Thinking about working or studying in the UAE? You might be wondering how to get an equivalency certificate in UAE for your foreign degree. It’s a key step to make your qualifications official for jobs and education here in 2025.
Think of it as a stamp of approval that says your degree is just as good as one from the UAE. It’s now called a Certificate of Recognition.
Also, there’s been a big update! Higher education degrees (like a Bachelor’s) are now handled by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), not the Ministry of Education (MOE) anymore.
This makes the MOHESR degree recognition UAE process the one you’ll likely follow. This guide makes the whole UAE equivalency certificate process simple for you.
How to Get an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE? A 2025 Breakdown
Understanding the Purpose: Why You Need It
So, why do you need this certificate? Think of it as your official academic pass for the UAE. If you want to work, especially in a government or semi-government job, you will need to show it. The UAE equivalency certificate process is also a must-do for certain professional licenses, like for engineers and medical professionals.
If you’re planning to study for a higher degree here or applying for a UAE Golden Visa equivalency certificate, this document proves your education meets local standards. It makes your foreign degree officially recognized across the country.
The 2025 Update: MOHESR vs. MOE Explained
A big change happened recently, so it’s good to know who handles what. It’s a simple split:
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR): If you have a university degree like a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, you will deal with MOHESR. The MOHESR degree recognition UAE is the main process for most professionals looking to work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Ministry of Education (MOE): If you need to get your high school diploma equalized (from Grade 1 to 12), you will go to the MOE. They now only handle school-level certificates.
Does Your University’s Rank Matter? The New Recognition System
Yes, where you studied can make a difference! The MOHESR now has a simplified recognition system. If you graduated from a university that is ranked among the top in the world (for example, in the global top 200 lists), you might have an easier time. This often means the UAE degree equivalency requirements for 2025 are simpler for you.
You may need fewer documents for verification, which can speed up your application. It’s a smart system that rewards degrees from well-known, high-quality institutions.
Complete Document Checklist for UAE Degree Equivalency Requirements 2025
Core Documents Required for All Applicants
Getting your papers in order is the first step. You will need your final, original degree certificate and the complete academic transcripts, which are your mark sheets for all semesters.
Also, keep a clear copy of your passport handy. If you are already living in the UAE, you should provide a copy of your valid Emirates ID. Don’t worry if you’re not a resident yet; you can still start the process without an Emirates ID. These are the basic UAE degree equivalency requirements 2025 that everyone needs to prepare.
The Mandatory Attestation Path for Your Documents
Before you can apply, your documents need official stamps. This is called attestation. Think of it as a 3-step journey for your papers.
First, they get stamped by the right departments in your home country, like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Next, the UAE Embassy in your country adds its stamp. The final step happens in the UAE, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) gives the last stamp of approval. This certificate attestation for UAE equivalency is a must-do, and every stamp is checked carefully.
The ICA Travel Report (Entry/Exit Report): What it is and Why You Need It
You will also need a document called an ICA travel report for equivalency. This report simply shows the dates you entered and exited the country where you studied. Why is this needed? It’s proof that you were physically there attending your classes.
This helps the authorities confirm you attended an on-campus program, especially if you are seeking recognition for a full-time degree. You can easily get this report online from the official ICP or GDRFA websites in the UAE. It’s a simple but very specific requirement for your application.
Verification Report from DataFlow or QuadraBay
Another very important paper you need is a Primary Source Verification (PSV) report. You cannot skip this step. This report is proof that your degree is real and was issued by your university.
You will get this done through official partners like DataFlow or QuadraBay. The DataFlow verification for UAE equivalency is a common path. These companies will contact your university for you to check everything. The QuadraBay verification process works in a similar way. Once they are done, they give you a report that you must submit with your application.
Legal Translation and Other Supporting Documents
What if your degree certificate or transcripts are not in English or Arabic? You will need to get them translated. This can’t be just any translation; it must be a certified legal translation done by an approved translator in the UAE.
Also, sometimes the authorities might ask for extra proof. They could request a “genuineness letter” from your university. If you’re wondering what is a genuineness letter UAE, it’s simply an official letter from your university confirming that they issued your degree. It’s a good idea to know about this in case you are asked for it.
The 8-Step UAE Equivalency Certificate Process for 2025
1. Pre-Check: Verify University Accreditation
First things first, before you spend any money or time, do a quick check. Go to the official MOHESR website and see if your university is on their list of recommended institutions. This simple step can save you a lot of trouble later.
If your university is already recognized, your MOHESR degree recognition UAE process will be much smoother. This is a smart way to begin when figuring out how to apply for an equivalency certificate in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE.
2. Complete the Full Attestation Chain
Next, you need to get all your academic documents stamped and verified. This is the certificate attestation for UAE equivalency part of the journey. You’ll need to get your degree and transcripts attested first by the authorities in your home country, then by the UAE Embassy there.
Finally, the documents get a stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) here in the UAE. You must complete this entire chain before you can even start your online application.
3. Initiate Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Now it’s time to prove your degree is real through a Primary Source Verification (PSV) report. You must use an approved partner like DataFlow or QuadraBay for this. The DataFlow verification for UAE equivalency is a very common choice.
You will apply on their website, and they will contact your university directly to confirm your education. The QuadraBay verification process is similar. Both have different costs and timelines, so you can pick the one that works best for you. This report is a non-negotiable part of your application.
4. Obtain Your ICA Travel Report
After verifying your degree, you need to get your official travel history. This is called the ICA travel report for equivalency. It shows when you entered and left the country where you studied, proving you were there in person. You can easily apply for this report online.
Just visit the official website of the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) to download it. It’s a quick but very specific step in the process.
5. Log in via UAE PASS
To start your final application, you will need a UAE PASS account. The MOHESR online portal uses UAE PASS for everyone to log in securely. You cannot access the application form without it.
If you don’t have one, you can download the UAE PASS app and create an account. This digital ID is your key to accessing many government services in the UAE, including the equivalency application. Make sure your UAE PASS is set up and working before you move to the next step.
6. Submit Your Application on the MOHESR Portal
Now you’re ready to put everything together. Log in to the MOHESR portal using your UAE PASS and find the application for certificate recognition. You will fill in your details and upload all the documents you have prepared.
This includes your attested degree and transcripts, the verification report from DataFlow or QuadraBay, and your ICA travel report. Once you have uploaded everything and paid the fee, you can submit your application and start the wait for your MOHESR degree recognition UAE.
7. Pay the Official Equivalency Certificate UAE Fees
The next step is to pay the official equivalency certificate UAE fees. The cost depends on your degree level. For a Bachelor’s degree, it is 100 AED. For a Master’s degree, it is 150 AED, and for a PhD, it is 200 AED. You can pay these fees directly on the MOHESR portal using a credit or debit card when you submit your application. It’s a straightforward online payment to complete the submission process.
8. Track Your Application and Download the Certificate
After you’ve paid, you’ll want to know what’s happening with your application. You can easily learn how to track your equivalency status UAE online. Just log back into the MOHESR portal where you applied.
You’ll find a section to check your application status, usually by entering your application number. The UAE equivalency certificate processing time can take a few weeks. Once approved, your final certificate will be issued digitally, and you can download it right from the portal.
Full Cost Breakdown: Hidden Fees and Total Investment
Official Government Application Fees
The main equivalency certificate UAE fees that you pay directly to the government are quite low. You’ll pay these when you submit your application on the MOHESR portal. Here’s a quick look at the costs:
| Qualification Level | Official Fee (AED) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 100 |
| Master’s Degree | 150 |
| PhD / Doctorate | 200 |
Third-Party Verification & Attestation Costs
The other costs in the UAE equivalency certificate process come from getting your documents ready. The DataFlow verification for UAE equivalency can cost between AED 300 to AED 1,500, depending on how many documents you need verified.
The QuadraBay verification process has a similar price range. Also, getting the final stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE will cost around AED 150 per educational document. Don’t forget about the attestation costs from your home country, which can vary a lot.
Miscellaneous Expenses to Budget For
You should also plan for a few other small expenses. If your documents need translation, a certified legal translation can cost between AED 50 to AED 200 per page.
Getting your ICA travel report for equivalency will cost around AED 200 to AED 300. If you decide to hire an agent to help you, their fees will be an additional cost. When you add everything up, you should budget for a total realistic cost of around AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 to complete the entire process.
Addressing Common Roadblocks
Online and Distance Learning Degree Equivalency in UAE
Are you worried about your online degree? There’s good news. Since a policy update in 2023, the UAE now offers online degree equivalency UAE for programs from accredited universities. This means if you studied online from a recognized institution, you can get your degree equalized. However, there are some important exceptions to remember.
This recognition usually does not apply to degrees in fields that require a lot of hands-on practice. For example, degrees in medicine, engineering, and law often still require you to have studied in person on campus to be accepted. It’s always best to check the specific requirements for your field of study.
Equivalency for the UAE Golden Visa: Is it Mandatory?
Thinking about a UAE Golden Visa equivalency certificate? For some professionals, getting your degree equalized is a required step to get this long-term visa. If you are applying for the Golden Visa under categories like ‘Managers/Chief Executives,’ ‘Engineers,’ ‘Doctors,’ or ‘Scientists,’ then yes, you must have your degree equivalency certificate from MOHESR.
This proves that your educational background meets the high standards expected for these roles. For other Golden Visa categories, it might not be needed, but having it can still make your application stronger. Always check the specific requirements for your visa category.
Requirements for Engineers and Medical Professionals
If you are an equivalency certificate for engineers in UAE or an equivalency certificate for medical professionals UAE applicant, getting this certificate is your very first step. Before you can apply for a professional license from bodies like the Society of Engineers (SOE), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi, you must have your degree recognized by MOHESR.
This certificate acts as the foundation, confirming your basic academic qualification is valid in the UAE. After you receive your equivalency, you can then proceed with the specific exams and licensing steps required by your professional authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the UAE equivalency certificate process take?
The entire UAE equivalency certificate processing time, including verification and attestation, can take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on your university and how ready your documents are.
Can I apply for an equivalency certificate from outside the UAE?
Yes, the entire process is online. You can complete the attestation in your home country and apply remotely before you even move to the UAE.
What is the most reliable way to learn how to get an equivalency certificate in the UAE?
The best way is to follow the official MOHESR portal guidelines. Using updated guides like this one also helps make the step-by-step process clear and simple.
Is an equivalency certificate required for all jobs in the private sector?
Not always, but it is mandatory for many regulated professions like engineering and healthcare. Many companies also require it for visa or internal compliance purposes.
What if my university is not on the MOHESR’s recognized list?
You may face challenges. It is best to contact MOHESR directly for guidance, as they may request additional documentation to assess your program.
Ending Note
Getting your UAE equivalency certificate in 2025 is a structured process that is completely manageable when you have the right information. By following the steps from attestation to online submission, you can get your qualifications officially recognized without any hassle.
This certificate is your key to better professional and personal opportunities across the UAE. Now that you have a clear roadmap, you can start the process with confidence and take the next big step in your career.
