Ministry of Justice Attestation Services in UAE

MOJ Attestation Process in Abu Dhabi

While the exact procedure can vary depending on the type of document and its origin, the general process for obtaining MOJ attestation in Abu Dhabi follows the following steps.

Step 1: Document Notarization

For a document to be eligible for MOJ attestation, it must first be notarized by a notary public.

• Notarization: This is the initial authentication step where a public notary verifies the identity of the signatory and witnesses their signature. The notary public then stamps the document, confirming that the person signing it is indeed who they claim to be.
• For Locally-Issued Documents: Documents like affidavits or powers of attorney drafted within the UAE are typically notarized at a Notary Public office in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
• For Foreign-Issued Documents: If the document originates from another country, it must undergo a multi-step legalization process, including:
  • Notarization in the home country.
  • Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the home country.
  • Attestation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the home country.
  Only after these steps can the document be submitted for MOJ attestation in the UAE.

Step 2: Submission to MOJ

Once the document is notarized (or fully legalized if from abroad), the next step is to submit it to the Ministry of Justice.

• Online Submission: The MOJ offers an online portal for a streamlined, paperless process. You will need to create an account, upload the scanned documents, and pay the required fees. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
• In-Person Submission: You can also submit the documents at a MOJ service center in Abu Dhabi. This method may involve longer wait times and requires all physical documents to be in order.

Step 3: MOJ Attestation Stamp

• Verification: The Ministry’s officials will verify the signatures, seals, and legal content of the document.
• Official Stamp: Once the verification is complete and the document is approved, the MOJ will affix its official seal and signature, which legally attests to the document’s validity.
• Collection: The attested document is then ready for collection, either physically or as a digitally signed document.

Step 4:MOFA Attestation

In many cases, MOJ attestation is not the final step. For documents to be used in government transactions or abroad, an additional layer of authentication is required from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC).

• Purpose: MOFAIC attestation validates the official MOJ stamp and signature, making the document internationally recognized.
• Use: It is the final step in the legalization chain for documents that will be submitted to foreign embassies or used in transactions outside the UAE.

Our services can handle this final step for you, ensuring a seamless transition from MOJ to MOFAIC attestation without any additional hassle.

Documents Required for MOJ Attestation

The documents required for MOJ attestation vary depending on the nature of the document. Here is a general list of what you will need:

• Original Document: The original document to be attested.
• Passport Copy: A clear copy of the passport of the person applying for the attestation.
• Emirates ID Copy: A copy of a valid Emirates ID.
• Power of Attorney: If the application is being submitted by a third party, a valid power of attorney is required.
• Legal Translation: If the document is not in Arabic, an official, certified legal translation into Arabic is mandatory. This translation must be carried out by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
• Trade License: For commercial documents, a copy of the company’s valid trade license is necessary.