If you are an Indian professional looking to work in the UAE, one of the most significant legal processes is certificate attestation. This mandatory procedure ensures that your educational certificates are genuine and accepted by Indian as well as UAE authorities. Whether you are applying for a career in healthcare, engineering, IT, or education, attested certificates are required to obtain your UAE employment visa.
Original educational documents are needed in all stages of attestation. Starting from the State Human Resource Department (HRD), followed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), then by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE, original documents alone are considered for verification. Photocopying or providing notarized copies can lead to a delay in processing or even cancellation of your visa.
Why Is Certificate Attestation Mandatory for UAE Jobs?
The government of the UAE requires attestation of all foreign-issued documents to verify authenticity and avoid fraud. The requirement extends to many fields of work, such as
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Teaching
- IT and Business
- Construction and Skilled Trades
Regardless of whether you are applying to a government office or a private business, a degree certificate attestation for UAE employment is a legal requirement. Employers need to submit authenticated educational documents to acquire a work permit and employment visa.
Are Original Certificates Mandatory for UAE Attestation?
Yes, the originals are compulsory. The verification stages involve showing the original certificate. Indian and UAE authorities do not accept photocopies, scanned documents, or notarized copies.
Here’s why originals are required:
- The HRD department of your home state verifies original documents only.
- The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) does not issue stamps on duplicates or copies.
- The UAE embassy located in India specifically requests original documents for attestation.
- The MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in the UAE does the prerogative verification using the original certificate.
What Documents Are Required for UAE Attestation?
Depending on your job role and visa type, the attestation process typically involves the following documents:
- Certificates of bachelor’s and master’s degrees are commonly attested.
- Diploma and technical course certificates are also widely attested.
- Professional training or completion certificates are also available.
- School leaving certificates (in a few exceptions).
- For family or dependent visas, you may need to provide marriage or birth certificates.
This attestation guide pertains specifically to educational certificate attestation for emigration to the UAE for work, which is relevant for most Indian job seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use a photocopy instead of the original for attestation?
No. Only original certificates are accepted at every stage—from HRD to MOFA.
Q2. Is attestation needed for private sector jobs in the UAE?
Yes. Be it a government or private firm, documents are required to undergo attestation for visa approval.
Q3. Could you please let me know the duration of the certificate attestation process?
On average, the whole process takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your certificate type, issuing state, and the agency handling it.
Q4. Can someone else complete the attestation process on my behalf?
Yes. Many professionals use certificate attestation agencies. You’ll usually need to provide:
- A signed authorization letter
- A copy of your government-issued ID
- The original certificate(s)
Final Thoughts on Certificate Attestation for UAE
To secure a job visa in the UAE, original certificate attestation is mandatory—not optional. UAE authorities require fully verified educational documents to confirm the legitimacy of your qualifications.
When applying for a job visa in the UAE, document attestation is mandatory for the UAE authorities. Your educational documents must be verified.
For efficient and timely processing of the documents, follow this order:
HRD → MEA → UAE Embassy → MOFA
Following the order ensures there are no unwanted delays concerning your documents. For a worry-free process, there are professional services such as Global Attestify that offer UAE certificate attestation.
GlobalAttestify—your go-to for fast and safe attestation—offers UAE certificate attestation services. They have proven to be a reliable attestation service for many professionals.
