Last comprehensive review: January 28, 2026
Reviewed by: Attestation & legalization specialist (Benchmark team)
If you plan to work, continue your studies, or apply for professional licensing in the UAE, you may be required to submit an officially authenticated academic degree certificate. The exact process can vary depending on the issuing country and the authority reviewing your documents.
Understanding how the attestation process in the UAE is structured can help applicants prepare correctly and reduce unnecessary delays. This guide explains how academic qualification legalization works, when it is required, what documents are involved, and what typically happens at each stage of verification.
Quick Overview of the Degree Attestation Process in the UAE
| Key Information | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mandatory For | Employment, education, licensing, visas |
| Governing Authorities | MOFA (UAE), MOE, UAE Embassy |
| Applies To | Foreign & specific UAE-issued degrees |
| Final Validation | MOFA Attestation (UAE) |
| Processing Time | 7-20 working days (average) |
What Is Degree Attestation in the UAE?
Academic degree attestation is the formal process of validating an educational qualification so it can be legally recognized by UAE authorities. The process confirms that:
- The qualification was issued by a legitimate institution
- The institution is accredited
- The document is authentic
- The qualification meets regulatory standards
Without proper authentication, foreign academic certificates are generally not accepted for employment visas, licensing, or official government use.
Why the UAE Requires Qualification Verification
- Prevent academic fraud
- Maintain professional standards
- Protect employers and regulatory bodies
- Ensure compliance with regulatory policies
For documents issued abroad, the final legalization stage is completed through MOFA attestation in Dubai, which is required before most government departments accept academic documents.
When Is an Attested Degree Required?
- Employment visa processing
- Labour contract approvals
- Professional licensing (such as DHA, MOH, KHDA)
- University equivalency applications
- Certain residency and long-term visa categories
If you are applying for academic recognition, you may also need to complete the certificate equivalency process in the UAE.
Practical Example: Licensing Application Scenario
For example, a nurse relocating to Dubai to apply for DHA licensing must submit fully authenticated academic credentials before professional credential verification begins. If the qualification was issued outside the UAE, the document must first be verified in the issuing country, legalized by the UAE Embassy, and finally validated by MOFA inside the UAE.
If any stage is incomplete — such as missing home country ministry authentication — the licensing review can be delayed until proper legalization is completed. This scenario is common in regulated professions and highlights why early document preparation is important.
Two Common Attestation Scenarios
Degrees Issued Outside the UAE
If your qualification was issued abroad, the process usually involves:
- Authentication by the issuing university
- Verification by relevant ministries in the home country
- UAE Embassy legalization
- Final validation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Degrees Issued by UAE Private Universities
Graduates from private institutions licensed by the Ministry of Education may need to complete qualification verification through the MOE system.
Public UAE universities generally do not require additional legalization for domestic government use, although specific authorities may request verification depending on the purpose.
General Verification Flow for Foreign Qualifications
Although procedures differ by country, the structure of the academic qualification legalization process typically includes several mandatory stages that must be completed in sequence.
University Confirmation
The issuing institution confirms the authenticity of the certificate. Some countries also require notarization before ministry submission.
Home Country Ministry Authentication
This stage may involve:
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Other designated national authorities
UAE Embassy Legalization
After domestic authentication, the UAE Embassy verifies the document for international recognition.
Final MOFA Validation in the UAE
The last step is validation by MOFA inside the UAE.
Only after this stage is the academic certificate legally recognized for official purposes.
You can review more details about this final step under MOFA attestation services.
Documents Typically Requested
Standard Documentation
Authorities generally request:
- Original academic certificate
- Official transcripts
- Passport copy
- Authorization letter (if submitted by a representative)
Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on the application, authorities may request:
- Previous qualification certificates
- Embassy verification letters
- Supporting identification documents
Processing Time
Processing time depends on:
- Issuing country procedures
- Ministry workload
- Embassy timelines
- Completeness of documentation
In most cases, the overall timeframe ranges from 7 to 20 working days.
Cost Overview (2026)
The cost of degree certificate attestation in the UAE depends on several factors, including:
- The country where the educational certificate was issued
- The number of required authentication stages
- Embassy legalization charges
- UAE Ministry attestation fees
MOFA attestation fees inside the UAE are generally fixed per document, while overseas authentication charges vary by issuing country. Government and embassy fees are subject to periodic revision and may change depending on regulatory updates.
Common Causes of Delay in Degree Certificate Attestation
Documentation Issues
- Name inconsistencies between passport and academic certificate
- Missing prior qualification authentication (such as attested secondary or bachelor’s degree)
- Submitting degree certificates from unaccredited institutions
Procedural Gaps
- Skipping required authentication stages in the issuing country
- Incomplete home country ministry verification before UAE submission
- Poor-quality, damaged, or unclear original educational documents
Validity of an Attested Academic Certificate
In most cases, once legalized, a degree certificate does not expire.
However, employers or licensing authorities may request recently attested copies depending on internal policy.
Always confirm requirements with the requesting authority.
Official Guidance
The procedures described above reflect general requirements outlined by UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Specific requirements may vary depending on the issuing country and the purpose of submission.
Applicants should always verify document requirements directly with the requesting authority before initiating the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is academic degree attestation mandatory in the UAE?
In most employment and professional licensing cases, yes.
How long does the degree verification process take?
Typically between 7 and 20 working days, depending on issuing country and required authentication stages.
Can online degree qualifications be authenticated?
Only if the institution is accredited and recognized under UAE regulatory standards.
Do UAE public universities require degree attestation?
Generally not for domestic government use, although certain authorities may request verification depending on context.
Need Help With the Next Step?
If your certified true copy is for use outside the UAE and you need help confirming the correct process or required documents, contact Benchmark Attestation for assistance.
- UAE Office: +971 4 396 1284
- WhatsApp: +971 52 888 4714