Degree Attestation in UAE – A Complete Guide for Professionals and Students
Relocating to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work, studies, or personal reasons often requires authenticated documents that are legally recognized by UAE authorities. Among the many types of document verification, degree attestation UAE stands out as one of the most important, especially for expatriates seeking employment or higher education opportunities.
This comprehensive guide explains what degree attestation is, why it is necessary, the step-by-step procedure, common challenges, and how professional assistance can save you time and effort.
What is Degree Attestation in UAE?
Degree attestation in UAE is the process of verifying the authenticity of an educational certificate issued by a university, college, or school from another country. Once the degree is authenticated and stamped by relevant authorities in both the issuing country and the UAE, it becomes legally valid for official purposes.
In simple terms, it is proof that your degree is genuine, recognized, and acceptable in the UAE. Without attestation, your educational qualification will not be considered valid for employment, higher studies, or visa processing in the Emirates.
Why is Degree Attestation Necessary in the UAE?
The UAE is home to millions of expatriates working in diverse industries. To maintain legal transparency and prevent fraud, authorities insist on attestation of foreign academic credentials. Here’s why it matters:
- Employment Opportunities
Most companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates require attested degrees before issuing an offer letter or employment visa. This is especially true for jobs in education, healthcare, engineering, and finance. - Higher Education
Universities and colleges in the UAE often demand attested degree certificates before enrolling foreign students into postgraduate or specialized programs. - Professional Licensing
Regulatory bodies in fields like medicine, law, and engineering require attested degrees to issue licenses. - Family Visa and Immigration
In some cases, degree attestation is necessary when applying for family sponsorship or dependent visas. - Legal Recognition
Attested degrees are also required for certain court cases, government contracts, or official submissions.
In short, degree attestation ensures your qualification is officially accepted across the UAE.
Documents Required for Degree Attestation in UAE
To complete the attestation process smoothly, you will need the following:
- Original degree certificate
- Passport copy of the certificate holder
- Visa copy (if applicable)
- Authorization letter (if using an agent)
- Mark sheets or transcripts (sometimes required depending on issuing country)
Step-by-Step Process of Degree Attestation in UAE
The process can look lengthy, but it follows a structured path. Below is the detailed procedure:
1. Notary Attestation in Home Country
The degree is first authenticated by a notary or local authority in the country where it was issued.
2. State Government Attestation
For educational documents, the relevant state education department or HRD (Human Resource Department) validates the degree.
3. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation
Next, the degree must be verified by the Ministry of External Affairs in the home country.
4. UAE Embassy Attestation
The UAE Embassy in the issuing country then attests the degree certificate.
5. MOFA Attestation in UAE
Finally, once the certificate reaches the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) provides the last stamp of authentication.
Only after this step is your degree considered legally recognized in the Emirates.
How Long Does Degree Attestation Take in UAE?
The timeline depends on several factors, such as the country of origin, document type, and whether there are any missing approvals. On average:
- Standard process: 10–15 working days
- Urgent process: 3–7 working days (with additional costs)
If translations are required or any prior stamps are missing, the process may take longer.
Cost of Degree Attestation in UAE
The cost varies depending on the issuing country and type of document. Typically, fees are charged at each stage:
- State or education department fee (home country)
- Ministry of External Affairs attestation fee
- UAE Embassy attestation fee
- MOFA attestation fee in UAE
On average, the total cost may range between AED 500 to AED 2000, depending on urgency and additional services such as courier or translation.
Common Challenges in Degree Attestation
While the steps sound straightforward, many expatriates face hurdles such as:
- Incomplete attestation in home country
- Incorrect documentation (missing mark sheets or transcripts)
- Translation requirements for non-English or non-Arabic documents
- Delays due to embassy workload
- High costs if re-submissions are needed
Because of these issues, many individuals prefer to hire professional agencies to avoid mistakes.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Attestation Services
Professional agencies handle the complexities of degree attestation on your behalf. The benefits include:
- End-to-end assistance – from notary to MOFA stamping.
- Faster processing – agencies know the correct procedures and contacts.
- Hassle-free experience – no need to run between government offices.
- Transparency – regular updates on progress.
- Peace of mind – ensures your documents are legally valid.
Who Needs Degree Attestation in UAE?
Degree attestation is mandatory for:
- Expatriates seeking new jobs in the UAE.
- Students applying for admissions to UAE universities.
- Professionals like doctors, teachers, engineers, and accountants who need licensing.
- Individuals applying for immigration or family visas.
- Business professionals submitting academic proof for government tenders.
Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services?
When it comes to degree attestation in the UAE, choosing a trusted partner is crucial. Benchmark Attestation Services has years of expertise in handling attestation for educational, personal, and commercial documents. Our experienced team ensures that your degree attestation process is smooth, fast, and compliant with UAE laws.
We take care of the entire procedure—from notary verification in your home country to MOFA stamping in the UAE—so that you can focus on your career, education, or personal commitments without stress.
Conclusion
Degree attestation in UAE is not just a formality—it is a mandatory process that validates your educational achievements and ensures they are officially recognized within the Emirates. Whether you are moving for a new job, higher studies, or professional licensing, degree attestation is essential for a successful transition.
The process can be complex and time-consuming, but with expert assistance, it becomes smooth and reliable. Benchmark Attestation Services is committed to providing professional support that makes attestation stress-free and efficient. For individuals and businesses looking for trusted solutions in Dubai and across the UAE, Benchmark is your go-to partner for all matters related to certificate attestation.
