Attestation of Indian documents for the UAE

For the UAE, Indian documents are usually attested in a chain rather than apostilled: state or university verification, then MEA attestation, then the UAE Embassy in India, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) after the document reaches the UAE. Check the latest requirement with the UAE body that asked for it.

Step by step

1. State or university verification of the original document in India.
2. MEA attestation.
3. Attestation by the UAE Embassy in New Delhi or a UAE Consulate in India.
4. MOFA attestation in the UAE, which you or your employer complete there.

When you need it

Commonly for employment visas and work permits, professional licensing, school admissions for children, and family visas (marriage and birth certificates).

Time and cost

Usually 2 to 4 weeks in India before courier to the UAE, longer if the university must verify first. Embassy and MEA fees are paid at actuals with receipts, and SafeNRI's fee is shown separately before we start.

If you need help

SafeNRI handles the India steps and couriers the documents to you in the UAE. See Apostille and attestation. SafeNRI is an independent private service, not affiliated with any government department, university or board. You can also apply yourself; our fee is for assisting and representing you, and official fees are charged at actuals with receipts.

Common questions

Why not an apostille for the UAE? The UAE generally follows the attestation route for Indian documents. Always confirm with the employer or authority asking, as rules can change.

Can the MOFA step be done from India? No. MOFA attestation is completed in the UAE after the document arrives.

Do you need my original degree? Yes, attestation is stamped on the original. We photograph it when it reaches us and before it leaves.

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