How to Get Degree & Diploma Certificates Attested from the UK Embassy in the UAE (2025 Guide)
If you completed your education in the United Kingdom and now want to use your degree or diploma certificate in the UAE for employment, higher studies, licensing, or visa processing, you must get your documents legally attested. This process is known as UK Embassy Attestation, and it verifies that your academic certificates are authentic and officially recognized.
This complete guide explains the step-by-step process, required documents, timelines, and how a professional attestation agency can make UK attestation faster and stress-free.
What Is UK Embassy Attestation?
UK Embassy Attestation is the legalization of UK-issued educational certificates for use outside the United Kingdom. For UAE use, UK documents must go through:
- UK solicitor/notary
- The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- UAE Embassy in London
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
This process ensures that your UK degree or diploma is legally accepted by UAE employers, universities, and government authorities.
Which UK Certificates Need Attestation?
You must attest the following documents if you plan to use them in the UAE:
Educational Certificates
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Diplomas
- Postgraduate certificates
- Transcripts
- NVQ & vocational certificates
These are required for:
- Employment visa
- Equivalency
- Skill assessment
- Professional licensing (DHA, MOH, HAAD)
- Higher education in the UAE
Step-by-Step Process for UK Degree & Diploma Attestation
Below is the complete attestation flow for documents issued in the UK:
1. UK Solicitor / Notary Public Verification
The document must be signed and verified by a UK-registered solicitor or certified notary.
This is the first step confirming the certificate is genuine.
2. FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Attestation
The FCDO legalizes the notary/solicitor’s signature.
This confirmation certifies the authenticity of the document at the national level.
FCDO attestation can be:
- Standard service
- Priority service (faster)
3. UAE Embassy Attestation in London
After FCDO, the document is submitted to the UAE Embassy in London for legalization.
This step confirms the UAE recognizes the UK document.
4. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
Once the document arrives in the UAE, MOFA adds the final seal.
This completes the entire attestation process and makes the certificate valid for all UAE authorities.
Timeline for UK Degree & Diploma Attestation
Processing time depends on service type:
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Solicitor/Notary | 1–2 working days |
| FCDO Attestation | 2–7 working days |
| UAE Embassy London | 3–7 working days |
| MOFA UAE | 1 working day |
Total time: 7–15 working days (standard)
Express options available through attestation agencies.
Cost of UK Certificate Attestation
Fees depend on:
- Type of certificate (degree, diploma, transcripts)
- FCDO charges
- UAE Embassy fee
- MOFA fee
- Urgent or normal service
A professional attestation agency can give an exact cost breakdown based on your requirements.
Why Use a Professional Attestation Agency?
Getting UK academic certificates attested involves multiple authorities in two countries. Doing it on your own can take time and cause delays due to errors or missing documents.
A reliable attestation agency provides:
✔ End-to-end processing
From solicitor verification to MOFA UAE attestation.
✔ Pickup & delivery
No need to send documents abroad yourself.
✔ Faster processing
Access to priority FCDO & embassy services.
✔ Error-free documentation
Avoid rejections and delays.
✔ Real-time updates
Track your document at every step.
Conclusion
If you want to use your UK degree or diploma certificate in the UAE, getting it attested is essential. The attestation process includes verification by a UK solicitor, FCDO legalization, UAE Embassy attestation in London, and finally MOFA attestation inside the UAE.
Using a professional attestation service ensures your documents are processed quickly, safely, and without hassle—saving you weeks of effort.
Need Fast UK Embassy Attestation in the UAE?
A trusted attestation agency can manage the entire UK attestation process for you, ensuring safe handling, quick processing, and complete legalization.
