Attestation
Certificate of Recognition: Cost & Time
Cost and timing for a Certificate of Recognition depend on your degree and whether it is attested. Here is what to expect.
What affects the timeline
- Whether your degree is already attested
- Whether the awarding institution is already recognised
- The completeness of your transcripts and documents
- Ministry assessment time for the qualification
Documents you'll need
- The attested degree certificate
- Attested transcripts / mark sheets
- Passport copy
- The university's details
How we price it
We charge a flat service fee and pass any Ministry charge through at cost, confirmed before we start. See the Certificate of Recognition service and pricing.
Key takeaways
Key takeaways: Recognition time depends on attestation status, institution recognition and document completeness; cost is a flat fee plus Ministry charge at cost.
The two-stage assessment is the part people miss: MOHESR first checks the awarding institution is recognised, then assesses your specific qualification, so a recognised university is necessary but not on its own sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Recognition?
MOHESR's formal statement that a foreign degree is genuine and equivalent to a UAE qualification. It was called an equivalency certificate until 2024.
Is it the same as an equivalency certificate?
Yes, the Ministry renamed the equivalency certificate to the Certificate of Recognition in 2024; the process is the same.
Is recognition the same as attestation?
No. Attestation legalises the document; recognition confirms the degree is academically equivalent to a UAE qualification. Attestation usually comes first.
How long does it take?
It depends on whether the degree is attested and the institution is recognised; the assessment has two stages.
Who needs it?
Regulated professions, teaching, healthcare and engineering, and some visa categories, on top of attestation.
What does it cost?
A flat service fee plus any Ministry charge at cost, confirmed before we start.
A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All regulated work is performed by licensed notaries, translators, chartered accountants and approved typing centres, and we do not provide legal advice. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.