MOFA attestation in the UAE is a critical step for validating documents used for employment, immigration, education, business setup, or family sponsorship. However, many applicants face rejection because their documents fail to meet the strict verification standards set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Understanding these rejection reasons in advance can save time, prevent delays, and help applicants avoid repeating the attestation cycle. This FAQ explains the most common reasons why MOFA rejects documents and how to prevent these issues through proper preparation and compliance.
1. Missing or Incomplete Prior Attestations
MOFA is the final stage of attestation, not the first. If any earlier stamp is missing, your document is automatically rejected.
Common Issues:
- No attestation from the issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Missing the UAE Embassy attestation from the home country
- Document submitted without notarization (where required)
- Educational certificates lacking university and state-level verification
How to Prevent It:
- Ensure the document follows the correct order:
Issuing Authority → Local Ministry → Home Country MOFA → UAE Embassy → UAE MOFA - Verify the attestation sequence with a professional typing center before submission.
- For degrees, always confirm whether additional verification (e.g., HEC, board attestation, apostille) is needed in your country.
2. Incorrect or Inaccurate Information on the Document
MOFA checks for consistency between the details on the document and your official identity records.
Common Mistakes:
- Misspelled names (even a single letter can cause rejection)
- Wrong passport number or outdated passport details
- Incorrect dates of birth or marriage
- Conflicting information across multiple documents
- Educational certificates with mismatched courses or issuance dates
How to Prevent It:
- Match the document details exactly with your passport and Emirates ID.
- If errors exist, correct them in the issuing country before beginning attestation.
- Double-check all spelling, stamps, and signatures before visiting MOFA.
3. Damaged, Illegible, or Poor-Quality Documents
MOFA will not attest to any document that is physically damaged or unclear.
Common Issues:
- Torn edges
- Smudged ink
- Water damage
- Faded stamps or signatures
- Blurry photocopies
- Unauthorized printouts
How to Prevent It:
- Submit only clean, original documents with clear seals.
- Avoid laminated documents unless your country officially issues them laminated.
- Carry multiple high-quality photocopies for safety, but know that MOFA attests originals only.
4. Submitting the Wrong Document Type
Applicants often submit documents that MOFA does not attest to or that require a different category of approval.
Examples:
- Incorrect degree (e.g., submitting transcripts instead of the actual certificate)
- Submitting internal company documents without the chamber or ministry approval
- Using unregistered marriage or birth certificates
- Attempting to attest documents not recognized by the issuing country
How to Prevent It:
- Confirm whether your document is legally valid for attestation.
- For commercial documents, ensure the chamber of commerce and ministry approvals are completed.
- Get translations done by a certified legal translator if the original is not in English or Arabic.
5. Lack of Proper Translation Where Required
MOFA requires certain documents to be translated into Arabic or English before attestation.
Issues Leading to Rejection:
- Using informal or non-certified translations
- Submitting only the translated copy without the original
- Mismatched information between the original and the translation
How to Prevent It:
- Use a MOFA-approved or legally licensed translation service.
- Submit both the original and the translation together.
- Re-check names, dates, and numbers after translation.
6. Document Is Considered Fraudulent or Tampered
MOFA conducts authenticity checks. If a document appears altered or suspicious, it is immediately rejected and may be reported.
Common Red Flags:
- Fake seals or digital signatures
- Altered dates
- Edited academic grades
- Unofficial online-generated certificates
- Documents from unaccredited institutions
How to Prevent It:
- Only use original, verifiable documents.
- Ensure educational institutions are recognized by the UAE.
- Avoid any service offering “shortcut attestations” or unrealistic promises.
7. Incomplete Application or Missing Requirements
MOFA may reject documents simply because the applicant did not follow instructions.
Examples:
- Missing passport copy
- No Emirates ID or visa page
- Unpaid MOFA fees
- Incorrect application type selected online
How to Prevent It:
- Prepare all documents in advance before visiting MOFA.
- Check current fees and requirements on the MOFA website.
- Use a typing center to avoid errors during the online application.
MOFA rejections often occur due to incomplete attestations, incorrect information, poor document quality, missing translations, or non-recognized certificates. By ensuring accuracy, preparing the correct documents, and understanding all prior steps, applicants can significantly reduce the chances of rejection. Proper preparation not only saves time and money but also ensures their documents are legally accepted across UAE government entities.