UAE Document Attestation Now Easier in 6 Countries via VFS Global

If you’re living in India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, South Korea, or the UK and need your documents attested for use in the UAE, here’s some good news worth knowing. VFS Global has just rolled out a new partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to handle UAE document attestation services outside the country.

Let’s break down UAE’s document attestation so you don’t get stuck in bureaucratic loops or waste time figuring it out on your own.

What Is Document Attestation and Why Does It Matter?

Attestation is the official process of validating a document issued in one country so that it’s legally recognized in another. For the UAE, that often includes:

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Academic records
• Power of attorney documents
• Commercial paperwork

If you’re planning to work, study, start a business, or sponsor a family member in the UAE, you’ll likely need attested documents. Without this stamp of approval, your paperwork can hit a wall at UAE immigration, education boards, or other government departments.

Where Is This New Service Available?

VFS Global now offers UAE attestation services in:

• India
• Jordan
• Saudi Arabia
• The Philippines
• South Korea
• The United Kingdom

This makes the process smoother for expats in these countries who need official documents cleared for use in the Emirates.

Why Use VFS Global?

Here’s the thing: you can still do this yourself through the MoFA website or mobile app. But using VFS Global adds some real-world convenience:

• Courier pickup and return – no need to visit embassies or stand in queues
• Fewer chances of paperwork errors
• Dedicated tracking and customer support
• Time-saving for busy professionals and families

Yes, it costs a bit more, this is an optional, paid service, but it could save you a lot of back-and-forth if you’re short on time or unsure about the process.

How the Process Works (Step by Step)

If you’re ready to go the VFS Global route, here’s what to do:

1. Go to mofa.gov.ae or use the MoFA mobile app
2. Choose:
   • Attestation Services Outside UAE
   • Your country of residence
   • VFS Global as your service provider
3. Pay the attestation fee online
4. Prepare your documents for courier pickup (VFS will handle the logistics)
5. Your paperwork will be sent to the UAE mission in your country for processing
6. If MoFA needs additional info, you’ll get an email
7. Once complete, your attested documents will be couriered back to your registered address

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re taking a new job in Dubai, enrolling a child in a UAE school, or setting up a business, attestation is a key part of making your life abroad function smoothly. VFS Global’s new role simplifies the process in six countries, and for many travellers, that’s a welcome option.

But remember: this is not the only way to get your documents attested. It’s a convenience layer, not a mandatory one. Choose what fits your situation best.