Degree Certificate Attestation in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide

If you studied outside the UAE, your degree certificate will often need to be attested before it is accepted here. Employers, universities, the job seeker visa and some higher-skill work permits may ask for it. Attestation proves that your certificate is genuine and was issued by a recognised institution.

This guide explains how degree attestation usually works, what you need, and how to avoid the delays that catch many people out.

What is attestation?

Attestation is a chain of official stamps or digital confirmations. Each authority confirms the stamp of the one before it. By the end, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirms that the document can be used in the UAE.

When do you need your degree attested?

Common reasons include:

• Applying for a work permit or skilled job in the UAE
• Proving your skill level for a job seeker visa
• Getting a higher-skill classification with MOHRE
• Applying for a university course or equivalency in the UAE
• Professional licensing in fields like health, engineering or teaching
• Sponsoring family, where some employers or authorities ask for proof of qualification

Not every job needs it, but many do. If an employer asks, it is better to start early.

The usual attestation chain for foreign degrees

For a degree issued outside the UAE, the chain usually looks like this:

1. Home-country verification. The university, education ministry or another named authority in the country where you studied confirms the certificate.
2. Home-country foreign ministry. The foreign ministry (or equivalent) in that country attests the document.
3. UAE embassy or consulate. The UAE embassy in that country attests it.
4. MOFA in the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the final attestation.

The exact first steps differ by country. Some countries need a state-level or education-department stamp first. We confirm the current chain for your country and university.

MOFA digital attestation

MOFA offers digital attestation through UAE Pass, with a courier service for documents. It is often completed in about 2 to 3 working days once the earlier stamps are in place. This step can be done without visiting a MOFA centre.

The estimated MOFA fee for personal documents, including educational certificates, is about AED 150 per document. Fees can change, and other stages in the home country and at the embassy have their own fees. Our service fee is confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

Documents you will usually need

• The original degree certificate
• Transcripts or mark sheets, if requested
• A passport copy of the certificate holder
• A copy of your UAE visa or Emirates ID, if you live in the UAE
• An authorisation letter, if someone else handles the process for you

If your certificate is not in Arabic or English, a legal Arabic translation may be needed after attestation.

How long does it take?

Timelines depend mostly on the home-country stages. Some countries are quick, while others take several weeks. The MOFA stage in the UAE is usually the fastest part. Plan ahead, especially if you have a job offer with a start date.

Common reasons for delays

• Name differences between your certificate and passport
• Missing earlier stamps from the home country
• Damaged or laminated certificates, which some authorities will not stamp
• University closure or name change, which can need extra letters
• Certificates from distance learning, which may need extra checks

Tell us about any of these early, so we can plan the right route.

Tips for a smooth attestation

• Check your name spelling on every document before you start.
• Do not laminate original certificates.
• Keep good-quality scans of everything.
• Ask your employer exactly which documents they need attested.
• Attest transcripts at the same time if you think you may need them later.

How Roam Routes can help

Roam Routes is a private service provider offering attestation support. Final attestation is done by the relevant authorities, and fees can change.

• Send a scan of your degree and passport on WhatsApp (+971 58 211 4029), or start your online application on our website.
• We confirm the attestation chain for your country and give you an estimate.
• Where originals are needed, our team will arrange collection. Contact us on WhatsApp. There is no need to visit an office.
• We can also arrange legal Arabic translation through licensed partner translators.
• Our service fee is confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees are set by UAE authorities and can change; we confirm the current requirements for your case before you apply.