Frequently Asked Questions
Straight Answers on Attestation, MOFA, Apostille & Translation in Dubai
Your Most-Asked Questions About Attestation & Translation in Dubai
Below are direct answers to the questions our clients — and visitors researching document attestation, MOFA procedures, apostille, and certified translation in Dubai — ask us most often. Browse by topic, or contact DUNES for a quote on your specific document.
Certified True Copies & Notarization in Dubai
Where can I get a certified true copy of a document in Dubai?
DUNES can prepare and certify true copies of your original documents in Dubai. A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that has been verified and stamped as a genuine match by an authorized party, most commonly a notary or, for documents headed into the government attestation chain, through attestation services. Bring the original document and a photocopy, and our team will guide you to the right certification route for your destination.
Who can certify a true copy in the UAE?
In the UAE, true copies are typically certified by a notary public, the issuing authority itself, or through the relevant government attestation department. DUNES works with all three routes and can advise which one your document and destination country require.
Where can I get a document notarized near me in Dubai?
DUNES provides notary services in Dubai for a wide range of personal, commercial, and legal documents, including notarizing signatures, powers of attorney, and declarations. Contact us with your document type and we’ll confirm the requirements and turnaround time.
What is a self-attested document?
A self-attested document is one you sign and stamp yourself to confirm it’s a true copy of the original — it is not the same as official government attestation, which requires verification by an authorized department such as the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Most UAE and overseas authorities require the latter for legal use.
Legal & Certified Translation Services in Dubai
Who is the best legal translation service in Dubai?
DUNES is a Dubai-based legal translation provider specializing in certified, court-accepted Arabic–English translation of contracts, certificates, and official documents. The right provider for your document depends on the target authority’s requirements — we can confirm whether your translation needs to be certified, notarized, or both before you submit it.
What makes a translation "certified" or "legal" in the UAE?
A legal or certified translation in the UAE is produced by a translator or agency licensed for the relevant language pair and stamped to confirm accuracy, so government departments, courts, and embassies will accept it. Our Legal Translations page covers the certificate, contract, and legal document types we handle.
How do I get a marriage certificate translated into Arabic?
DUNES provides certified marriage certificate translation from English (or other languages) into Arabic, accepted by UAE courts, the Ministry of Justice, and attestation departments. Send us a clear scan of the original certificate to get started.
Can you recommend a reliable document translation and attestation service in Dubai?
DUNES handles certified translation and attestation under one roof, so your document moves through both steps without you coordinating two separate providers. Contact us with your document type and destination for a quote.
MOFA Attestation Process in the UAE
How do I get a document attested from MOFA?
You can apply for MOFA attestation through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or smart application; eligible UAE-issued digital documents can be attested digitally, while other documents go through an approved courier route. Our step-by-step MOFA attestation guide walks through the full process, or DUNES can handle the submission for you.
How can I get MOFA attestation in the UAE or Dubai?
DUNES provides full-service MOFA attestation in Dubai — document review, submission, and collection — so you don’t have to navigate the process yourself. Send us your document details for a quote and estimated timeline.
What is MOFA attestation?
MOFA attestation is an official UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs service that verifies the authenticity of signatures and seals on eligible documents, a required step before many personal, educational, and commercial documents can be used abroad. Our complete guide to MOFA attestation explains the full process for UAE residents.
What is the fee for MOFA attestation in the UAE?
MOFA attestation fees vary by document type and processing route (digital vs. courier-based). See our MOFA attestation fees breakdown for current rates, or contact DUNES for an all-inclusive quote covering the government fee and our service.
How do I check or verify a MOFA attestation online?
You can verify a MOFA attestation’s authenticity through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ online verification tool. Our MOFA attestation verification guide walks through the steps and explains what to do if a document doesn’t verify.
Apostille Attestation for Dubai & the UAE
What is apostille attestation?
An apostille is a form of international document certification recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, replacing the need for embassy legalization in those countries. See our Apostille Attestation Services page for how this applies to documents used in or from Dubai.
How do I apostille a document in Dubai?
For documents issued in a Hague Convention country and destined for use in the UAE (or vice versa), DUNES coordinates the apostille attestation process — including translation where required — so the document is accepted by the receiving authority.
Who can do an apostille in the UK for use in Dubai?
Apostilles for UK-issued documents are issued by the UK’s Legalisation Office (FCDO). DUNES assists with the full chain for documents travelling between the UK and Dubai — see our UK apostille attestation for Dubai service.
Is an apostille accepted in the UAE?
The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a plain apostille alone is often not sufficient for UAE use — documents typically still need UAE embassy/MOFA attestation. Our apostille attestation team can confirm exactly what your document needs based on its origin and purpose.
Where can I get an apostille near me in Dubai?
DUNES is based in Dubai and manages the apostille and attestation chain for documents used locally or sent abroad — see our Apostille Attestation Services page or contact us to start your request.
Document Attestation Requirements in the UAE
What is attestation in the UAE?
Attestation is the official process of verifying that a document — and the signatures and seals on it — is genuine, so it can be legally recognized and used across UAE government departments or abroad. Our Attestation Services hub covers the full range of documents we handle.
Where can I attest documents in Dubai?
DUNES provides end-to-end document attestation in Dubai, covering personal, educational, and commercial documents, from the issuing-country stage through UAE MOFA and embassy attestation.
What documents need to be attested for the UAE?
Commonly attested documents include educational certificates, marriage and birth certificates, powers of attorney, and commercial documents such as trade licenses and invoices — the exact requirement depends on the receiving authority. See our Attestation Services page for the full list.
Who provides embassy attestation in the UAE?
Embassy attestation is carried out by the relevant country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE, usually after the document has cleared UAE MOFA attestation. DUNES manages embassy coordination as part of our attestation services.
Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai
How do I get a special power of attorney in Dubai?
A special (specific) power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf for a defined task, such as a property sale or company matter, and in the UAE is typically drafted in Arabic and notarized. Our Power of Attorney Services page and our guide on general vs. special POA explain which type fits your situation.
Working With DUNES
How long does document attestation or translation take with DUNES?
Turnaround depends on the document type and route: digitally eligible MOFA attestations can be completed within hours, while courier-based attestation and embassy steps typically take a few business days. Contact us with your document for an accurate timeline.
Does DUNES also provide interpretation services in Dubai?
Yes. Alongside translation and attestation, DUNES offers professional interpretation services in Dubai, including consecutive, simultaneous, and legal interpretation.