If you’re planning to work, study, or settle in the United Arab Emirates, your academic documents must be officially verified through degree attestation UAE. This process ensures that your educational qualifications are genuine and recognized by UAE authorities, allowing you to secure employment, pursue higher education, or process visa applications without any complications.

Attesting your degree certificate confirms that it was issued by a legitimate educational institution and authenticated by relevant authorities both in your home country and in the UAE. Let’s explore the full procedure, requirements, and benefits of degree attestation UAE in detail.

What Is Degree Attestation for UAE?

Degree attestation UAE is the official verification of your educational documents to prove their authenticity. It involves a series of authentication steps by your home country’s authorities, the UAE Embassy, and finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Without attestation, your degree certificate will not be accepted for:

  • Employment visa processing

  • Higher education admission

  • Family visa sponsorship

  • Professional licensing or business setup

Why Is Degree Attestation UAE Important?

The UAE government mandates degree attestation for all foreign nationals to prevent the submission of fake documents and to maintain a transparent verification system. The attestation ensures that your academic qualifications meet the country’s standards.

Key purposes of degree attestation in the UAE:

  • To obtain a work permit or employment visa

  • For admission to UAE universities

  • For equivalency certificates from the Ministry of Education

  • For family visa applications or residency permits

  • For professional recognition (especially in health, engineering, and education sectors)

Types of Degrees That Require Attestation

The attestation process applies to various educational certificates depending on your purpose in the UAE:

1. Academic Degrees

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Master’s Degree

  • Doctorate (Ph.D.)

2. Professional Certificates

  • Diplomas and Technical Training Certificates

  • Specialized Professional Certifications

3. School Certificates

  • Secondary School Certificate (SSC)

  • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

Step-by-Step Process for Degree Attestation UAE

The attestation process must be completed in your home country first and then in the UAE. Below is the complete breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Notarization by Local Authorities

Your degree must first be notarized by a Notary Public or equivalent legal authority in your country. This confirms that the document is genuine and properly issued.

Step 2: Authentication by the Education Board or Ministry

The next step is to get your degree authenticated by the Ministry of Education or relevant academic authority in your home country. This confirms that your institution and course are recognized by the government.

Step 3: Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country)

Once the education authority has authenticated the degree, it must be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This serves as an official endorsement before sending it to the UAE Embassy.

Step 4: Attestation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate

After domestic verification, submit the document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country. They will check previous stamps and validate the certificate for use in the UAE.

Step 5: MOFA Attestation in the UAE

The final stage occurs when you arrive in the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will place the final stamp, officially recognizing your degree for use in the country.

Required Documents for Degree Attestation UAE

To ensure a smooth attestation process, prepare the following documents:

  • Original degree certificate

  • Copy of passport

  • Authorization letter (if applying through an agent)

  • Transcript or mark sheet (in some cases)

  • University verification letter (if requested)

  • Embassy or MOFA payment receipts

Processing Time and Fees

The degree attestation UAE process usually takes between 10 to 25 working days, depending on the authorities involved and whether courier services are used.

Estimated timeline:

  • Home country verification: 7–15 working days

  • Embassy attestation: 5–10 working days

  • MOFA attestation (UAE): 1–2 working days

Approximate cost:

  • Notarization: Country-specific

  • Embassy attestation: AED 150–250 per document

  • MOFA attestation (UAE): AED 150 per document

(Prices may vary depending on document type and courier services.)

Benefits of Completing Degree Attestation

Having your degree attested provides numerous advantages that help you legally establish your qualifications in the UAE:

  • Eligibility for employment and visa approval

  • Recognition of your education by UAE ministries

  • Ease in professional licensing and work permit processing

  • Validation for higher education or equivalency evaluation

  • Increased credibility with employers and institutions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your degree attestation UAE process goes smoothly, avoid these common errors:

  • Submitting incomplete or unsigned documents

  • Using photocopies instead of original certificates

  • Ignoring translation requirements for non-English documents

  • Sending documents without verifying their authenticity

  • Choosing unreliable courier or attestation agents

Professional Attestation Services

Many individuals prefer hiring professional attestation agencies to save time and avoid mistakes. These services handle all stages — from notarization to MOFA attestation — on your behalf.

Advantages of using professional services:

  • Fast and reliable process

  • Secure handling of original documents

  • Regular tracking and updates

  • Reduced chances of rejection or delay

Final Step – MOFA Attestation in UAE

After your degree has been attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country, the last and most crucial step is MOFA attestation in the UAE.

This is done by visiting a MOFA Attestation Center in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, where you can submit your document and pay the required fee. Once stamped, your degree is officially valid for all government, educational, and employment purposes in the UAE.