combined service” is available. |
| 3. Preparation for UAE Submission | Ensure your document meets all official requirements for the MOFA portal. | The document must be an original (not laminated), in English or Arabic, or have a certified translation. Scan it clearly for upload. |
| 4. MOFA UAE Final Attestation | Log into the MOFA portal, upload your document, pay the fees, and schedule a courier for the original. | This step is only needed if the UAE Consulate in Step 2 did not provide a combined attestation. The standard processing time is 0-3 business days. |
Understanding the New, Faster Path
The most important update for 2026 is the introduction of digital and combined attestation. Here’s what it means for you:
- Digital Certificates: MOFA and UAE embassies now issue digital attestation certificates instead of (or in addition to) physical stamps. These can be verified instantly online.
- Combined Legalisation Service: When applying at a UAE consulate abroad (like in the US or India), request the “Combined Legalisation and Attestation” service.
- If Successful: The consulate will provide a digital page with both the embassy and MOFA stamps. This means your document is fully legalized the moment you receive it, eliminating the separate MOFA step in the UAE and saving 1-3 business days.
- Official Requirements: Remember, for any submission, your document must not be laminated, must have all prior stamps, and you must use UAE Pass to log in to the MOFA system.
Tips for a Smooth Process
To use this updated process effectively and avoid rejection:
- Confirm the Combined Service: Before submitting documents to the UAE Embassy/Consulate in your home country, contact them directly to ask if they offer the new combined legalisation format that includes MOFA attestation.
- Follow the Digital Rules: Prepare for a digital-first process. Have clear scans, use UAE Pass, and be ready for e-payment.
- Check Specific Country Rules: The first step (home country verification) differs by nation. For instance, documents from India now require an MEA apostille, while those from Pakistan follow a full traditional chain. Verify the exact steps for your country of origin.
Attesting documents issued outside the UAE
To attest documents issued outside the UAE, you must complete all legalization steps in the country of origin before applying to MOFA.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot verify a document if they do not recognize the original signature. Therefore, they rely on the UAE Embassy in your home country to act as their eyes. For instance, if your company is registered in London, the UK Foreign Office must first confirm it. Then, the UAE Embassy in London adds its stamp. Finally, the MOFA office in the UAE sees the embassy stamp. They then know the paper is safe to approve. This international cooperation is vital for global trade. If you are performing document attestation abu dhabi for a foreign firm, check the back of the paper. You must see the embassy stamp clearly.
Requirements for a commercial registration number in the UAE
To get a commercial registration number, you must first obtain a valid trade license and register your business with the local Chamber of Commerce.
Key Facts About the Commercial Registration Number
- Acts as your company’s official business ID in the UAE
- Appears on your trade license
- Is required for all official interactions with banks, ministries, and government entities
- Is linked to the National Economic Register (NER) for instant verification
- Must be renewed annually with your trade license
- Without it, your business can’t legally hire employees
- Banks will refuse corporate account applications without this number
How to use the MOFA digital portal
You use the MOFA digital portal by logging in with your UAE PASS, selecting the business attestation service, and uploading your documents.
The digital portal is the fastest way to handle paperwork in 2026. It eliminates the need to visit government offices in person. Once you log in, the system guides you through a series of questions. You must choose Business to see the correct fee of 2,000 AED. After you pay, you can choose your preferred courier service. The portal provides a tracking number so you can see your document’s location. Most applications finish within 48 to 72 hours. This efficiency helps business owners focus on their work instead of paperwork.
Why is UAE PASS essential for attestation?
UAE PASS is essential because it provides a secure, single-sign-on identity that speeds up the verification process for all government services.
You use UAE PASS to:
- Log into the MOFA portal securely
- Access government services with one account
- Avoid multiple usernames and passwords
- Verify your identity using Emirates ID and biometrics
- Auto-fill company and personal details
- Prevent data entry mistakes
- Match your application with official records
- Sign documents digitally
- Track attestation requests online
How UAE PASS Improves Attestation Speed
- Removes manual form errors
- Speeds up submission approval
- Reduces rejection risk
- Supports paperless government services
UAE PASS is now mandatory for most federal services. Without it, you cannot complete the MOFA attestation online.
Rules for legal translation of business papers
Business papers not in Arabic or English must be translated by a certified legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
The ministry officials must be able to read every word on your document. A standard translation is not enough. You must use a Legal Translation that carries a specific government stamp. The translator takes responsibility for the accuracy of the text. This translated version is usually bound together with the original document. Both parts receive the attestation stamps as a single unit. If your documents are in languages like French or German, start early. It adds an extra day to your timeline, but it is necessary.
Common mistakes to avoid in commercial attestation
Common mistakes include submitting photocopies, missing the UAE Embassy stamp, and failing to pay the correct commercial fee.
Avoid these errors to prevent rejection and delays:
- Submitting photocopies instead of original documents
- Missing the UAE Embassy stamp before MOFA submission
- Selecting personal service instead of the commercial category
- Paying the wrong MOFA fee
- Laminating original documents (MOFA cannot stamp plastic)
- Uploading blurry or unclear scans
- Submitting damaged or torn documents
- Using uncertified translations
- Choosing the wrong document type in the portal
Pro Tip to Avoid Rejection
- Always upload high-resolution scans
- Double-check all stamps before submission
Confirm the service category shows a commercial fee (2,000 AED)
Courier and delivery services for MOFA
MOFA partners with trusted couriers like Zajel and Aramex to safely transport your original business documents for stamping.
Since the process is now digital, the physical document still needs to reach the ministry. When you finish your online application, you pick a time for the courier. They provide a secure envelope for your paper. You can track the shipment on the courier’s website. Once the ministry finishes the attestation, the courier brings it back. This door-to-door service is a massive improvement. It ensures that your valuable papers never get lost. Most people choose the Express option for faster results.
Commercial document attestation UAE in 2026 is mandatory for all foreign businesses. Use the combined attestation service at UAE embassies when available to save time and fees. If not, follow the full MOFA legalization chain.
Always use UAE PASS, submit original documents, and ensure certified translations to avoid rejection.
Need fast help?
BusinessLinkUAE offers expert commercial document attestation and MOFA clearing services across the UAE.
Call us: +97143215227
WhatsApp: +971502052735
Email: connect@businesslinkuae.com
Start your attestation process today.
FAQ’s
What is the commercial attestation fee in 2026?
The official fee is 2,000 AED per document.
How long does MOFA attestation take?
It typically takes 1 to 3 working days.
Can I attest a scanned copy?
No, you must provide the original physical document.
Is UAE PASS mandatory for login?
Yes, it is the required way to access the portal.
What if my document is not in English?
You must get a legal translation from a certified agency.
Do I need a Chamber of Commerce stamp?
Yes, most business papers require this step first.
Can I pay with cash at the ministry?
No, you must pay online via credit card.
What happens if my application is rejected?
The 2,000 AED fee is usually returned to your card.
Does the attestation stamp expire?
No, the MOFA stamp stays valid forever.
Can a PRO service handle this for me?
Yes, setup firms can manage the entire process for you.
