For many people around the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents endless opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and settlement. Whether you are moving to Dubai for a lucrative job, seeking higher education in Abu Dhabi, or expanding your business in Sharjah, proper documentation is the foundation of your journey. One of the most critical processes in this documentation chain is Degree Attestation UAE.

This article will explain in detail what degree attestation is, why it is necessary, the step-by-step procedure, challenges you may face, and how to make the process easier.

What is Degree Attestation UAE?

Degree attestation is the process of validating and legalizing academic qualifications so they are officially recognized in the UAE. If you have earned your degree in another country and plan to use it in the UAE, it must be authenticated by several authorities, including the UAE Embassy in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Only after this process can your degree be accepted for professional, academic, or immigration purposes.

Why is Degree Attestation Required in UAE?

Degree attestation is a mandatory legal requirement for several purposes. Without it, your academic qualification will not be considered valid in the UAE. Here’s why it is essential:

1. Employment Visa – Most companies require attested degree certificates before issuing a work permit.

2. Higher Education – Universities and colleges demand attested degrees for admission into postgraduate or doctoral programs.

3. Professional Licensing – Professions like engineering, healthcare, teaching, and law require degree attestation for licensing.

4. Family Visa Sponsorship – Certain visa applications for dependents may require proof of education through attested degrees.

5. Business Setup – Investors and entrepreneurs may need attested degrees for certain licensing categories.

In short, degree attestation is the UAE’s way of ensuring the authenticity of your academic background.

Documents Required for Degree Attestation UAE

To complete the attestation process, you generally need:

• Original degree certificate

• Final year mark sheet or transcript

• Passport copy of the applicant

• Visa copy (if available)

• Authorization letter (if using an attestation service)

Some cases may also require additional documents, depending on the country of origin and the UAE’s regulations.

Step-by-Step Process for Degree Attestation UAE

The attestation journey usually involves multiple stages across different authorities:

1. Notary Attestation in Home Country

The degree must first be notarized by an authorized notary public or university authority in the country where it was issued.

2. State or Regional Attestation

The document is then verified by the relevant state or regional department, such as the Education Department.

3. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation

Once verified by the state, the degree certificate is attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (or equivalent) in the home country.

4. UAE Embassy Attestation

After MEA attestation, the document must be authenticated by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country.

5. MOFA Attestation in UAE

The final and most crucial step is attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), making your degree officially valid within the UAE.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeframe varies depending on your country of origin and how many authorities are involved. On average:

• Notary and State Attestation – 3 to 10 working days

• MEA and Embassy Attestation – 5 to 15 working days

• MOFA Attestation in UAE – 2 to 5 working days

In total, the process may take anywhere between 2 to 5 weeks.

Cost of Degree Attestation in UAE

The cost depends on several factors, including the type of degree, the country of issuance, and the number of documents. On average:

• Embassy Attestation – Country-specific fees (usually between AED 150–500 per document)

• MOFA Attestation – AED 150 per document

• Service Provider Charges – Vary depending on agency and urgency

Using a professional service may add cost but significantly reduces delays and errors.

Common Challenges in Degree Attestation UAE

Applicants often face obstacles during the process. Some of the most common include:

1. Incomplete Prior Attestations – Skipping a step can cause MOFA to reject the certificate.

2. Document Errors – Spelling mistakes, mismatched details, or damaged certificates.

3. Delays at Authorities – Processing times differ across countries, leading to uncertainty.

4. Policy Changes – Frequent updates in embassy and MOFA requirements can cause confusion.

5. Lost or Mishandled Documents – Sending original degrees without proper handling can be risky.

Tips for a Smooth Attestation Process

• Always verify the latest requirements with the UAE Embassy in your country.

• Ensure your name, date of birth, and other details exactly match your passport.

• Keep multiple copies of your degree and transcripts.

• Use professional attestation services for efficiency and peace of mind.

Benefits of Professional Degree Attestation Services

Navigating the process alone can be overwhelming. Hiring experts offers multiple advantages:

• End-to-End Guidance – From notary attestation to MOFA stamping.

• Time Savings – Avoid unnecessary delays.

• Secure Handling – Professionals ensure your documents remain safe.

• Expert Knowledge – Stay updated with changing rules.

• Convenience – No need for multiple visits to embassies and ministries.

Final Thoughts

In the UAE, documentation plays a decisive role in shaping your career, academic journey, and personal life. Degree attestation UAE is not just a bureaucratic formality—it is the bridge that ensures your hard-earned qualifications are recognized and respected. Whether you are an aspiring student, a skilled professional, or a business enthusiast, proper attestation is the first step to success.

For individuals seeking reliability, efficiency, and professional support, Benchmark Attestation Services is a trusted name in the field. With years of expertise, we simplify the attestation journey, ensuring your documents are legalized without hassle. When it comes to certificate attestation, choosing the right partner can save you time, effort, and stress.