Encapsulation topography-assisted techniques for forming self-aligned top contacts in MRAM devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming an MRAM device includes: forming MTJs on interconnects embedded in a first dielectric; depositing an encapsulation layer over the MTJs; burying the MTJs in a second dielectric; patterning a trench in the second dielectric over the MTJs exposing the encapsulation layer over tops of the MTJs which creates a topography at the trench bottom; forming a metal line in the trench over the topography; recessing the metal line which breaks up the metal line into segments separated by exposed peaks of the encapsulation layer; recessing the exposed peaks of the encapsulation layer to form recesses at the tops of the MTJs; and forming self-aligned contacts in the recesses. An MRAM device is also provided.