UK Degree Attestation Process for UAE Employment and Study Visas

If you are planning to move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work or higher education and you hold a UK-issued degree, you must complete a vital legal procedure known as degree attestation. This process ensures that your academic qualifications are officially recognized by UAE authorities, enabling you to apply for employment, admission to educational institutions, or even residency permits.

In this guide, we will walk you through the UK degree attestation process for UAE employment and study visas, explain why it’s necessary, and provide expert tips to make the process faster and smoother.

✅ What Is UK Degree Attestation for the UAE?

UK degree attestation for UAE is the process of legally validating a degree certificate issued in the United Kingdom so that it is recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. This verification assures the UAE government that the degree is authentic, earned from a recognized university, and is eligible for official use in the Emirates.

The attestation is especially important if you're:

Applying for a UAE work visa

Enrolling in a university in the UAE

Seeking professional licensing (medical, engineering, education, etc.)

Applying for a family visa or dependent sponsorship (in some cases)

🛑 Why Is Degree Attestation Required?

The UAE government demands attested documents for several critical reasons:

To confirm the legitimacy of the educational qualification

To combat document forgery and fake degree scams

To maintain high professional standards in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and education

To ensure compliance with UAE labor, immigration, and education laws

Without proper attestation, your degree certificate will not be accepted by UAE employers, universities, or authorities.

🎓 Which UK Degrees Need Attestation for UAE?

The following academic certificates from the UK typically require attestation for use in the UAE:

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Ph.D./Doctorate Degree

Diploma/Advanced Diplomas

Transcripts or Mark Sheets (in some cases)

Professional Certifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

You must also ensure that your degree was obtained from a recognized UK university or institution accredited by the UK education system.

🗂️ Step-by-Step UK Degree Attestation Process for UAE

Attesting a UK degree certificate involves multiple levels of verification both in the UK and in the UAE. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Notary Public Certification (Optional but Recommended)

Some agencies may recommend getting your degree notarized by a UK Notary Public as an initial authentication step, especially if it's not a recently issued document. This is not mandatory but helps prevent issues during further verification.

Step 2: Solicitor Verification

A UK-based Solicitor (legal professional) examines and verifies the degree certificate. The solicitor stamps the document and signs it, confirming its authenticity. This is often required before proceeding to the next stage.

Step 3: Legalization by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

This is one of the most important steps. The FCDO in London authenticates the solicitor’s signature and the legitimacy of the document. They attach an apostille certificate to your degree, officially recognizing it for use in the UAE.

Processing Time: 2–4 working days (standard); 1 day (premium)

Step 4: UAE Embassy Attestation in London

After the FCDO step, the degree certificate is submitted to the UAE Embassy in the UK. The Embassy verifies the FCDO legalization and affixes its official attestation stamp or sticker.

Processing Time: 3–5 working days

This step is crucial as it validates the document in the eyes of UAE authorities.

Step 5: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in UAE

Once you bring your attested degree to the UAE, it must be submitted to the MOFA for the final seal of approval. This final stage legalizes the document within the country and completes the attestation process.

Processing Time: 1–2 working days

📝 Documents Required for UK Degree Attestation for UAE

Here is a list of documents you may need during the attestation process:

Original degree certificate

Copy of passport (front and back pages)

Copy of visa (if available)

Any transcripts or mark sheets (in some cases)

Authorization letter (if using an attestation agency)

Emirates ID or UAE entry permit (for MOFA step)

📦 Optional: Degree Translation into Arabic

Although not always necessary, certain UAE institutions may require your UK degree certificate to be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator before MOFA attestation.

It’s always best to check with your employer or university beforehand.

⏳ How Long Does the Attestation Process Take?

Here’s a rough timeline for the full process:

Solicitor verification: 1–2 days

FCDO apostille: 2–4 working days (standard)

UAE Embassy attestation: 3–5 working days

MOFA UAE attestation: 1–2 working days

Total Time Estimate: 7 to 14 working days

Expedited or priority services are available for urgent cases.

💸 Cost of UK Degree Attestation for UAE

The total cost depends on whether you process the attestation yourself or hire a professional agency. On average:

Solicitor/legalization fee: £30–£60

FCDO Apostille: £30 (standard), £75 (same-day service)

UAE Embassy fee: £150–£200

MOFA UAE fee: AED 150–AED 200

Translation (if required): AED 100–AED 300

Total Estimate: £250–£400 (without agency fee)

Professional attestation agencies typically charge an additional fee for logistics, document handling, and fast-tracking.

⚠️ Common Challenges & Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting fake or unrecognized degrees – Only degrees from UK-recognized universities are accepted.

Wrong attestation order – Each step must be followed in sequence (Solicitor → FCDO → UAE Embassy → MOFA).

Document damage – Ensure your certificate is in good condition with no tampering or edits.

Translation errors – Always use a certified translator for Arabic translations.

Incomplete documentation – Missing paperwork can lead to delays or rejection.

🛡️ Why Choose Benchmark Attestation Services?

At Benchmark Attestation Services, we specialize in fast, secure, and reliable UK degree attestation for UAE visas. With years of experience and a global network, we manage the entire process on your behalf—from solicitor verification to MOFA stamping.

Our Services Include:

End-to-end document handling

UK Solicitor and FCDO coordination

UAE Embassy and MOFA attestation

Legal translation (if required)

Doorstep collection and delivery

Real-time status tracking

We simplify the attestation process so you can focus on your career or studies in the UAE.

🔚 Conclusion

Whether you're pursuing employment, higher education, or residency in the UAE, your UK degree must be properly attested to be legally valid in the Emirates. The process may seem complicated, but with the right guidance and expertise, it can be completed efficiently.

To avoid delays and ensure 100% compliance with UAE requirements, it’s highly recommended to work with a trusted attestation service provider like Benchmark Attestation Services.

Ready to get your UK degree attested for UAE employment or study visa?

 Contact Benchmark Attestation Services today for professional assistance and a hassle-free experience.