Understanding UK Degree Attestation For UAE: A Guide

Congratulations on securing an opportunity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)! To officially begin your new chapter, you’ll likely need to have your UK degree attested for use in the UAE. This process verifies the authenticity of your qualification, ensuring it meets UAE standards. This guide unpacks everything you need to know about UK Degree Attestation for UAE, including the process, timelines, and resources.

Why is UK Degree Attestation Required for UAE?

Attestation acts as an official verification of your degree’s legitimacy. It confirms the issuing institution’s authority and the validity of your qualification. The UAE government requires this verification for various purposes, including:

• Employment Visa Applications: Employers in the UAE often require attested degrees to assess your qualifications for the position.
• Residence Visa Applications: Certain residency visa categories might necessitate attested degrees for eligibility.
• Educational Qualification Verification: Attestation can be necessary for pursuing further education in the UAE.

Understanding the UK Degree Attestation Process for UAE

The UK Degree Attestation process for UAE typically involves four main steps:

1. Notarization in the UK: A solicitor or notary public in the UK must first notarize your original degree certificate. This verifies your document’s authenticity and adds an official seal.
2. Apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): Following notarization, you’ll need to obtain an apostille from the FCDO. An apostille is a standardized international certificate that simplifies document legalization between countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention (including the UAE and the UK).
3. Attestation by the UAE Embassy in London: Once you have the apostille, submit your documents, along with the necessary forms and fees, to the UAE Embassy in London. The embassy will verify the apostille and legalize your documents for use in the UAE.
4. Final Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): The final step involves sending your attested documents from the UAE Embassy to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a final stamp of approval.

Important Considerations:

• Timeline: The entire process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the chosen service provider and potential delays. Factor this timeframe into your visa application or employment onboarding process.
• Costs: Expect to incur fees for notarization, the apostille, embassy attestation, and MOFA attestation. The total cost can vary depending on the service provider you choose.
• Documentation: Ensure you have all the required documents readily available. This typically includes your original degree certificate, a photocopy of your passport, and any additional forms requested by the service provider or relevant authorities.

Alternative Option: British Council Verification Service

While the standard attestation process is widely used, the British Council in the UAE offers an alternative verification service specifically for UK education qualifications. This service streamlines the process by directly contacting your awarding institution in the UK to confirm the authenticity of your degree.

Here’s how the British Council Verification Service works:

1. Visit a British Council office in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah.
2. Complete a verification request form and provide a signed consent letter authorizing the British Council to contact your university.
3. The British Council will electronically send your documents and consent letter to your university for verification.
4. Upon confirmation of authenticity, you can return to the British Council office with your original documents to receive an official stamp.

Benefits of Using the British Council Verification Service:

• Faster Processing: The verification process is usually quicker than the standard attestation route, taking approximately a week.
• Cost-Effective: The British Council verification service generally has lower fees compared to the standard attestation process.
• Convenience: This option eliminates the need to send documents overseas and manage multiple authorities.

Important Note:

While the British Council verification service is a faster and more convenient option, its acceptance may vary depending on the specific requirements of the requesting entity (employer, government agency, etc.). Always confirm if the British Council verification service is sufficient for your needs before proceeding.