In this detailed guide, we will explore what degree attestation UAE is, why it is needed, the process, the authorities involved, the challenges you might face, and how professional services can help simplify the procedure.

When moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a job, higher education, or professional opportunities, one of the most crucial requirements is to have your academic documents legally recognized. This process is known as degree attestation UAE, and it ensures that your educational qualifications are accepted by employers, universities, and government authorities in the country.

The UAE has become one of the most attractive destinations for expatriates due to its booming economy, world-class infrastructure, and career opportunities. However, to work or study in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, you must present verified and authenticated documents. Degree attestation plays a central role in this.

What is Degree Attestation UAE?

Degree attestation UAE is the process of verifying your academic certificates issued outside the UAE to confirm their authenticity and validity for use within the country. This process involves several steps across different authorities in your home country, the UAE Embassy, and finally the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Once completed, your degree certificate carries official stamps and seals that prove it is genuine and can be used for employment, education, immigration, or legal purposes.

Why is Degree Attestation Important in the UAE?

The UAE government has strict rules when it comes to foreign qualifications. Degree attestation is mandatory for multiple purposes:

Employment – Employers require attested degrees to confirm that your qualifications meet the job requirements.
Higher Education – Universities and professional training institutes in the UAE ask for attested degrees before enrollment.
Professional Licensing – For regulated professions like engineering, medicine, and teaching, degree attestation is essential to get a license.
Visa Processing – To obtain a work visa or family sponsorship, your academic qualifications may need to be attested.
Legal Purposes – Courts and government departments only accept attested degrees as valid documents.

Without degree attestation, your certificates will not be accepted by UAE authorities.

Types of Degrees That Require Attestation

Different academic certificates may require attestation depending on your purpose in the UAE:

Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees
Professional diplomas and certifications
School leaving certificates (in some cases for dependent visas or student visas)

Step-by-Step Process of Degree Attestation UAE

The process of degree attestation may seem lengthy, but it can be broken down into clear steps. It generally involves both your home country and UAE authorities.

Step 1: Notary Attestation (Home Country)

The degree is first attested by a notary public to confirm that the document is original.

Step 2: Educational Department / University Verification

The issuing university or education board verifies the authenticity of the certificate.

Step 3: Ministry of External Affairs (Home Country)

Your country’s Ministry of External Affairs (or equivalent body) authenticates the degree for international use.

Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation (Home Country)

The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country then verifies the document.

Step 5: MOFA Attestation (UAE)

Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE attests the document, making it legally valid throughout the country.

How Long Does Degree Attestation Take in the UAE?

The timeline depends on the country of origin, the type of degree, and the issuing authority. On average, the entire process may take 7 to 20 working days. However, delays can occur if documents are incomplete, names do not match passports, or if there are errors in the degree certificate.

Professional attestation services can speed up this process and minimize delays.

Challenges in Degree Attestation UAE

While the process may look simple on paper, applicants often face challenges such as:

Name mismatches – Differences in name spelling between degree and passport.
Missing seals or signatures – Universities sometimes fail to provide the required verification stamp.
Different country rules – Each country has its own procedure, which makes the process complex.
Multiple visits – Applicants may need to visit different offices repeatedly.
Risk of document loss – Since original degrees are required, the risk of damage or loss is always there.

Benefits of Professional Attestation Services in Dubai

Many expatriates prefer using professional services for degree attestation UAE because of the complexities involved. Some benefits include:

Time-Saving – No need to stand in long queues or travel multiple times.
Expert Handling – Professionals know the exact requirements of each country and authority.
Safe Document Handling – Your original degrees are collected, processed, and returned safely.
Doorstep Pickup and Delivery – Many agencies offer home collection and delivery of documents.
End-to-End Assistance – From notary attestation to MOFA stamping, everything is handled.

Cost of Degree Attestation in UAE

The cost of degree attestation varies depending on:

The country of origin of the degree
The type of certificate
Government charges at different stages
Service fees of attestation providers

On average, the cost may range between AED 300 to AED 1,500 depending on these factors. Professional agencies usually provide a detailed breakdown of charges before starting the process.

Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services for Degree Attestation UAE?

If you are looking for reliable, fast, and affordable degree attestation UAE services, Benchmark Attestation Services is the trusted choice. We specialize in providing hassle-free document attestation solutions for expatriates across Dubai and the UAE.

Here’s why clients trust us:

Experienced Team – Years of expertise in handling attestation for different countries.
Secure Handling – We ensure your valuable academic certificates are safe throughout the process.
Comprehensive Support – From notary to MOFA, we cover all stages of attestation.
Customer Convenience – Door-to-door service and real-time updates.
Fast Processing – We help reduce delays and speed up approval timelines.

Final Thoughts

For expatriates moving to Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, degree attestation is an essential step for employment, higher education, professional licensing, and legal recognition. Without attested degrees, your qualifications will not be accepted by UAE authorities.

While the process can seem overwhelming due to multiple steps and authorities involved, professional help can simplify it and save you significant time. Benchmark Attestation Services ensures that your documents are processed efficiently, securely, and without unnecessary delays.

When it comes to dependable and stress-free certificate attestation, Benchmark Attestation Services is your trusted partner in the UAE.