Degree Attestation from UAE Embassy | Process & Fees
If you are planning to work or study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will need to get your university degree officially verified. This process, known as degree attestation from the UAE embassy, is a crucial step to ensure your qualifications are recognized in the UAE. It may seem complicated, but this guide will break down the process, fees, and requirements into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
What is Degree Attestation from the UAE Embassy?
Think of degree attestation as getting a special series of stamps that prove your degree is real and from a legitimate university. The final and most important stamp comes from the UAE Embassy in your home country. An official at the embassy checks the previous verifications on your degree, such as those from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Once they confirm everything is in order, they add the embassy’s official stamp. This final seal of approval tells the government and employers in the UAE that your degree is authentic and can be accepted for official purposes. It’s a way for the UAE to trust educational documents from other countries.
Why is This Attestation So Important?
Getting your degree attested is not just a formality; it is a mandatory requirement for anyone seeking professional opportunities or further education in the UAE. The degree attestation for a UAE visa is often the most critical part of the application process.
You will need an attested degree to:
- Apply for a work permit or employment visa.
- Secure a job, especially in professional fields like engineering, medicine, or finance.
- Enroll in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at a university in the UAE.
- Sponsor your family’s residence visas.
Without the proper UAE attestation for educational certificates, your degree will not be considered valid by UAE authorities, which can halt your career or educational plans before they even begin.
How Much Does UAE Embassy Degree Attestation Cost?
The UAE embassy attestation fees for degrees are an important factor to consider. The cost is made up of several different charges, as the document must pass through multiple departments.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- HEC Attestation Fee: The first step is getting your degree verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which has its own fee (usually around PKR 1,000 for an original document).
- MOFA Attestation Fee: After HEC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attests the document for a small fee per document.
- UAE Embassy Attestation Fee: This is the most significant cost. The UAE Embassy typically charges around 150 USD or its equivalent in local currency per educational document. This fee can change, so it’s wise to check for the latest amount.
- Service Provider Charges: Many applicants use authorized attestation services to manage the complex process. These companies charge a service fee for handling the logistics, which can vary.
So, when planning your budget, remember to add up all these separate costs to get the total figure for your degree attestation.
What Documents Do You Need?
To ensure a smooth and quick process, you must gather all the documents required for UAE degree attestation. Missing even one document can cause significant delays.
Checklist for Degree Attestation:
- Original Degree Certificate: This must be the original, final degree issued by your university.
- Original Transcripts: Your final year’s or consolidated mark sheet is often required along with the degree.
- HEC & MOFA Stamps: The degree must already be attested by both the HEC and MOFA in your home country.
- Passport and Visa Copies: Clear photocopies of your passport and UAE residence visa (if applicable).
- CNIC/ID Card Copy: A copy of your national identity card.
- Offer Letter (Sometimes): Some employers may require you to submit a copy of your UAE job offer letter.
Having these documents prepared and organized is the best way to approach the UAE degree attestation requirements.
How Does the UAE Embassy Attestation Process Work?
Knowing how to attest a degree for the UAE involves understanding the step-by-step verification chain. Each step must be completed in the correct order.
The Attestation Pathway:
- University Verification: First, ensure your degree is verified by your university.
- HEC Attestation: Submit your degree to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their attestation. HEC verifies that your degree is from a recognized university.
- MOFA Attestation: After receiving the HEC stamp, take your degree to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA will verify the HEC stamp and add its own.
- UAE Embassy Attestation: This is the final step in your home country. Submit your document, now bearing HEC and MOFA stamps, to the UAE Embassy or its designated service center. They will verify the MOFA stamp and apply the final attestation.
- MOFA Attestation in the UAE (Optional but Recommended): Once you arrive in the UAE, you can also get your degree attested by the UAE’s own Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This final stamp makes your document valid everywhere within the UAE.
You can use online resources and even AI-powered SEO tools to find the latest updates and detailed checklists for this procedure.
Where Can You Get It Done?
The attestation process happens across different government offices, primarily in the capital city.
- HEC and MOFA Offices: These have offices in major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, making the initial steps accessible.
- UAE Embassy/Consulate: The UAE has an embassy in Islamabad and a consulate in Karachi. Submissions for attestation are usually managed through authorized service centers like Gerry’s or VFS Global. It is important to check the embassy’s official website to identify the correct submission center.
While the final embassy stamp is applied in Islamabad or Karachi, you can use a trusted attestation service provider from any city to manage the entire process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the UAE attestation fee for degrees?
A: The fee charged by the UAE Embassy is approximately 150 USD per document. This does not include the separate fees for HEC, MOFA, and any service provider charges.
Q: How long does the UAE degree attestation process take?
A: The entire process, from HEC verification to the final UAE Embassy stamp, can take anywhere from 10 to 20 working days. It is advisable to start the process well in advance.
Q: Does my degree need to be from a specific university?
A: Yes, the UAE requires degrees to be earned through regular, full-time study from a university recognized by the HEC. Degrees obtained through distance learning or from unaccredited online universities are often not accepted for attestation.
Q: Can someone else submit my documents for me?
A: Yes, you can authorize a blood relative or use a registered attestation service company to submit and collect the documents on your behalf. They will need an authority letter and proof of identity.
Getting your degree attested for the UAE is a critical investment in your future. By understanding the process and preparing correctly, you can navigate it with confidence.
Let our experts handle the complexities of degree attestation for you.
Get Your Degree Attested Today | Book Your UAE Embassy Appointment Now