Document apostille doesn’t apply to the UAE as it is not a member of the Hague Convention. In order to further their education or seek employment in UAE, professional applicants holding relevant educational degree certificates are to have their documents duly attested/authenticated. This includes engineers, accountants, technicians, systems analysts, programmers, banking experts, finance analysts, and all senior positions.
The process of educational degree attestation in UAE authenticates the signatures and seals of officials that are on the certificates and make them legal and valid for use in Dubai and the rest of UAE.
Stages of Educational Degree Attestation in UAE
The document attestation process in UAE will vary, depending on the local legislation of a document’s originating country. The general process for educational degree certificate attestation in Dubai/UAE, in particular, involves the following stages:
1st stage: State Attestation
This stage of the process of educational degree attestation in UAE is done in the document’s originating country. For personal certificates e.g. birth and death certificates, the relevant state’s General Administration Department should attest the documents prior to the next stage. For educational certificates, what’s expected on the state level is attestation from the State Education Department.
2nd stage: Ministry of External Affairs Attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the document’s originating country should also attest the document following the State Education Department. In case a submitted educational degree is found to be fake or forged, the certificate will be seized by the ministry. Fines and penalties may also be imposed on the attestation applicant.
3rd stage: Embassy Attestation
It is in this stage where the UAE embassy based on the applicant’s originating country legalizes the educational degree and authenticates the stamps and signatures attached on the certificate for international use. Take note: the UAE embassy/consulate will only accept documents for attestation that are authenticated and verified by the State Education Department and Ministry of External Affairs.
4th stage: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation
MOFA attestation is the only mandatory stage that takes place in the UAE. Make sure embassy attestation has been processed prior to submitting to the Ministry as it is one of the primary prerequisites of the Ministry for attesting or authenticating and stamping educational degree certificates.
Aside from educational certificates, the Ministry can also attest commercial or trade licenses, experience certificates, employment contracts, declaration of loss of a foreign passport, personal certificates, certificates of good standing, decisions of a Board of Directors, commercial agreements, financial statements, company setup contracts, ISO certificates, memorandum and articles of association, and patent registration among others.
You may want to know: How To Get Documents Attested From UAE Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
Requirements for Educational Degree Certificate Attestation in Dubai
The requirements for educational degree certificate attestation in Dubai will vary, depending on the country where the document was issued. The general requirements are as follows:
- Original degree certificate to be attested
- Employment contract or offer letter (original duly attested in UAE, if available)
- Passport and Emirates ID of the applicant
- Power of attorney for processing of degree attestation by a service provider
- Mark sheet copy
If your educational certificate is laminated and from a university located in India, it can be processed for document attestation in UAE. However, it is advised to submit the laminated degree to professionals who can do the removal of the lamination themselves. This is to ensure that the original document’s condition is preserved and acceptable for stamping and signing for attestation.
A transfer certificate can also be attested if you plan on continuing your education in the UAE. Document attestation is required for transfer certificates that were issued overseas to obtain admission from a university in the UAE.
You may want to know: Top Reasons To Attest Educational Degrees For UAE
Why is document attestation in Dubai required on educational certificates?
The process of authentication or attestation on educational degrees, even from the most prestigious universities, is a requirement for all those who plan to work abroad. Government authorities and employers in UAE and other countries will require proof that submitted educational documents are legitimate and genuine. This is what authentication does – it attests the authenticity of certain legal documents. Having your educational degree attested by all concerned authorities is a necessary step to having your document recognized in UAE or overseas.
Is it necessary to hire an educational degree attestation service in Dubai?
Although not necessary, it is recommended to seek the assistance of an expert on document attestation in UAE. Certificate attestation is very complicated – not to mention the fact that it involves getting the approval of several different government departments to get a document authenticated.
The best method for getting the work done is hiring a professional that has plenty of experience. It will not just cost you less, it will also save you from the risk of losing your original educational degree as you ship it to your home country and back to UAE.
For more information on educational certificate attestation in UAE, call us here in Notary Public Dubai today!
Manal Elysyed carries with her an extensive experience of 20 years across a full range of notarial and legalization matters. It is this experience that helps her in delivering the right notary solutions to clients from diversified industries.
