How to Attest a Degree Certificate in the UAE

Why employers and authorities ask for it

A degree certificate attestation confirms your qualification is genuine and was properly issued by a recognised institution. UAE employers, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and professional bodies such as those licensing teachers, engineers or healthcare workers routinely require it before they'll process a work permit, visa or professional licence.

The typical chain for a degree certificate

The exact sequence depends on where you studied, but it generally runs:

1. 1Home-country attestationUsually the relevant education ministry or a notary in the country where the degree was awarded.
2. 2Home-country Ministry of Foreign AffairsA further verification step in many countries before the document leaves.
3. 3UAE embassy legalisationThe UAE embassy or consulate in the same country legalises the certificate.
4. 4MOFAIC attestation in the UAEThe final stamp, applied once the certificate is in the UAE.

For a broader overview of how this chain works for any document type, see our complete attestation guide.

What you'll need to provide

• The original degree certificate (not a photocopy)
• A copy of your passport
• Any attestations already completed in your home country
• The name of the university or awarding body, exactly as printed

Timeline and cost

Once your certificate has completed the home-country and UAE embassy steps and lands in the UAE, MOFAIC attestation is usually same-day to three days. The earlier steps abroad tend to take longer, sometimes a few weeks, and it's worth starting well before any visa or employment deadline.

DocuGulf's all-in service fee is AED 349 per document for the UAE-side attestation, with the MOFAIC government fee shown separately at cost. If your degree still needs the home-country and embassy steps done, tell us where you studied and we'll map the full chain and cost for you.

Mistakes worth avoiding

• Sending a laminated or photocopied certificate instead of the true original
• Assuming attestation in one country works the same way elsewhere
• Leaving it until your employer's onboarding deadline is close

See also our guide to MOFA/MOFAIC attestation if you're unsure how the final UAE stage works.

Key takeaways

Key takeaways: A degree certificate usually needs home-country attestation, UAE embassy legalisation, then MOFAIC attestation in the UAE. Always send the true original, not a copy. Once in the UAE, MOFAIC attestation is typically 0–3 days. DocuGulf charges AED 349 per document for the UAE-side step, with government fees shown separately at cost. Start early, the home-country steps can take weeks.

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All kinds of work is performed by licensed notaries, translators and approved typing centres. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.