Updated for 2025: This is your complete, verified, and practical guide on how to attest Nepal-issued documents for use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Whether you’re a student, employee, or business owner, this article explains every step clearly so your documents are accepted without delays.
Understanding the Attestation Process
Before any document issued in Nepal can be legally recognized in the UAE, it must go through a document attestation or legalization process. This ensures authenticity and prevents the use of fraudulent certificates for employment, study, or family sponsorship purposes.
Quick Summary (At a Glance)
Start with MOFA Nepal attestation, then choose one of the two valid routes:
- Route 1 (Nepal): UAE Embassy in Kathmandu — dual attestation (UAE Embassy + UAE MOFA), process ends here.
- Route 2 (UAE): Nepal Embassy/Consulate in UAE → UAE MOFAIC (final legalization).
Both routes are officially valid. The choice depends on whether your documents are in Nepal or the UAE.
Step 1 — MOFA Nepal (Consular Department)
Every document must first be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Nepal. This is the mandatory first step before either route.
Documents typically attested:
- Educational Certificates – SEE/SLC, +2, bachelor’s, master’s, diplomas
- Personal Documents – birth, marriage, divorce, police clearance (PCC)
- Commercial Documents – company registration, POA, audit reports
Route 1 — UAE Embassy in Kathmandu (Dual Attestation)
If your documents are in Nepal, this route completes the entire process before you travel.
- MOFA Nepal: Get the document attested by MOFA’s Consular Department.
- UAE Embassy Kathmandu: Submit the MOFA-attested document for dual attestation:
- UAE Embassy seal
- Simultaneous UAE MOFA attestation via digital system
✅ Process ends here. Your document is already legalized for UAE use — no further steps are required once you arrive.
Route 2 — Nepal Embassy/Consulate in UAE → UAE MOFAIC
If you or your documents are already in the UAE, this route allows you to complete attestation locally.
- MOFA Nepal: Get your document attested in Nepal.
- Nepal Embassy (Abu Dhabi) or Consulate (Dubai): Have the document verified and attested.
- UAE MOFA (MOFAIC): Final legalization for official use inside the UAE.
✅ Process ends after UAE MOFAIC attestation.
Documents Checklist
- Original document with MOFA Nepal stamp
- Valid passport copy (and UAE visa/Emirates ID for UAE steps)
- Authorization letter (if someone submits in Nepal)
- Certified English/Arabic translation (if required)
Processing Time & Fees
- MOFA Nepal: 1–5 working days
- UAE Embassy Kathmandu: 3–10 working days (dual attestation)
- Nepal Embassy/Consulate UAE: 1–3 working days
- UAE MOFAIC: same day to 2 working days
Fees depend on document type, urgency, and service level. Always verify before submission.
Which Route Should You Choose?
- Route 1 (Kathmandu): Best if your documents are in Nepal and you want a single-step solution.
- Route 2 (UAE): Best if you and your documents are already in the UAE.
Conclusion
For Nepalese citizens, document attestation for the UAE begins with MOFA Nepal and ends with UAE MOFAIC — unless you use the UAE Embassy in Kathmandu, which completes both in one go. Both routes are recognized by UAE authorities, so choose the one that best fits your situation.
With proper preparation, your documents will be accepted smoothly for employment, family visas, study, or business in the UAE.