If you completed your studies in the United Kingdom and are planning to move to the UAE for work, higher education, or professional licensing, you must get your UK degree certificate legalized. Without legalization, your UK qualifications will not be officially recognized by UAE authorities.
This article explains the step-by-step UK degree certificate legalization process for UAE use, the documents required, and how to avoid delays.
What is Degree Certificate Legalization?
Legalization is the process of confirming that your UK-issued documents are genuine and valid for use abroad. For the UAE, your UK degree certificate must be:
- Verified in the UK (by relevant authorities).
- Attested by the UAE Embassy in London.
- Finally legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Why Do You Need UK Degree Certificate Legalization in UAE?
- Employment Visa – UAE employers require legalized degrees to process work permits.
- University Admission – Higher education institutions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah need legalized UK degrees for postgraduate admissions.
- Professional Licensing – Regulators such as DHA (Dubai Health Authority), KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), and MOH (Ministry of Health) demand legalized foreign degrees.
Step-by-Step Process for Legalizing a UK Degree Certificate for UAE
1. Notarization in the UK
The original UK degree certificate must first be certified or notarized by a solicitor or notary public.
2. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Attestation
Once notarized, the certificate needs authentication from the FCDO Legalisation Office in the UK.
3. UAE Embassy in London Attestation
After FCDO authentication, the degree certificate must be submitted to the UAE Embassy in London for legalization.
4. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
The final step is MOFA attestation in the UAE, confirming the degree is valid for all official purposes inside the Emirates.
Required Documents
- Original UK degree certificate
- Copy of passport
- Authorization letter (if using an agency)
- Certified translation (if applicable – for documents not in English or Arabic, although UK degrees are usually exempt)
Common Challenges
- Processing delays at the UK FCDO Legalisation Office
- Embassy appointment backlogs
- Missing notarization or incorrect solicitor certification
- Risk of rejection if steps are skipped
Conclusion: Make UK Degree Legalization Hassle-Free
The UK degree certificate legalization process for UAE involves several steps across multiple authorities. Any error or missing step can cause delays in employment, visa issuance, or licensing.
At Quick Attestation, we manage the entire process for you — from UK notarization and FCDO attestation to UAE Embassy and MOFA legalization. With our expertise, your degree is legalized accurately, quickly, and without stress.
Contact Quick Attestation today for fast, reliable UK degree certificate legalization in UAE.
