The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular destinations in the world for employment, higher education, and business. With a booming economy and a wide range of career opportunities, thousands of expatriates migrate to the UAE every year. For professionals and students, degree attestation in UAE is one of the most critical legal requirements.

Without proper attestation, your educational qualifications may not be recognized by employers, universities, or government authorities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates. Therefore, understanding the process of degree attestation UAE, why it is necessary, and how to complete it efficiently is vital for anyone planning to build a career or pursue higher education in the UAE.

What is Degree Attestation UAE?

Degree attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of your educational documents so that they are legally accepted by the UAE government and private institutions. When you hold a degree issued from another country, it must go through a series of checks and official stamps before it is considered valid in the UAE.

In simple words, degree attestation UAE confirms that your academic qualification is genuine, issued by a recognized institution, and eligible for official use in the Emirates.

Why is Degree Attestation Important in the UAE?

The importance of attesting your degree certificate cannot be overstated. Here are the primary reasons why attestation is necessary:

1. Employment in the UAE

Most jobs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi require candidates to provide attested degree certificates. Without this, companies cannot process your work visa or finalize your employment contract.

2. Higher Education and Professional Licensing

Universities and licensing authorities in the UAE only accept MOFA-attested degrees for admissions and equivalency purposes. If you are pursuing higher studies or a professional license (doctor, engineer, teacher, etc.), attestation is mandatory.

3. Visa and Immigration Purposes

For certain categories of visas, such as family sponsorship, attested degrees are required to prove your eligibility as a sponsor.

4. Legal and Government Requirements

Degree attestation makes your certificate legally valid in UAE courts and government departments.

Types of Educational Certificates Requiring Attestation

Though we are focusing on degrees, other educational documents may also require attestation depending on the purpose:

• Bachelor’s degree certificates
• Master’s degree certificates
• Ph.D. degrees
• Professional diplomas
• School leaving certificates (in case of child admissions)

Step-by-Step Process of Degree Attestation UAE

The degree attestation process involves multiple authorities in both your home country and the UAE. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Step 1: Notary Attestation in the Home Country

The degree certificate must first be authenticated by a notary public. This step confirms the originality of the document.

Step 2: State Government Attestation

Next, the document is attested by the relevant state department in your home country. For educational documents, it is usually the Education Department or HRD Ministry.

Step 3: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation

The Ministry of External Affairs in your home country verifies the degree for international use.

Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation

The UAE Embassy located in your home country then attests the degree certificate. This is a vital step before sending the document to the UAE.

Step 5: MOFA Attestation in the UAE

Finally, once you arrive in the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) verifies the certificate and provides the official stamp. This step makes the degree legally valid in the UAE.

Documents Required for Degree Attestation UAE

The documents you need for attesting your degree certificate include:

• Original degree certificate
• Copy of passport
• Copy of UAE visa (if applicable)
• Authorization letter (if a third party/agency is handling the attestation)
• Supporting mark sheets (in some cases)

Timeframe for Degree Attestation UAE

The time taken depends on various factors such as the issuing country, the authorities involved, and the type of certificate. On average:

• Notary and state attestation: 1–2 weeks
• MEA attestation: 2–5 working days
• UAE Embassy attestation: 4–10 working days
• MOFA attestation in UAE: 2–3 working days

Overall, the complete process may take anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks.

Costs Involved in Degree Attestation UAE

The cost of attestation varies depending on:

• Country of issuance
• Type of degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.)
• Embassy charges
• Service provider charges

Generally, MOFA attestation charges in the UAE are around AED 150–200 per document. Embassy fees and home country charges vary widely.

Challenges in Degree Attestation

The degree attestation process can be complex due to several reasons:

• Lack of clarity about required steps
• Different procedures in different countries
• Long queues at government offices
• Document translation requirements
• Risk of rejection due to missing or incorrect documents

To avoid such complications, many professionals prefer using professional attestation services.

Role of Professional Services in Degree Attestation UAE

Hiring experts to manage the process comes with multiple advantages:

• End-to-End Management: From notary to MOFA attestation, everything is handled.
• Time-Saving: Reduces waiting time and speeds up the process.
• Error-Free Process: Ensures all requirements are met.
• Convenience: No need to visit multiple departments personally.
• Peace of Mind: Assurance that your degree will be accepted in the UAE.

Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services?

When it comes to degree attestation UAE, choosing the right service provider makes all the difference. Benchmark Attestation Services has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and professional attestation companies in Dubai.

We specialize in handling complex attestation procedures, ensuring fast turnaround times and hassle-free experiences. Whether you need degree attestation for employment, higher studies, or visa purposes, our team ensures your documents are processed smoothly and delivered back with complete legal validation.

Conclusion

Degree attestation is not just a formality in the UAE—it is a mandatory legal requirement. Without it, your qualifications hold no value for employers, universities, or government bodies. The process may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes straightforward and stress-free.

If you are planning to work, study, or sponsor your family in the UAE, make sure your degree certificate is properly attested. With Benchmark Attestation Services, you get expert assistance and guaranteed results, saving you valuable time and effort. For a seamless and reliable experience, trust Benchmark as your partner in certificate attestation.