Got a UAE job offer that needs your degree? You'll probably be asked to get your certificate attested. It's one of the slowest parts of moving for work, so starting early can save you weeks. This guide explains what attestation is, when you need it, and the steps in order.
What is certificate attestation?
Attestation is a chain of official stamps that confirms your document is genuine. Each authority verifies the stamp of the one before it, ending with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Once attested, your certificate is accepted by UAE authorities and employers.
When do you need it for a job?
Requirements depend on the role and the employer, but attestation is commonly required when:
- Your job title or work permit category depends on having a degree or diploma
- You work in a regulated profession such as teaching, healthcare or engineering (these often have extra licensing or equivalency steps too)
- Your employer asks for it as part of their hiring checks
- You want to sponsor family members, which may need an attested marriage or birth certificate
Ask your employer early exactly which documents they need attested. Don't assume.
The attestation process, step by step
Step 1: Notarisation in your home country
In many countries the first stamp is from a notary or the issuing body. Some countries require verification by the university or education board first.
Step 2: Home-country government authorities
Next, the relevant departments in your home country attest it — usually the education department or ministry, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent). The exact sequence differs by country.
Step 3: UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country
The UAE embassy or consulate in the country that issued the document then legalises it.
Step 4: MOFA in the UAE
Finally, the document is attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can apply through MOFA's website or app using your UAE Pass, or at a service centre. As a guide, MOFA's fee for individual certificates is around AED 150 per document, with documents typically returned within a few business days.
What you'll need
- The original certificate (not laminated — laminated documents often can't be stamped)
- Passport copy
- Translation into Arabic or English if the document is in another language
- Sometimes the transcript or mark sheets as well as the degree
How long does it take?
The UAE-side MOFA step is usually quick. The home-country stages are what take time — anything from a few days to several weeks depending on the country and university. If you're still abroad, start as soon as you accept the offer.
Should you use an attestation agency?
Agencies can handle the whole chain for you, especially if you're already in the UAE and your documents are from another country. They save time but add cost. If you use one:
- Choose an established company with a physical office and clear pricing
- Get a receipt and a written timeline
- Never hand over your only original without a signed record
- Be wary of anyone offering "attestation" without the real authorities' stamps — fake stamps can cost you your visa and job
Common mistakes
- Laminating your degree certificate
- Attesting only the degree when the employer also needs the transcript
- Starting the process after you arrive, when the home-country steps are much harder to do
- Name differences between your passport and certificate without supporting documents
Common questions
Do I need attestation for every job in the UAE?
No. It depends on the role, the work permit category and the employer's requirements.
Can I do the MOFA step online?
Yes — MOFA accepts applications through its digital channels with UAE Pass.
Who pays for attestation?
It varies. Some employers reimburse it; many candidates pay themselves. Ask during your offer stage.
Related guides
This guide is general information. Attestation steps differ by country and change over time — always confirm with your employer, the UAE embassy in your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.