Introduction
Planning to work, study, or live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? One of the most important requirements you’ll encounter is the attestation of your academic certificates, particularly your degree certificate. Degree attestation in the UAE is a legal necessity for validating your educational qualifications in the Emirates.
Whether you’re applying for a job, enrolling in further studies, or sponsoring a family visa, the UAE government mandates that all foreign-issued degrees be verified through a comprehensive attestation process. At Benchmark Attestation Services, we specialize in providing fast, secure, and reliable degree attestation services in the UAE, so your transition is smooth and legally compliant.
This article offers a complete guide to understanding the degree attestation process, its requirements, benefits, and how we at Benchmark can help you save time and effort.
What Is Degree Attestation?
Degree attestation is the official process of verifying the authenticity of a degree certificate issued in one country so that it can be legally recognized and accepted in another—in this case, the UAE.
The attestation confirms:
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The degree was issued by a legitimate university or institution.
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The certificate is genuine.
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The qualification is legally valid for use in the UAE.
Once your degree certificate has been attested, it becomes a legally recognized document by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and other government bodies within the UAE.
Why Is Degree Attestation Required in the UAE?
The UAE is home to a large expatriate population, many of whom come for employment, education, or to start businesses. The UAE government requires attestation of educational documents for:
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Employment visa processing
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Professional licensing (doctors, engineers, teachers, etc.)
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Higher education admissions in UAE institutions
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Residence visa applications
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Company formation or investor applications
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Migration or family sponsorship
Without attested documents, employers, universities, and immigration authorities will not process your application. That’s why degree attestation in the UAE is a legal and procedural must.
Who Needs Degree Attestation?
You will need to get your degree attested if:
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You completed your higher education outside the UAE.
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You are applying for a job in a professional field (engineering, medical, legal, education).
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You are pursuing postgraduate studies or equivalency certification in the UAE.
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You are upgrading or renewing your job visa to a professional designation.
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You are an entrepreneur or investor applying for a business license in the UAE.
Countries Commonly Requiring Degree Attestation for UAE
Benchmark Attestation Services provides attestation support for degrees issued in over 100+ countries, including:
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India
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Pakistan
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United Kingdom
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United States
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Canada
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Philippines
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South Africa
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Australia
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Egypt
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Bangladesh
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Nigeria
Each country follows a slightly different process, and our team ensures end-to-end compliance with your specific case.
Step-by-Step Process for Degree Attestation in UAE
The degree attestation process is multi-layered and involves authorities in both the country of issuance and the UAE. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Notary Attestation (If applicable)
Some countries require initial notarization by a notary public to confirm the document is genuine.
2. University Verification
In certain cases, the degree certificate must be verified directly with the issuing university.
3. Home Department or State Attestation
The degree must be authenticated by the home department or regional authority (e.g., HRD attestation in India).
4. Ministry of External Affairs / Foreign Affairs
Next, the national Ministry of External Affairs (or its equivalent) verifies the certificate. This step is vital for international legal validity.
5. UAE Embassy Attestation
The UAE Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country then attests the document.
6. MOFA Attestation in the UAE
The final step is attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE, making the document fully legal for official use.
Documents Required for Degree Attestation
To complete the attestation of your degree certificate, the following documents are usually required:
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Original degree certificate
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Passport copy of the applicant
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Visa copy (if applicable)
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Mark sheets or transcripts (some countries)
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Authorization letter (if a third party like Benchmark Attestation Services is handling the process)
Note: Additional documents may be required based on the country of issuance or employer/university in the UAE.
How Long Does Degree Attestation Take?
The time required for degree attestation UAE varies depending on the country of issuance and the responsiveness of the institutions involved. On average:
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Standard processing: 10 to 20 working days
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Express processing: 5 to 10 working days (if available)
At Benchmark Attestation Services, we offer both standard and urgent services, ensuring the fastest turnaround with real-time status updates.
Challenges Faced During Degree Attestation
Degree attestation can be complex due to:
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Varying rules in different countries
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Missing or mismatched academic documents
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Unresponsive universities or institutions
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Lack of legal translation (if not in English or Arabic)
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Limited awareness of embassy/MOFA requirements
To avoid delays, it’s recommended to work with a professional attestation agency like Benchmark Attestation Services, which ensures error-free processing and quick turnaround.
Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services?
At Benchmark Attestation Services, we bring expertise, reliability, and peace of mind to individuals and professionals needing degree certificate attestation in the UAE.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ All-in-one Service – We handle everything from university verification to MOFA attestation
✅ Pickup and Delivery – We offer secure document collection and delivery anywhere in the UAE
✅ Transparent Process – No hidden costs, full disclosure, and real-time tracking
✅ Express Options – For clients who need urgent attestation
✅ Affordable Pricing – Competitive rates with premium quality service
✅ Multilingual Support – Assistance in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and more
Our experienced team handles thousands of attestation requests with a high success rate and customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I attest my degree online or digitally?
A: While the initial request can be initiated online, physical document verification is still mandatory in most countries.
Q: Is attestation required for UAE Equivalency Certificate?
A: Yes. MOFA-attested degree certificates are a prerequisite for applying for an equivalency certificate in the UAE.
Q: Do I need to be present for attestation?
A: No. With a signed authorization letter, Benchmark Attestation Services can handle everything on your behalf.
Q: What happens if my degree is not attested?
A: Your job visa, university admission, or professional license may be rejected without attested educational documents.
Final Thoughts
Degree attestation in UAE is not just a formality—it is a crucial legal requirement that opens the door to professional growth, academic progress, and long-term residence. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a skilled professional, or an entrepreneur, ensuring your educational documents are properly attested is vital.
Let Benchmark Attestation Services take care of the complexities. We simplify the process, save your time, and ensure your degree certificate is accepted by all UAE authorities without delays or rejections.
