Why Equivalency Is Mandatory UAE -How to Get MOE Equivalency

In the United Arab Emirates, an equivalency certificate is an official confirmation that a foreign educational qualification is recognized and comparable to UAE standards. This certificate is issued by the UAE Ministry of Education and is a critical requirement for many employment, visa, licensing, and academic processes.

This guide explains why equivalency is mandatory, who needs it, whether you can work without it, and how to process an equivalency certificate in the UAE

Is an Equivalency Certificate Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes—equivalency is mandatory in many situations.UAE authorities require equivalency whenever they must officially verify that a degree earned outside the UAE meets local academic standards.

It is commonly required for:

• Government and semi-government jobs

• Regulated professions (engineering, education, healthcare, etc.)

• Skilled employment visas and role upgrades

• Professional licenses

• Golden Visa (skilled category)

• Admission to UAE universities

Some private-sector roles may not ask for equivalency initially, but it is often required later for promotion, licensing, or visa changes.

Why Is an Equivalency Certificate Important?

An equivalency certificate:

• Confirms your degree is recognized in the UAE

• Protects employers and authorities from unaccredited or fake qualifications

• Enables correct job title and visa classification

• Supports professional licensing and long-term residency

• Prevents delays or rejections during official processing

Without equivalency, a degree may be treated as unverified for official purposes.

Can I Work in the UAE Without Equivalency?

It depends on your role and sector.

You may work without equivalency if:

• The job is non-regulated

• The employer does not require MOE recognition

• The visa category does not require academic verification

You will need equivalency if:

• The role is regulated or licensed

• You work for the government/semi-government

• You are applying for an engineer, teacher, healthcare, or specialist role

• You seek a Golden Visa or skilled visa classification

In practice, many professionals start without equivalency but need it later for career growth.

Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

You typically need equivalency if you are:

• A professional with a foreign degree

• An engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse, pharmacist

• A student applying to UAE universities

• An employee seeking promotion or a role upgrade

• A Golden Visa applicant (skilled category)

What Is the Purpose of Equivalency?

The purpose of equivalency is to:

• Validate foreign education against UAE standards

• Maintain consistent academic quality nationwide

• Regulate professions that affect public safety and education

• Ensure fair evaluation across different education systems

How to Process an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

• Degree certificate

• Transcripts/mark sheets

• Passport copy

• Emirates ID copy

• University accreditation details

• Attestation stamps (where applicable)

Documents must be clear, complete, and genuine.

Step 2: Attestation of Educational Documents

Most degrees must be properly attested before equivalency:

• Home-country verification (as applicable)

• Embassy/consulate attestation

• MOFA attestation (final UAE legalization)

• Certified translation if the document is not in Arabic or English

Step 3: Online Submission to MOE

The equivalency application is submitted through the Ministry’s system with uploaded documents and details of the institution and program.

Step 4: Academic & Accreditation Review

The Ministry reviews:

• University accreditation status

• Mode of study (on-campus, distance, etc.)

• Program duration and structure

• Compliance with UAE standards

Step 5: Issuance of Equivalency Certificate

If approved, the Equivalency Certificate is issued digitally. If additional information is required, clarifications may be requested.

How Long Does Equivalency Take?

• Typical timeline: 2–8 weeks

• Can vary based on university verification and document completeness

Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection

• Unaccredited institution

• Missing or incorrect attestation

• Incomplete transcripts

• Mismatch in study mode or duration

• Incorrect or unofficial translations

How Amazon Attestation Services Can Help

Amazon Attestation Services provides complete equivalency support across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Al Ain, including:

• Eligibility check & document review

• Educational document attestation (Embassy + MOFA)

• Certified legal translation

• Equivalency application submission & follow-up

• Door-to-door pickup & delivery across the UAE

• Clear timelines and compliant processing

Call / WhatsApp: +971 4 330 0011

With experienced professionals and real offices, Amazon Attestation helps reduce errors, avoid rejections, and save time.

Key Takeaway

• Equivalency is mandatory for many jobs, visas, and licenses in the UAE

• It ensures your foreign degree is officially recognized

• Even if not required today, it is often needed later

• Proper attestation and accurate submission are essential