If you are an American expatriate planning to work, study, or settle in the UAE, your US degree certificate must be attested before it is accepted by UAE employers, universities, or government authorities. The attestation process ensures your academic qualification is genuine and legally recognized.
Here’s a simple 6-step guide to getting your US degree certificate attested for use in the UAE.
1. Notarization in the USA
The process starts with getting your degree certificate notarized by a Notary Public in the United States.
- This is the first step that verifies the authenticity of your educational document.
2. Authentication by the Secretary of State
After notarization, your certificate must be authenticated by the Secretary of State Office of the state where the degree was issued.
- Example: If your degree is from California, you must submit it to the California Secretary of State.
3. Authentication by the US Department of State
Once state-level authentication is complete, the document must be sent to the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. for federal-level authentication.
- This step ensures the document is officially recognized across the US.
4. Attestation from the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Next, your authenticated degree must be submitted to the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. or a UAE Consulate in the US.
- The embassy verifies that the document is valid and acceptable for use in the UAE.
5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in Dubai
Once the certificate reaches the UAE, the final step is attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Without MOFA attestation, your US degree will not be accepted by employers or universities in the UAE.
6. Optional: Legal Translation into Arabic
Some authorities may require your degree certificate to be translated into Arabic.
- Ensure translation is done by a legal translator approved in the UAE, followed by stamping.
Why Attestation of US Degrees Is Important in the UAE
- Employment: Employers verify qualifications before issuing work visas.
- Higher Education: Universities require attested degrees for admissions and transfers.
- Professional Licensing: Doctors, engineers, lawyers, and teachers need attested degrees for licenses.
- Visa Applications: Required for dependent visas and immigration procedures.
Final Thoughts
Getting your US degree certificate attested for the UAE involves multiple steps across different countries, which can be time-consuming and complicated. Missing a single step may delay your visa or job offer.
To save time and avoid stress, let experts handle the process. Best Attestation provides reliable, fast, and affordable attestation services for US degree certificates in the UAE.
Contact Best Attestation today and make your attestation process smooth and hassle-free.
