What is a Certificate of Equivalency?

A UAE Certificate of Equivalency (also known as a Certificate of Recognition) is an official document issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE). It verifies that your foreign degree or qualification is equivalent to UAE academic standards. This recognition is crucial for:

• Employment in regulated professions such as teaching, healthcare, and engineering
• Pursuing higher education in UAE universities
• Obtaining a Society of Engineers Dubai (SOE) license
• Applying for a UAE Golden Visa

In short, the certificate ensures that your qualifications are internationally recognized and valid for professional or academic purposes in the UAE.

Equivalency vs Attestation: What’s the Difference?

Equivalency

• Conducted by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE)
• Validates that foreign degrees meet UAE academic standards
• Required for Golden Visa, employment, higher studies, and licensing
• Applies to academic qualifications from secondary school to doctorate

Attestation

• Confirms the authenticity of a degree or certificate
• Involves stamping by relevant authorities (home country, embassy, UAE MOFA)
• Required for visa processing, employment contracts, and official documentation

Tip: You typically need to complete attestation before starting the equivalency process.

Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate in UAE?

Anyone with a foreign academic qualification may need equivalency, particularly if you are:

• Seeking employment in regulated sectors (healthcare, teaching, engineering, government roles)
• Applying for a Golden Visa under skilled professional or executive categories
• Planning to pursue further studies at UAE universities
• Applying for professional licensing bodies like SOE in Dubai

When Should You Apply?

You can apply for equivalency before securing a job offer or university admission. Since the process may take up to 30 days, it’s best to start early to avoid delays. You also do not need to be physically present in the UAE to initiate your application, making it possible to prepare in advance from abroad.

Documents Required for MoE Equivalency

• Degree verification report (from MoE-approved verification partners)
• Embassy-verified graduation certificate and transcripts
• Proof of attestation from UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Any additional documents requested by the MoE depending on specialization

Note: Without verification documents, your application cannot proceed.

Step-by-Step Process for UAE Certificate Equivalency

1. Log in to the Ministry of Education portal (or use UAE PASS).
2. Select the qualification level and major for recognition.
3. Fill out the online application and upload all required documents.
4. Pay the applicable service fees online.
5. Wait for MoE review — additional documents may be requested.
6. Receive the official decision via email: Recognized or Not Recognized.

Processing time: Typically 30 days, depending on document verification.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Degree issued by a non-accredited university
• Insufficient attendance in country of study
• Incomplete degree or missing prerequisite qualifications
• Non-traditional study methods (distance learning, unaccredited online programs)
• Failure to provide attestation or verification documents

Always verify that your institution and program are recognized before starting the process.

How Visago.ae Can Support You

At Visago.ae, we specialize in simplifying the UAE Tourist visa. While we do not directly process equivalency certificates, we assist professionals, students, and employers by:

• Providing guidance on UAE Tourist visa requirements
• Helping employers onboard new talent quickly with interim solutions.
• Offering a fast and reliable Dubai Tourist Visa online service, so individuals can enter the UAE while awaiting their equivalency and residence visa approvals

Apply Now for Your Dubai Tourist Visa

FAQs About Certificate of Equivalency in UAE

Is attestation enough for employment in UAE?

No. Attestation confirms document authenticity, but equivalency is required for recognition by the Ministry of Education.

Can I apply for equivalency from outside UAE?

Yes. You can initiate the process online without being physically present in the UAE.

Do I need equivalency for a Golden Visa?

Yes. An MoE equivalency certificate is mandatory for most Golden Visa categories requiring a degree.

How long does the equivalency process take?

Typically up to 30 days, depending on verification and MoE review.