Whether you’re planning to work, pursue higher education, or apply for residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), legalizing your degree certificate is a crucial step. The UAE government mandates certificate legalization to ensure the authenticity and credibility of foreign educational documents. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, requirements, and tips for a smooth experience in 2025.
What is Degree Certificate Legalization?
Legalization is the process of certifying a document so it can be accepted for official purposes in another country. For the UAE, this means your degree certificate must go through a series of verifications in your home country and at UAE diplomatic missions.
Why is Legalization Necessary in the UAE?
The UAE requires legalized degree certificates for:
- Employment visa processing
- Job promotion or change of profession
- Higher education or university admission
- Professional license registration (e.g., engineers, doctors)
- Residency permits and family sponsorship
Step-by-Step Process of Legalizing Degree Certificates for UAE
- Notarization in Home Country
The process begins by getting your degree certificate notarized by a notary public or relevant educational authority. - Attestation from the Ministry of Education
Your degree may need to be verified and stamped by your country’s Ministry or Department of Education. - Attestation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Next, the document should be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - UAE Embassy Attestation
Submit the document to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country for attestation. - MOFA Attestation in the UAE
Once you arrive in the UAE or send the document, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
Documents Required
- Original degree certificate
- Passport copy
- Visa copy (if applicable)
- Authorization letter (if a third-party agent is handling the process)
- University verification letter (in some cases)
Country-Specific Guide to Degree Certificate Legalization for the UAE
The process of degree certificate legalization can vary depending on the country of issuance. Here’s how it typically works for some of the most common countries:
United Kingdom (UK): Involves solicitor notarization, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) attestation, and UAE Embassy attestation.
United States (USA): Requires notarization by a public notary, authentication by the Secretary of State, US Department of State attestation, and UAE Embassy attestation.
Canada: Typically involves notarization, Global Affairs Canada authentication, and UAE Embassy attestation.
Saudi Arabia: Involves attestation from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait: Requires verification from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by UAE Embassy attestation.
Oman: Follows a similar pattern with Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UAE Embassy attestation.
Germany: Includes notarization, regional government (Regierungspräsidium) or Apostille authentication, and UAE Embassy attestation.
Portugal: Requires notarization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) legalization, and UAE Embassy attestation.
Spain: Includes notarization, Apostille (via Ministry of Justice or designated authority), and UAE Embassy attestation.
For other European, Gulf, and North American countries, the general pattern involves notarization, foreign ministry attestation, and UAE Embassy authentication.
Timeframe and Cost
Timeframe: 10–30 working days (varies based on country and authority workload)
Cost: Varies by country and service provider; additional fees apply for urgent processing
Can You Do It Yourself or Use an Agent?
While it is possible to handle the legalization process on your own, it often involves multiple government departments, courier handling, and embassy appointments—which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
To make the process faster and hassle-free, you can rely on a professional attestation agency like Best Attestation. They offer end-to-end services that include document collection, notary handling, ministry coordination, and embassy submissions—ensuring that your degree certificate is legalized accurately and delivered on time. Whether you’re legalizing a document from India, the UK, Canada, or any other country, Best Attestation provides reliable and efficient support.
