Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a thriving hub for employment, education, and business opportunities, attracting individuals from all over the world. However, one crucial process that expatriates must go through is Degree Attestation UAE. This legal procedure is necessary for validating educational documents to be officially recognized by the UAE government. Whether you are applying for a job, pursuing higher education, or applying for a residence visa, understanding the Degree Attestation UAE process is essential.
This article provides a complete, reader-friendly, and informative 1000-word overview of Degree Attestation UAE, including its importance, the step-by-step process, required documents, and helpful tips.
What is Degree Attestation UAE?
Degree Attestation UAE refers to the official process of verifying and authenticating educational certificates by authorized government departments, making them valid for use within the UAE. This process ensures that the degree or diploma issued by a foreign university or institution is genuine and accepted by the UAE authorities.
This attestation is typically required for:
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Employment in UAE
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Applying for a copyright
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Admission into UAE universities
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Family sponsorship
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Changing visa status
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Professional license issuance
Why is Degree Attestation Important in the UAE?
The UAE government has strict regulations regarding foreign documents. They require degree attestation to:
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Prevent document fraud
Attestation ensures that documents submitted are legitimate and not falsified. -
Ensure authenticity of educational qualifications
Employers and institutions need assurance that your credentials are real and match the job/academic requirements. -
Legal compliance
It's a legal requirement to have documents attested before they can be officially used in any UAE-based formal procedure.
Who Needs Degree Attestation in the UAE?
Degree attestation is required by a wide range of individuals such as:
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Foreign professionals seeking employment
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Students enrolling in UAE universities
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Business owners applying for professional licenses
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Individuals sponsoring family members
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Expats switching job categories or visas
Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s, Ph.D., diploma, or any educational certificate, you will likely need to undergo Degree Attestation UAE procedures.
Documents Required for Degree Attestation UAE
Before beginning the attestation process, you must gather the following documents:
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Original degree certificate
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Copy of copyright
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Mark sheets/transcripts (in some cases)
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UAE visa copy (if applicable)
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Authorization letter (if using a service agent)
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Supporting documents (depending on the issuing country)
Each country may have slightly different requirements. Always verify with the UAE embassy in your home country or a professional attestation service.
Step-by-Step Process of Degree Attestation UAE
The Degree Attestation UAE procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Attestation by the University or Educational Board
Your degree must first be authenticated by the issuing university or educational board to confirm its legitimacy.
2. Home Country Government Attestation
Next, your degree needs to be verified by relevant government departments in your home country such as:
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Ministry of Education
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
3. UAE Embassy Attestation in Home Country
Once verified by your government, the degree certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy located in your home country.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in the UAE
After the document arrives in the UAE, it must be submitted to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for final attestation.
Time Frame and Cost of Degree Attestation UAE
The duration and cost of Degree Attestation UAE depend on multiple factors such as:
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Country of origin
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Type of degree (bachelor’s, master’s, diploma)
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Attestation service provider
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Whether you are doing it personally or through an agency
Time Frame:
It can take anywhere between 7 to 20 working days.
Cost:
Prices may range from AED 300 to AED 2,000, including service fees.
Attestation Services in the UAE
If you want to avoid the hassle of visiting multiple offices and embassies, many attestation agencies in the UAE can assist with:
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Collecting and submitting your documents
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Tracking the attestation process
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Ensuring timely delivery
Top cities offering attestation services include:
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Dubai
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Abu Dhabi
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Sharjah
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Al Ain
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Ajman
Challenges People Face in Degree Attestation UAE
Many individuals face difficulties such as:
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Delays in verification
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Missing documents
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Incomplete embassy procedures
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Miscommunication between government departments
Solution:
Hiring a professional attestation service can minimize these challenges and speed up the process significantly.
Tips for Smooth Degree Attestation UAE
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Check the accuracy of all documents before submission.
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Ensure spelling matches between certificates and copyright.
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Start early to avoid delays in visa or job processing.
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Use a trusted attestation service to handle the legwork.
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Track the status of your documents to avoid misplacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I get my degree attested while in the UAE?
Yes. You can send your documents from the UAE to your home country via authorized attestation agencies for processing.
Q2. Is attestation required for all educational documents?
Not always. It depends on the UAE employer, visa category, or university. However, attestation of your highest qualification is typically mandatory.
Q3. What happens if I don't attest my degree?
You may face rejection in job applications, visa denials, or delays in official processes.
Q4. How long is a degree attestation valid in the UAE?
Once a degree is attested, it remains valid indefinitely unless specified otherwise by a particular institution or government body.
Q5. Can I authorize someone else to attest my documents?
Yes, with a signed authorization letter and valid ID proof, someone else can act on your behalf.
Conclusion
Navigating the Degree Attestation UAE process may seem complex, but it is a necessary step for legalizing your education credentials in the Emirates. Whether you're an aspiring student, a professional, or a sponsor, attesting your degree ensures compliance with UAE law and opens doors to opportunities across sectors.
By following the correct procedures and possibly hiring a reputable attestation agency, you can avoid delays, reduce stress, and ensure your academic achievements are recognized officially in the UAE.