In Dubai, one of the most essential legal requirements for professionals and students is Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai. Whether you’re moving for employment, higher education, or business purposes, attested academic documents are mandatory for validation and recognition. Without attestation, your degree will not be accepted by employers, educational institutions, or government departments in the UAE.
This detailed guide explains what Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai means, why it’s needed, the complete process, required documents, and its importance for residents and expats.
What Is Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai?
Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai is an official process that verifies the authenticity of your academic documents. It ensures that your degree, issued from another country, is genuine and recognized by UAE authorities.
Attestation is typically done by:
- The home country’s educational board and foreign affairs ministry
- The UAE Embassy in your home country
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai
Once attested, your degree certificate becomes legally valid for:
- Job applications
- Visa processing
- Higher education admissions
- Professional license applications
Why Is Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai Important?
Attesting your degree is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. Here’s why Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai is crucial:
- Employment Visa Approval – Most UAE companies require attested degrees to process work visas.
- Higher Education – Universities and colleges in Dubai ask for attested degrees during admissions.
- Professional Licensing – Certain professions (engineers, doctors, teachers) require attested certificates for licensing.
- Immigration or Family Visa – The government verifies educational credentials for dependent visa applications.
- Business Setup – Entrepreneurs sometimes need attested degrees for legal registration of business entities.
Step-by-Step Process of Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
The process for Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai involves several stages, depending on where your degree was issued. Here’s a breakdown:
Step 1: Notary Attestation
Your degree certificate must first be attested by a notary public or local educational body in the country of issuance. This step validates the authenticity of the document at a local level.
Step 2: University Verification
The issuing university or educational institution confirms that the degree is valid and officially issued to you.
Step 3: State or HRD Attestation
In many countries, the State Education Department or Human Resource Development (HRD) department must attest the document before it goes for further verification.
Step 4: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs of your country then verifies the authenticity of the document and stamps it officially.
Step 5: UAE Embassy Attestation
After MEA approval, the UAE Embassy in your home country attests the degree certificate, confirming it for use in the UAE.
Step 6: MOFA Attestation in Dubai
Once you arrive in the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA Dubai) performs the final attestation. After this step, your document becomes legally valid across the UAE.
Documents Required for Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
Before beginning the process, ensure you have all the required documents:
- Original degree certificate
- Copy of passport
- Copy of UAE visa (if available)
- Authorization letter (if applying through an agency)
- Mark sheets or transcripts (for additional verification)
- National ID card copy (depending on issuing country)
Processing Time for Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
The processing time depends on the country of issue and type of degree, but generally, it takes around 10 to 20 working days. Some embassies offer express services for faster attestation, though this may come with additional charges.
Cost of Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
The cost of Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai varies depending on:
- The country where your degree was issued
- Type of institution (public or private)
- Urgency of the service (regular or express)
On average:
- Normal service costs between AED 250 to AED 600 per document
- Express attestation may cost AED 700 to AED 1200
Benefits of Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
Getting your degree attested offers several advantages:
- Legal acceptance by UAE authorities
- Smooth job application process
- Eligibility for higher studies or professional training
- Assurance of document authenticity
- Simplified visa and licensing procedures
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Attestation
Many applicants face rejections or delays due to avoidable mistakes. Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting incomplete or fake documents
- Not including required supporting papers (transcripts, IDs, etc.)
- Skipping UAE Embassy or MOFA attestation
- Mismatch in name or date of birth on certificates
- Relying on unauthorized attestation agents
Tips for Hassle-Free Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
To make your attestation process smooth and efficient, follow these tips:
- Always verify attestation requirements with your country’s UAE Embassy.
- Use approved attestation agencies for timely processing.
- Keep copies of all attested and original documents.
- Confirm the MOFA attestation upon arrival in Dubai.
- Double-check spellings and document details before submission.
Who Needs Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai?
Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai is mandatory for:
- Job seekers in the UAE private and government sectors
- Students applying for higher education in UAE universities
- Professionals applying for skill-based licenses
- Entrepreneurs needing educational verification for registration
- Expat families applying for dependent visas
Conclusion
Completing Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai is a crucial legal requirement for all expatriates planning to work or study in the UAE. This process validates your academic credentials and ensures they are officially recognized by Dubai authorities. Whether you are an employee, student, or business owner, attested documents make your stay and work in Dubai legitimate and smooth.

