Introduction
Degree attestation in UAE is an essential process for anyone seeking to pursue higher education, employment, or residency in the country. Whether you're an expatriate or a local planning to work or study abroad, your degree certificates need to be legally verified to ensure authenticity. This process validates that your academic credentials are legitimate and recognized by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
This comprehensive article will walk you through everything you need to know about Degree Attestation UAE, including the reasons for attestation, step-by-step procedures, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
What is Degree Attestation?
Degree attestation is the official process of verifying educational documents issued in one country for use in another. In the UAE, attestation confirms the legitimacy of your academic certificate so that local government bodies and employers can recognize it. This process typically includes verification by multiple authorities, both in your home country and in the UAE.
Why is Degree Attestation Required in UAE?
Degree attestation in UAE is mandatory for various purposes:
Employment Visa: Most private and government sector jobs in UAE require an attested degree certificate.
Higher Education: Universities and colleges demand verified educational qualifications.
Family Visa or Residence Permit: For dependents or spouse visas, the primary applicant’s degree needs attestation.
Professional License: Professions such as doctors, engineers, and teachers need attested degrees for license approval.
Who Needs Degree Attestation?
Anyone who has earned a degree outside of the UAE and plans to use it for:
Employment
Further education
Business registration
Immigration
Legal documentation
…within the UAE must undergo degree attestation.
Key Authorities Involved in Degree Attestation UAE
Attestation is a multi-step process involving several institutions:
Notary Public (Home Country)
Ministry of Education (Home Country)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
UAE Embassy or Consulate (Home Country)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE - MOFA)
Each step ensures the credibility of the document at different levels, from academic authenticity to diplomatic verification.
Step-by-Step Process of Degree Attestation for UAE
Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Notary Attestation
Get your degree certificate notarized by a local notary public in the country of issuance. This ensures the document is legally prepared and eligible for further attestation.
Step 2: Attestation by Home Country’s Education Department
Submit the document to the education department or the board of education in your country for verification. They confirm the institution is recognized and the degree is genuine.
Step 3: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)
Once verified by the education department, the document must be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This step legitimizes the document on a national level.
Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country)
After MOFA attestation, the document is forwarded to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country for diplomatic verification.
Step 5: MOFA Attestation in UAE
Upon arriving in the UAE, the final attestation must be done by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step authenticates your certificate for legal use within the country.
Documents Required for Degree Attestation in UAE
To complete the process, you typically need the following:
Original Degree Certificate
Passport Copy
Visa Copy (if applicable)
Authorization Letter (if handled by an agent)
Mark Sheets or Transcripts (optional but sometimes requested)
Copy of the Emirates ID (if available)
Note: Requirements may vary depending on your home country and the institution you graduated from.
Time Required for Degree Attestation
The complete attestation process may take 7 to 15 working days, depending on:
The country of issuance
The speed of processing in each department
Whether it’s being handled by an agent or done personally
Urgent or express services are available through some attestation agencies, but they often come at a higher cost.
Cost of Degree Attestation in UAE
Costs vary depending on the country of origin, the number of attestations required, and whether you use an attestation agency. On average:
Notary and Education Department fees: $10–$50
MOFA (Home Country): $20–$100
UAE Embassy attestation: $100–$200
UAE MOFA attestation: AED 150–200
Agency service charges may range from AED 250 to AED 800 depending on service level.
Benefits of Hiring an Attestation Agency
While it is possible to manage degree attestation on your own, many choose to hire a professional service due to:
Convenience and time-saving
Proper documentation handling
Tracking and follow-ups
Doorstep document collection and delivery
Reduced chance of rejection
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Incomplete Documentation: Always double-check requirements before submission.
Fake Degree Scams: Only submit degrees from accredited institutions.
Name Mismatch: Ensure your name on the certificate matches your passport.
Translation Errors: If your degree is in a non-English language, have it legally translated before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I attest a degree without visiting the UAE?
Yes, you can authorize a trusted agency to handle the entire process, including MOFA attestation within the UAE.
Q2: Is attestation required for online degrees?
Only if the online university is recognized and accredited by the country’s education authority.
Q3: Can I get a job in UAE without attested degree?
For most skilled jobs, attestation is mandatory. Some labor or entry-level jobs may not require it.
Q4: Do I need to attest both my degree and transcripts?
Usually, only the degree certificate is required, but some employers request transcripts as well.
Q5: How long is the attestation valid?
Once attested, your degree remains valid unless the certificate expires (rare) or requirements change.
Final Thoughts
Degree attestation UAE is a crucial step in validating your educational qualifications for legal and official use in the Emirates. Whether for employment, education, or residency, this multi-tiered process ensures your credentials meet UAE standards. With the right documents, clear steps, and possibly the help of a professional agency, you can complete the attestation efficiently and move closer to your goals in the UAE.
Always check updated regulations from the UAE MOFA or consult with a reliable attestation service to avoid delays or rejections.
