If you live in Jordan, India, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, or South Korea and need your documents certified for use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is good news. VFS Global has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to provide document attestation services outside the country.
What Is Document Attestation and Why It Matters
Attestation is the process of officially verifying a document issued in one country so it is legally recognized in another. For the UAE, this typically includes:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Educational records
- Power of attorney documents
- Commercial papers
If you plan to work, study, start a business, or sponsor a family member in the UAE, certified documents are often required. Without attestation, your paperwork may not be accepted by UAE immigration, universities, or government departments.
Where the Service Is Available
VFS Global currently provides UAE document attestation services in:
- United Kingdom
- India
- South Korea
- Jordan
- Philippines
- Saudi Arabia
This makes the process more convenient for residents in these countries who need their documents cleared for use in the UAE.
Benefits of Using VFS Global
Although you can still process attestation directly via the MoFA website or mobile app, VFS Global offers:
- Courier pickup and delivery—no need to visit embassies or stand in queues
- Reduced chances of documentation errors
- Dedicated tracking and customer support
- Time savings for professionals and families
While fees may be higher, the convenience can be worthwhile if you are short on time or unfamiliar with the process.
How the Process Works
To use the VFS Global service:
- Visit mofa.gov.ae or use the MoFA mobile app.
- Select:
- Attestation services outside the UAE
- Your country of residence
- VFS Global as your service provider
- Pay the attestation fee online.
- Prepare your documents for courier pickup (VFS will manage logistics).
- Documents are forwarded to the UAE mission in your country for processing.
- If additional information is required, MoFA will notify you.
- Once complete, your attested documents will be returned to your registered address.
Conclusion
Whether you are securing employment in Dubai, enrolling a child in a UAE school, or setting up a business, attestation is essential. VFS Global’s new role simplifies this process in six countries, offering convenience and efficiency.
Keep in mind that using VFS is optional—it provides added comfort, not a mandatory requirement. Choose the method that best fits your situation.