Getting Your Degree Attested for a UAE Employment Visa (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve received a job offer in the UAE, congratulations — you’re one step closer to joining one of the most dynamic job markets in the world. However, before your employment visa can be issued, your educational qualifications must be officially attested.

Degree attestation is a mandatory process that verifies your academic documents’ authenticity for use in the UAE. Without it, your work visa, labour card, or professional registration (especially for teachers, engineers, and healthcare professionals) cannot be processed.

This guide breaks down the degree attestation process for the UAE in 2025, including required documents, fees, processing timelines, and country-specific steps — ensuring a smooth transition for your relocation.

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Why Degree Attestation Is Required

The UAE government mandates attestation to ensure all foreign academic documents are genuine and issued by accredited institutions.

Attestation is essential for:

• Employment visa applications (especially for skilled and professional categories).
• Ministry of Education or KHDA approval for teachers and trainers.
• Professional licensing (doctors, engineers, accountants, etc.).
• Residency or family visa sponsorship in some cases.

Employers, government bodies, and immigration authorities use attested certificates to validate your educational and professional background.

Which Documents Need Attestation

Depending on your profession and visa type, you may need to attest:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
• Diploma or Technical Certificate
• School Certificates (for dependent or student visas)
• Professional Licenses (if applicable)

In most cases, the highest degree relevant to your job is sufficient.

For example:

• Engineers need attested engineering degrees for MOHRE and Dubai Municipality registration.
• Teachers must submit attested degrees for Ministry of Education (MOE) or KHDA verification.
• Healthcare professionals need attested degrees for DOH (Abu Dhabi) or DHA (Dubai) licensing.

Step-by-Step Degree Attestation Process for the UAE (2025)

The process involves multiple stages across your home country and the UAE.

Step 1: Attestation from Your Home Country

Your degree must first be verified by the issuing authorities in your country. The typical sequence is:

1. University Verification: Confirm that your degree is genuine and issued by a recognized institution.
2. Notarization: Get the document notarized by a public notary or education board.
3. Ministry of Education (MOE): Certify that the degree is authentic and accredited.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Legalize the document for use abroad.

This establishes authenticity before UAE embassy verification.

Step 2: Attestation by the UAE Embassy in Your Home Country

Once your country’s authorities have attested your degree, it must be verified by the UAE Embassy or Consulate located in your country.

You’ll need to submit:

• Original degree certificate
• Passport copy
• Embassy attestation form
• Proof of fee payment

The embassy verifies your degree and places its official stamp, confirming it’s ready for recognition inside the UAE.

Processing usually takes 3–7 working days, depending on the embassy.

Step 3: Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

After arrival in the UAE, your degree needs final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Steps include:

1. Book an appointment or visit a MOFAIC service center.
2. Submit your attested degree from your home country and embassy.
3. Pay the attestation fee (typically AED 150 per document).
4. Receive an electronic confirmation and stamp within 1–2 working days.

You can also complete this step through MOFA’s official website: https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/.

Once complete, your degree is officially recognized for all legal and professional purposes in the UAE.

Country-Specific Notes

• India: Documents must be verified by the University, HRD Department, MEA, and then UAE Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai.
• Philippines: Requires CHED (Commission on Higher Education) authentication before DFA and UAE Embassy attestation.
• Pakistan: Requires HEC (Higher Education Commission), MOFA, and UAE Embassy attestation.
• UK / USA / Canada: Degrees are verified by the issuing university, notarized, legalized by the FCO or State Department, then attested by the UAE Embassy.

Always check the latest requirements from your local UAE Embassy to avoid delays.

Processing Time and Costs

The entire attestation process can take 2–4 weeks, depending on document availability and embassy workload.

Typical costs include:

• Local notarization and education board fees
• MOFA / Foreign Ministry fee (varies by country)
• UAE Embassy attestation fee (approx. USD 40–100)
• UAE MOFA fee (AED 150 per document)

For urgent processing, authorized attestation agencies can handle end-to-end coordination for an additional service charge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting unverified or unaccredited degrees — always confirm university recognition.
2. Missing attestation steps — skipping one authority invalidates the document.
3. Inconsistent name or date of birth — ensure your degree matches your passport exactly.
4. Using photocopies instead of originals — only original documents are accepted.
5. Not attesting transcripts when required — some employers ask for full academic records.

To ensure document readiness, consult professionals before submission — or request Labeeb’s Expert Career Support Services for personalized visa document review.

How Employers Use Attested Degrees

After attestation, employers use your verified degree for:

• Work visa application and labour card issuance
• Professional license registration (DOH, DHA, SCE, KHDA, etc.)
• Promotion and salary classification
• Dependent visa eligibility for family sponsorship

Attestation provides assurance that your credentials meet UAE’s professional and legal standards.

Renewal or Re-Attestation

Once attested, your degree remains valid indefinitely unless you’re applying for:

• A new profession or authority (requiring revalidation).
• Different GCC countries — each requires its own attestation cycle.

If you’re relocating between GCC countries, you may need to re-attest your documents through the new country’s embassy after MOFA verification.

Tips for a Smooth Attestation Process

1. Start early — attestation may take several weeks.
2. Keep digital and physical copies of all stamped documents.
3. Use courier or embassy-approved agencies for faster results.
4. Verify translations if your degree is not in English or Arabic.
5. Maintain consistent details across your passport, degree, and job application.

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We ensure your resume and documentation align perfectly with UAE hiring and visa requirements.

Conclusion

Degree attestation is an essential step in securing your UAE employment visa — proving your qualifications are authentic and globally recognized.

By following the correct verification process, ensuring accuracy, and keeping your documents properly stamped, you’ll avoid delays and start your UAE career confidently.

Take your next professional step with Labeeb Writing & Designs — your trusted partner for visa documentation and career success in the Gulf region.

FAQs

1. Is degree attestation mandatory for all UAE jobs?
Yes, it’s required for most skilled and professional roles, especially in education, healthcare, and engineering.

2. How long does attestation take?
It typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on embassy and ministry processing times.

3. Can someone else complete attestation on my behalf?
Yes, authorized agents or attestation agencies can handle the process with your consent letter.

4. Do I need to attest my transcripts too?
Not always, but some employers request attested transcripts in addition to the main degree certificate.

Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)

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