Getting a job as an immigrant in the UAE isn’t just about having the right qualifications; you also need locally recognised credentials that meet minimum job requirements. Degree attestation verifies the authenticity of any education received abroad. It’s a crucial step for ensuring official approval for work visas and professional licenses, as well as compliance with UAE laws.
For newcomers unfamiliar with UAE policies, the degree attestation process can seem complex and time-consuming. But in this Remitly guide, we’ll break it down step by step, cover common requirements, and offer tips on overcoming potential challenges.
List of required documents
In some cases, attaching an Apostille to your academic records is sufficient proof of their validity. But the Emirates follows a process that requires authentication by relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) alongside its embassies and consulates abroad.
Before starting the UAE degree attestation procedure, ensure you have all the required documents:
- Original degree certificate and a photocopy
- Academic transcript
- Supporting documents, such as mark sheets, authorisation letters, or official endorsements from your university
- Copy of a valid passport
- Copy of a current UAE visa
Provide these documents in English or Arabic, and ensure they are unlaminated. Preparing your documentation beforehand will make the process go faster and much smoother.
Step-by-step attestation process for UAE
After gathering your documents, begin the degree certificate attestation process in your home country before final verification in the UAE.
Step 1: Initial verification from your university
Start by getting your degree verified by the university or educational institution that issued it. Contact your university verification office or check their online portal and submit a request with your details, including name, student ID, degree, and graduation year.
Once processed, you’ll receive an attested copy of your degree or a verification letter confirming that your academic credentials are genuine.
Step 2: Notary public attestation
After university verification, the next step is getting your educational certificates notarised by a public notary in your home country. Visit a licenced public notary with the original document and a valid ID. After confirmation, the notary will stamp and sign your degree, certifying it as a true copy.
This serves as an official endorsement of the document’s authenticity. To avoid delays, check with your local notary office to confirm the required fees.
Step 3: State-level attestation
After notarisation, get state-level attestation from your country’s home or education department.
State requirements vary, so check the official website or contact relevant authorities for the correct details.
Step 4: Ministry of external affairs attestation
Next, submit the attested degree to the ministry in charge of external affairs in your country—or its equivalent. Apply online or visit the designated ministry office with your documents.
Once processed, retrieve your attested degree in person or via courier if the service is available. This step ensures that your document is officially recognised for international use.
Step 5: Translation of documents
If your educational certificates are not in Arabic, you will need an official translation done by a certified legal translation service in the UAE. This translation must then be attested by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
Step 6: UAE Embassy and MOFA Attestation
Your educational documents have been attested, and you have received an MOJ-approved translation. Your next step is to submit them for authentication to the UAE embassy or consulate in your country. Visit the embassy or consulate in person, or use an authorised agent if needed.
Pay the authentication fee as per the embassy’s guidelines, using cash, bank transfer, or a credit card, if accepted. Once completed, collect your document.
The final step of attestation takes place at the UAE MOFA. This procedure can be completed at a MOFA service centre or through an authorised typing center. MOFA officially recognises your degree for employment, visa processing, or licensing.
Step 7: Submission to government authorities
Certain professions may require additional approvals after the MOFA attestation. Always confirm with your employer or industry regulator whether this step applies to you. For example, you may need to obtain further verification from:
- UAE Ministry of Education (MOE): Required if applying for academic roles or continuing education in the UAE.
- UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP): For medical sector professionals requiring professional licensing. You may also need to register locally in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or one of the other emirates.
- UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE): If your employer requests further verification before processing your work permit.
Following up after submission
Once you begin the degree certificate attestation process, you will receive SMS notifications at key stages to keep you updated on your application status. These updates will provide real-time information on:
- Application submission confirmation: Once your documents have been submitted for UAE embassy attestation, you will receive an SMS confirming the successful application registration.
- Processing status: As your documents move through various stages of the attestation process, you may receive periodic SMS updates to inform you of your application’s current status.
- Completion notification: After the final step, you will receive an SMS informing you that your documents have been successfully attested and are ready for either pickup or delivery.
By following these steps, your degree will be officially authenticated and validated in the UAE. A locally recognised qualification allows you to proceed with your job application, visa processing, or professional licensing.
Timeline: how long does attestation take?
Now that you understand the degree certificate attestation process, you might be wondering how long it will take. The time required for attestation depends on various factors, including your home country, the specific procedures involved, and the workload of attesting authorities.
The attestation process generally takes seven to ten business days to complete. However, in some cases, it may extend to four to six weeks.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Being aware of common pitfalls during the degree attestation process can help you avoid rejection, delay, or other unnecessary frustrations. What should you look out for?
Conflicting requirements from different authorities
The attestation process can become complicated because universities, embassies, and UAE government offices may have different requirements. Some institutions demand specific stamps or notarisation that others may not recognise.
Before initiating attestation, verify requirements with each entity. Get written confirmation or keep a checklist to track variations and avoid missteps. If discrepancies arise, consulting professionals or agencies specialising in UAE attestation can clarify conflicting standards.
High demand and lengthy processing times
Attestation requests can be time-consuming due to application backlogs, manual verification procedures, or increased demand during peak periods, such as graduation season.
Start the attestation process well in advance, preferably several months before your planned relocation or job start date. Use online tracking tools and official helplines to stay updated, and if necessary, opt for express processing services. You can also monitor peak seasons and plan to submit your application when processing times are shorter.
Stricter requirements for specific institutions
Educational documents from lesser-known colleges, universities, or online institutions often require extra verification. Some employers and UAE authorities scrutinise their legitimacy more closely, resulting in additional processing time and fees.
To streamline approval, obtain proof of accreditation—such as letters from the university, course transcripts, or direct confirmation—directly from the issuing institution. Engaging with an official university representative early in the process can help speed up verification and minimise unexpected hurdles.
Slow updates
Some applicants struggle with unresponsive government offices or embassies, making it difficult to receive status updates or clarifications.
Instead of relying solely on in-person visits, utilise online portals, official helplines, and embassy email contacts. Scheduling an appointment in advance can also improve response times.
If delays persist, consider using an authorised attestation service to handle follow-ups. You can also join expatriate forums or social media groups to get valuable insights from others who have recently completed the process.
Unexpected costs and last-minute fees
Attestation fees can vary depending on factors like document type, issuing country, and urgency level. Many applicants only realise hidden costs, such as translation, courier, or expedited service fees, after starting the process.
Request a full breakdown of expected fees before proceeding to avoid unexpected costs. Also, be wary of third-party agents who do not disclose costs upfront. Setting aside a contingency budget in your bank account for additional fees will help you avoid financial surprises.
If using a third-party service, compare pricing from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Handwritten or older degrees
Degrees issued decades ago—or those with handwritten entries—may face additional scrutiny during attestation. That’s because authorities today prefer printed or digitally verifiable documents. Some older institutions may also lack digital records, making verification even more complicated.
If your degree is handwritten or from an older institution, contact your university in the UAE in advance to obtain a modern, reissued version or an official letter verifying its authenticity. Some universities also offer digital verification services, which can speed up the attestation process.
Sudden changes in UAE regulations
Attestation policies in the UAE are periodically updated, and missing a policy change can lead to non-compliance or delays.
Regularly check the UAE MOFA website or official embassy pages for policy updates. If working with an attestation agency, ensure they stay informed about the latest regulations and adapt their procedures accordingly.
Subscribing to official government newsletters or alerts can also help you stay ahead of any regulatory shift.
Tips for a successful degree attestation process
Now that you know the common challenges, here are some essential tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and navigate the attestation process effectively:
- Keep digital and physical copies: Degree attestation requires various documents to be stamped and verified at multiple stages. Losing paperwork can cause significant delays, so store physical notarisation copies and secure digital scans online or on the cloud.
- Ensure your name and details match official records: The name and details on your degree certificate have to match your passport and visa, as any discrepancies can lead to rejection. Even minor differences, such as spelling variations or missing middle names, can cause delays and require additional affidavits or legal corrections.
- Ask employers for assistance: Some UAE companies offer attestation support as part of their onboarding process. They may either handle the entire process or connect you with an approved attestation service. Large corporations, multinational firms, and government-related entities could offer this benefit, too.
How to recognise scams and avoid them
Beware of agencies that promise guaranteed approval or unusually fast processing, as they may be fraudulent. Be cautious of:
- Lack of transparency: Agencies that refuse to provide proper receipts, official tracking updates, or clear breakdown of fees may be operating fraudulently.
- Unverified middlemen: Avoid dealing with intermediaries not directly affiliated with official attestation bodies in the UAE.
- Requests for cash payments only: Legitimate services provide proper invoicing and official payment methods. To avoid scams, ensure you receive official invoices and use traceable payment methods, such as digital banking.
Before proceeding, always verify an agency’s credentials and cross-check their legitimacy with official UAE authorities.
Get degrees attested in the UAE
Successfully completing degree attestation in the UAE requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to potential challenges. By understanding each step, you can navigate the attestation process easily and set yourself up for a smooth transition into the local workforce.
FAQs
How do I attest a foreign degree in the UAE?
To get your foreign degree attested for use in the UAE, you must follow a multi-step authentication process. Verify your degree with relevant authorities in your home country, including your university, a notary and the Ministry of Education. Then, submit the document to the UAE embassy in your country for further authentication. After traveling to the UAE, the final step involves attestation by the UAE MOFA. This ensures your personal documents are legally recognised for employment, education, and other official purposes.
Is degree attestation required for a UAE work visa?
Yes, degree attestation is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a UAE work visa, particularly for private-sector or licenced professional and skilled workers. Employers require attested degrees to verify an applicant’s qualifications are genuine and meet the necessary standards. Without attestation, your degree will not be considered valid, and your UAE visa application may be delayed or rejected. This process ensures that only verified profiles are accepted for employment in the UAE.
How many days will it take for UAE attestation?
The time required for UAE degree attestation depends on factors such as processing times in your home country, the workload of government offices, and whether you choose standard or expedited services. On average, the entire process can take anywhere from one to six weeks. However, delays can occur due to backlogs at government offices, incomplete paperwork, or changes in attestation policies. It is advisable to start the process well before any employment or visa deadlines.