Attestation is the official stamping that proves a document is genuine. UAE authorities need it before they accept foreign certificates. Degrees, marriage certificates and birth certificates all require it. Without attestation you cannot process many work visas, professional licences or family sponsorships.
A document is verified in its home country, then by the UAE embassy in that country, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only then do local authorities accept it.
Degree attestation matters most for skilled work permits and for roles that need a licensed qualification, such as medicine, law or engineering.
Ask new hires to start attestation early. It can take several weeks and it often sits on the critical path to a start date.
Build the step into onboarding and keep certified copies on file. A missing stamp can delay a visa and a start date together.
Last updated: July 2026 | Reviewed by Tuscan Consulting, Dubai