So, you’ve landed a job in the UAE, or you’re about to apply for one. Maybe you’re planning to pursue higher education, or you’ve got a long-term residency goal. Either way, there’s one thing that could silently hold up the process if not done right: degree certificate attestation.
It might sound like another official stamp to collect, but it’s actually a legal validation of your academic qualifications required by UAE authorities to ensure your documents are genuine, recognized, and ready for use.
We’ll walk you through everything you actually need to know and how to get it sorted without the usual headaches.
What Is Degree Certificate Attestation and Why Is It Needed for UAE?
Attestation is the official process of verifying a document’s authenticity, in this case, your degree or diploma. When you’re moving to a country like the UAE, which doesn’t share reciprocal recognition with India, attestation is non-negotiable.
Why the fuss?
Because UAE ministries, employers, universities, and licensing bodies won’t accept Indian documents at face value. They need to be legally certified at multiple levels to prove they’re legitimate, tamper-free, and issued by an authorized university.
In short, if you want your Indian degree to be accepted in the UAE, you’ll need it attested.
Who Needs Degree Certificate Attestation for UAE?
This applies to a wide range of people:
- Job seekers moving to the UAE for work
- Students applying to UAE-based universities
- Professionals applying for licenses (doctors, engineers, architects, teachers, etc.)
- Intra-company transferees in multinational companies
- Individuals applying for residence visas, spouse sponsorships, or family relocation
- Even if you’re switching jobs within the UAE, some employers may request re-attestation of your qualifications.
What Documents Are Required?
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll usually need:
- Original Degree Certificate
- – From a UGC/AICTE-approved university in India
- Mark Sheets (sometimes)
- – Especially if the degree is under verification
- Passport Copy
- – For identity validation
- Job Offer Letter (if applicable)
- – Some attestation levels require it for context
- Authorisation Letter
- – If you’re appointing an agency like Manav to handle it on your behalf
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Step-by-Step Process of Attesting a Degree for UAE
Here’s how the journey of your degree certificate usually goes:- University Verification (if required) Some UAE embassies or employers may insist on university verification before moving to the next stage. This confirms that your certificate was genuinely issued. Not all universities have the same timelines some may take 2–4 weeks to respond.
- Notary Attestation (Local Level) Your original degree certificate is notarized by a recognized Notary Public. This is the initial layer of verification to prove your document isn’t forged.
- State HRD Attestation (Home State Education Department) The certificate is then attested by the Human Resource Department (HRD) of the state where your university is located. This is mandatory if your degree falls under education-specific attestation requirements. It’s also time-consuming unless handled professionally.
- MEA Attestation (Ministry of External Affairs, India) Next, the certificate is authenticated by the MEA, which validates that it has passed through the right state-level checks. This is a centralized step and mandatory before approaching any embassy.
- UAE Embassy Attestation (India) The document is then submitted to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in India. This gives the UAE government the confidence that your degree is recognized in India and verified at all necessary levels.
- MOFA Attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – UAE) Once in the UAE, your employer or sponsor may also request MOFA attestation, which is the final stamp of approval from UAE authorities.
How Long Does It Take?
On average, the full process can take 10 to 25 working days, depending on:- The responsiveness of your university or college
- The rules of your home state’s HRD department
- Embassy workload and holiday schedules
- Working with experienced professionals like Manav Consultants can significantly reduce turnaround time and help avoid common pitfalls.
Common Challenges You Might Face
Let’s be real, attestation isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are a few hurdles:- State HRD delays due to missing university verification
- Embassy rejections due to minor errors (like different names on passport vs. certificate)
- Unaccepted digital degrees (especially for courses completed online)
- Translation requirements if you also need the degree in Arabic for visa or license processing
What Happens If You Skip It?
- Skipping or improperly attesting your degree can lead to:
- Job offer cancellations
- Visa rejections
- Legal complications during residency applications
- Ineligibility for professional license exams in the UAE
- Permanent blacklisting in some embassy records for document tampering
How Manav Consultants Makes It Easy
At Manav, we don’t just courier your degree from desk to desk; we manage the full process end-to-end:- Direct liaison with universities and HRD departments
- Trackable submissions to MEA and UAE embassies
- Fast-tracked embassy slots where available
- Optional translation services for Arabic (if required)
- Transparent timelines and real-time updates
Get It Right the First Time
If you’re headed to the UAE, degree certificate attestation isn’t just a formality it’s a critical legal step that affects your job, visa, and future abroad. Trying to figure it out alone can waste weeks or even cost you an opportunity.Partnering with professionals like Manav Consultants means you don’t just get a stamp you get peace of mind, speed, and accuracy.- Need your degree certificate attested for UAE?
- Let’s get started – Reach out to Manav Consultants for a free consultation today.
FAQ – All You Need to Know
Does my certificate need to be original?
Yes, original documents are typically required. Copies, even if notarised, may not be accepted at certain stages.
What if my university doesn’t respond in time?
We help follow up and escalate as needed, and guide you on alternatives (like obtaining a duplicate certificate or verification letter).
Can I use an Apostille instead of attestation?
No. The UAE is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You must follow the full embassy attestation route.
Do I need to be in India for this process?
Not necessarily. If you're already in the UAE, we can coordinate remote collection, power of attorney, and courier facilitation.