One of the first questions people ask before starting attestation is simple: how much will it cost? The honest answer is that attestation costs are not one-size-fits-all — they depend on the document type, the country that issued it, how urgently you need it, and the UAE authority it must be attested by.
This guide breaks down every cost involved so you know exactly what to budget in 2026.
Why attestation costs vary
Attestation involves several stages, each with its own fee: home-country processing (notary, ministry, regional authorities), UAE Embassy attestation in your home country, the UAE MOFA stamp, and an optional service fee if you use a professional. Each country charges differently at each stage, so a UK, an Indian and a Philippine document can total different amounts for the same certificate type.
Typical document attestation costs in Dubai (2026)
These are approximate ranges for the full process, including all stages. Urgent processing costs more, and exact figures depend on your country of origin.
| Document type | Estimated total (AED) |
|---|---|
| Degree / educational certificate | 450 – 900 |
| Marriage certificate | 400 – 800 |
| Birth certificate | 350 – 700 |
| Police clearance certificate | 400 – 800 |
| Power of Attorney | 350 – 700 |
| Commercial documents | 500 – 1,200 |
Government fees vs service fees
The two are always separate. Government fees are fixed charges set by the relevant authority (UAE MOFA, the UAE Embassy abroad, or the home-country Ministry of Foreign Affairs). They are non-negotiable — typically AED 150–300 per document at the UAE MOFA stage alone. Service fees are what you pay a professional to manage the process — coordinating offices, handling submissions, tracking progress and returning completed documents. When comparing quotes, always ask whether government fees are included or added later.
Costs by document type
Educational certificates are among the most commonly attested. The full cost covers home-country university and ministry stamps, UAE Embassy attestation, and the UAE MOFA stamp. Indian documents add a state-level HRD step; Pakistani documents may need HEC attestation. Typical range: AED 500–900.
Personal documents (marriage, birth, death certificates) follow the standard four-stage chain and are generally cheaper than degrees. Typical range: AED 350–800.
Power of Attorney and commercial documents run in the opposite direction — a POA prepared in the UAE is notarised locally, then attested through UAE MOFA and the relevant foreign embassy here. Typical range: AED 350–1,200 (multi-page or multi-party commercial documents cost more).
Hidden costs to watch for
- Translation. If your document is not in Arabic or English it may need certified legal translation — AED 35 per page (Arabic ↔ English) or AED 140 per page for other language pairs.
- Re-attestation. An incorrect or expired stamp can mean repeating a stage. A professional service reduces this risk.
- Courier & logistics. Shipping originals between countries is additional.
- Urgent processing. Expedited stages usually cost 30–50% more.
- Embassy appointment fees. Some UAE Embassies charge a booking fee on top of the attestation fee.
How to get an accurate quote
The reliable way to know your exact cost is to describe your situation: what is the document type, which country issued it, when do you need it, and do you have the original. Seal & Signature will send a precise quote — including all government fees — within minutes on WhatsApp.
Is it worth using a professional service?
For most people, yes. Errors in attestation are expensive — a missed stamp or wrong order means starting over, often from the home-country stage. Your time has value, and coordinating offices across two or three countries while working in the UAE is rarely practical. Reputable services also tend to be faster, thanks to established relationships with the relevant offices.
UAE MOFA charges standard per-document fees — commonly around AED 150 per document for personal and educational certificates, higher for commercial documents. These are government-set and do not vary by agency.
You can avoid agency service fees by submitting to each office yourself, but you still pay all government fees, and the coordination effort and risk of error is high.
Very low quotes often exclude government fees or offer slower turnaround. Always ask for a fully inclusive quote.
UAE Embassy attestation can sometimes be done through a regional embassy in a neighbouring country, or via the home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Message us to check your situation.
There is no official expiry on the attestation itself, but some UAE authorities prefer documents attested within the last 2–3 years. Older attestations are usually still accepted.
