Introduction
If you’re planning to work, study, or settle in the UAE, you may need to have your educational qualifications attested. Degree attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of your degree by the relevant authorities in your home country and the UAE. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to attest your degree in the UAE.
What is Degree Attestation?
Degree attestation is the process of validating your educational credentials to ensure that your degrees, diplomas, or certificates are recognized by the UAE government. It involves several stages, including verification by authorities in your home country, your country’s UAE embassy, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Why is Degree Attestation Important in the UAE?
In the UAE, degree attestation is crucial for a number of reasons:
- For Employment: Employers in the UAE often require attested degrees to verify a candidate’s qualifications.
- For Higher Education: Universities in the UAE may require attested degrees for admission.
- For Family Visa Applications: You may need attested degrees as proof of employment and financial stability when applying for family visas.
Who Needs Degree Attestation?
Degree attestation is essential for various people in the UAE. Here are some of the most common scenarios where degree attestation is required:
Expats Seeking Employment
Expats looking to work in the UAE must have their degrees attested to prove they meet the educational qualifications required for their role. Employers will not hire candidates without verified degrees.
Students Planning to Study in the UAE
If you are an international student, your degree must be attested by the relevant authorities before you can gain admission to a university in the UAE. Some scholarship applications also require degree attestation.
Family Visa Applicants
When applying for a family visa to sponsor your spouse, children, or other dependents, you may need to provide attested copies of your degree certificates to prove that you meet the income and qualification requirements.
Documents Required for Degree Attestation
To get your degree attested in the UAE, you will need to provide several documents:
Essential Documents for Degree Attestation
- Original Degree Certificate: Your degree or diploma must be in its original form.
- Passport Copies: A copy of your passport is necessary to link your educational documents to your identity.
- Visa Copy: If you are already in the UAE, a copy of your UAE visa is typically required.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Some authorities may ask for photos to match your records.
Additional Documents for Specific Attestation Types
- Transcripts or Mark Sheets: Depending on the university or employer, you may need to provide copies of your academic transcripts.
- Marriage or Birth Certificates: For family visa applications, you might need to provide these additional documents to demonstrate your relationships.
Step-by-Step Guide to Attesting Your Degree in the UAE
Degree attestation is a multi-step process that involves various authorities. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to attest your degree:
Step 1: Attesting Your Degree in Your Home Country
The first step in the attestation process is to have your degree verified by authorities in your home country. This usually involves:
- Ministry of Education (MOE): For educational degrees, the Ministry of Education in your home country will authenticate the document.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): After the educational authority attests your degree, it needs to be verified by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 2: Attesting Your Degree Through the UAE Embassy
Once your degree is attested in your home country, the next step is to have it verified by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The UAE embassy will add its stamp, confirming that the degree is recognized in the UAE.
Step 3: Final Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
The final step in the process is to have your degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This step ensures that your degree is officially recognized by the UAE government and can be used for employment, education, or visa applications.
How to Attest Your Degree in Dubai
In Dubai, the process of degree attestation follows the same general steps, with a few specific details to be aware of:
Overview of the Process in Dubai
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): After your degree has been attested by your home country and the UAE embassy, it must be submitted to the MOFA in Dubai for final attestation.
- Typists and Typing Centers: In Dubai, typing centers play a crucial role in facilitating the attestation process. They assist with the submission of your documents to MOFA and other relevant authorities.
Role of Typing Centers and MOFA
Typing centers in Dubai help prepare your documents for submission to government authorities. MOFA then finalizes the attestation process by verifying the documents and stamping them.
Required Documents for Dubai Attestation
In addition to your original degree and passport, you will need to provide a copy of your UAE residence visa and a completed application form, which you can obtain from the typing centers.
How Much Does Degree Attestation Cost?
The cost of degree attestation in the UAE can vary depending on the complexity of the process and the service provider you choose.
Breakdown of Costs
- Government Fees: The MOFA and other government departments charge fees for attestation. These fees typically range from AED 200 to AED 600.
- Service Provider Fees: Typing centers or third-party agencies may charge additional service fees for processing and submitting your documents.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
It’s important to inquire about any additional charges, such as fees for expedited processing or extra documentation. Some service providers may charge hidden fees, so ensure you have a clear understanding of all the costs involved before you begin the process.
Timeframe for Degree Attestation
The time required to attest a degree in the UAE varies depending on several factors:
How Long Does the Process Take?
Typically, degree attestation in the UAE takes between 7 to 15 working days. However, this timeline can vary depending on the following factors:
- Document Completeness: If all required documents are in order, the process will be quicker.
- Type of Degree: The time required for attesting certain degrees may differ.
- Government Processing Times: Delays can occur during peak processing times.
Factors That Affect the Time Required
- Completeness of Documents: Missing paperwork or errors can cause delays.
- Verification by Multiple Authorities: The involvement of multiple authorities in different countries may add extra time.
Common Challenges in the Degree Attestation Process
While the degree attestation process is relatively straightforward, you may face some common challenges, including:
Errors in Documents
Minor errors, such as incorrect names or dates, can lead to delays. Double-check your documents before submission to avoid mistakes.
Delays Due to Missing Paperwork
If you fail to submit all the required documents, it could delay the process. Make sure to check all documentation before starting.
How to Avoid These Problems
Ensure that you provide complete and accurate documents. Work with a reputable typing center or attestation service to ensure that everything is in order.
Alternatives to Traditional Degree Attestation
While the traditional attestation process involves several steps, there are alternatives that may simplify the process:
Apostille Certification
An apostille is an international form of certification that may be used instead of attestation, depending on the country. This process is quicker and is recognized by countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
Online Degree Attestation Services
Several online services offer degree attestation services, where they handle the entire process on your behalf. While these services are convenient, make sure you choose a trustworthy provider.
Conclusion
Degree attestation is a vital process for anyone looking to work, study, or live in the UAE. By following the proper steps and ensuring your documents are complete and accurate, you can ensure that your degree is recognized by the UAE government. Whether you choose to do it yourself or use a service provider, the process is relatively simple and straightforward.
FAQs
What is the role of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in degree attestation?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is responsible for the final attestation of your degree, confirming its validity in the UAE.
Can I attest my degree without visiting my home country?
In some cases, you can get your degree attested by your home country’s embassy in the UAE, though the process might still require some steps to be completed in your home country.
What are the fees associated with degree attestation in Dubai?
Fees for degree attestation in Dubai typically range from AED 300 to AED 1,000, depending on the type of document and the service provider.
How long does it take for degree attestation in Dubai?
The process typically takes between 7 and 15 working days, though delays can occur based on the type of degree and the authorities involved.
Do I need to translate my degree before attesting it?
If your degree is not in English or Arabic, you may need to get it translated before it can be attested in the UAE.