Degree Attestation in UAE is the official process of verifying and legalising an academic degree so it can be recognised by the authorities. The blog targets job seekers, expats, and working professionals who plan to utilise their educational qualifications to get employed, obtain a visa, or obtain a work permit in the UAE.
This is a process that should be understood early, since in most cases, degree attestation is a subject of check prior to employment acknowledgment or issuance of work permits, and delays or inaccuracies may influence job onboarding schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Degree Attestation in UAE confirms that your academic qualification is genuine and legally recognised.
- Applicants must apply for degree attestation in UAE through approved government or authorised channels.
- Embassy attestation and MOFA attestation serve different but connected purposes.
- Degree attestation is required for employment purposes and most work permit applications.
What is Degree Attestation in UAE?
The process of degree attestation is the official validation of a certificate of education received outside of the UAE. Simply put it is a testament that what you are holding is a valid degree from a well-known institution.
The authorities in the UAE need attested degrees to stop fraud and ensure that professionals meet the necessary educational requirements to be employed and licensed. The degree attestation check is typically carried out at the time of employment processing, a change in visa status, professional licensing, or a work permit application.
Degree Attestation for Employment Purposes
UAE employers require attested degrees to meet labour and immigration standards. The degree awarded with an attestation is an assurance that a candidate’s qualifications fit the job position and the industry.
Degree Attestation for work permit, plays a key role during the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) review process. There are some areas that vehemently demand attested degrees, which include:
- Engineering and technical roles
- Healthcare and medical professions
- Education and academic positions
- Legal, finance, and government-related jobs
Degree Attestation Process in UAE
The Process of Attestation Degree in UAE follows a structured sequence designed to verify the authenticity of an academic qualification at the issuing country level. Skipping or reordering steps can lead to rejection, so understanding the flow is important.
1) Introduction to the Standard Steps
This normally entails verification of the degree award within the country, followed by diplomatic and government endorsements from the UAE. The stages validate the document at each stage, then proceed to the next. Although the specifics of the actions to be undertaken may differ slightly by country of origin, the general plan is similar for most applicants.
2) Country of Origin Verification
The initial phase is conducted in the country where the degree is awarded. This normally involves validation by the university, the education board, or the relevant governmental authority. This is to ensure that the degree was awarded by a certified institution and has not been altered or misrepresented. This is a highly important step since UAE authorities need to be assured that they will accept any academic document issued by the issuing country.
3) Embassy Attestation Stage
After local verification of the degree, it is offered at the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country of issuance. The document is attested by the embassy, ensuring it has undergone formal verification and can be used in a foreign country. This step connects the validation of the issuing country with the validation of the UAE and serves as a critical diplomatic validation step.
4) MOFA Degree Attestation UAE Stage
The last one is the MOFA Degree Attestation in UAE, conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At this point, the UAE government issues the degree, which may be legally and professionally used in the country.
Once MOFA is attested, the degree would be applicable to employment and work permit applications, visa applications, and professional licensing.
Difference Between Embassy Attestation and MOFA Attestation
| Purpose | Confirms the degree is genuine in the country where it was issued | Confirms the degree is officially recognized by UAE authorities |
| Attesting Authority | UAE Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Stage in Process | Completed before the document enters the UAE | Final stage after embassy attestation |
| Verification Scope | Verifies authenticity based on issuing country records | Legalizes the document for use within the UAE |
| Mandatory For | International recognition and UAE submission | Employment, work permit, visa, and licensing in the UAE |
| Location | Issuing country | Inside the UAE |
| Can It Be Skipped? | No, if the degree is issued outside the UAE | No, for official use within the UAE |
| Outcome | Confirms the document’s legitimacy abroad | Makes the degree legally valid in the UAE |
Why Both Are Required
Embassy Attestation and MOFA Attestation in UAE serve different but connected purposes. Embassy attestation verifies the origin and authenticity of the degree, while MOFA attestation confirms its acceptance by UAE authorities. Without completing both stages, a degree may not be accepted for employment or work permit processing.
Where to Apply for Degree Attestation in UAE?
There are other choices applicants can make regarding where to submit the application to attest their degrees in the UAE. The right decision is usually based on convenience, the knowledge of the process, and time.
a) Government Channels
Direct applications can be made by other government officials in the UAE who are responsible for document attestation. Such channels are accurate and do not violate the legislation, yet the applicants should understand the requirements of documentation and the process of appointment.
Individuals are generally comfortable with government channels, and they would prefer to control the process themselves.
b) Web-based Application Opportunities
Some operations of the degree attestation process are initiated online, especially MOFA applications. Systems over the internet also enable applicants to make reservations, keep track of their applications, and get updates, eliminating the need to visit the facilities repeatedly.
Nevertheless, there is always a possibility that the original documents still have to be presented either physically or via authorised collection departments.
c) Authorised Service Centres
The use of approved service centres helps the applicants to do the documentation, make coordination with the embassies and deliver the same to MOFA. Professionals and expats who do not prefer to lose time and are aware of the unfamiliarity with attestation processes normally use these centres.
Service centers are more convenient, but the applicant is to make sure that the provider is licensed and transparent in terms of processing procedures.
MOFA Attestation UAE: What Applicants Should Know
The last and most important phase of the Degree Attestation Process is the MOFA Attestation in UAE. After a degree has been authenticated within the issuing country and certified by the UAE Embassy, one has to apply to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs to legalise it. This act is used to indicate successful formal recognition of the educational qualification by the UAE government as it may be used legally in the country.
Applicants are to note that MOFA attestation is not a quality control and just a legal confirmation that enables the degree to be recognized by employers, immigration agencies as well as licensing institutions. Even an embassy-attested degree can be incomplete in the eyes of the law without MOFA attestation.
The main things that applicants need to be aware of:
- MOFA attestation is required after embassy attestation, not before
- It is mandatory to use a degree for employment, work permits, and visa processing.
- MOFA attestation is completed inside the UAE through approved channels
- Original documents are usually required for submission.
- Errors in earlier attestation stages can delay MOFA approval.
- Processing timelines may vary depending on document readiness and submission method.
These points will make candidates able to prevent frequent delays and ensure that their degree is easily accepted in line with professional and legal standards in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the degree attestation compulsory in UAE?
Yes, most jobs, employment permits, and professional licenses require degree attestation in the UAE. To ascertain the authenticity of the educational qualification presented to the authorities, the authorities must have attested degrees.
Is it possible to conduct a degree attestation online?
The process has certain sections, which can be fulfilled online, like MOFA applications and booking an appointment. Nevertheless, the original documents might still have to be presented in a physical form to be verified and ultimately attested.
What is the Degree attestation time in UAE?
Processing time is determined by the issuing country and involvement by the embassy, as well as the completeness of the documents. Delays may be caused by the omission of any verification step or its incorrect completion.
Does MOFA have to be attested to all degrees?
The UAE requires MOFA certification of degrees in order to be employed, work permit, visa, and a professional license. Personal or non-official use may not be required.