How to Get Equivalency Certificate in UAE: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

An equivalency certificate UAE (officially called the Certificate of Recognition), issued by the UAE Ministry of Education, validates a foreign qualification for employment, professional licensing, and further study in the Emirates.
Getting this document follows a defined, two-stage process. Follow official steps to avoid delays and rejections.

Why this matters

Employers, licensing authorities, and universities use official recognition to confirm credentials. For many regulated roles, proof of degree equivalency UAE is mandatory. Start the process early. Verification and attestation can take weeks.

Quick overview: the two stages

1. Verify the qualification through an MOE-approved partner (primary source verification).
2. Submit the verification reference to the Ministry portal (log in with UAE PASS) and request the official recognition.

Both stages are required for a formal MOE equivalency certificate decision.

Step-by-step: what to do

Step 1 — Degree verification (primary source verification)

Begin with an approved verification partner. The Ministry lists partners such as DataFlow and QuadraBay. Register on the partner’s site and request Primary Source Verification (PSV). The partner will contact the issuing university and return a verification report and reference number.

Keep the partner’s reference number. It must be entered later on the Ministry portal. The verification stage can take time. Allow up to several weeks for responses from issuing institutions.

Step 2 — Gather attested documents

Collect originals or certified copies of:

• Degree certificate and transcripts.
• Passport copy and Emirates ID (if resident).
• Legal translations (if documents are not in Arabic or English).
• Any embassy letters or previous genuineness letters, if applicable.

Some Ministry services or country-specific workflows require embassy or MOFA legalisation. However, for the primary-source verification step carried out by the Ministry’s authorised partners, applicants usually submit scanned documents. These partners also state that apostille or embassy attestation is not required for PSV. The Ministry, however, keeps strict rules on attestations and seals. Confirm requirements for the issuing country and document type.

Step 3 — Apply on the Ministry portal

Log in to the Ministry of Education portal using UAE PASS. Start the Certificate of Recognition service. Enter the verification reference number from the PSV partner. Upload attested documents, translations, and ID. Pay the application fee online and submit.

Once the PSV report appears and the Ministry confirms details, the Ministry issues the official MOE equivalency certificate. The portal shows the decision and allows download.

Timelines and what to expect

• PSV (partner verification) often takes up to 30 days, depending on the issuing institution. The partner’s site will show progress.
• After the PSV report arrives, the Ministry can issue the recognition quickly. The Ministry’s service page notes issuance within two days once verification completes. Real-world timing varies by case.
• A 2025 digital integration project by MoHRE and MoHESR now allows private-sector employers to verify many academic credentials electronically. This service is being rolled out in phases. It applies initially to certain skill levels and degree types.

Common reasons for delays or rejection

• Missing embassy seals or incomplete attestations.
• Institution records that do not match the submitted documents. PSV partners will flag mismatches.
• Studied at an unaccredited institution. Always check that your awarding body is recognised before applying.

Practical checklist (before you submit)

• Get Primary Source Verification via DataFlow or QuadraBay and save the reference number.
• Collect original certificates and transcripts.
• Obtain embassy seals and UAE MOFA attestation when required.
• Translate non-English/Arabic documents and certify translations.
• Create/verify a UAE PASS account.
• Upload documents and enter the PSV reference on the Ministry portal.

Short tips to avoid problems

• Verify the awarding university’s accreditation before you start. This saves time.
• Use the partner’s “applicant assist” option if uncertain about form fields. It costs more, but reduces errors.
• Keep polite, dated copies of every submitted form and receipt.

Conclusion

The path to an equivalency certificate UAE is procedural and well-documented. Start with an MOE-approved verification partner. Complete attestations. Then apply on the Ministry portal with UAE PASS. Follow official instructions and track both the verification reference and the portal status closely. This approach reduces rejection risk and speeds the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the PSV and recognition process take?
A: PSV can take several weeks, sometimes up to 30 days. Once the verification report arrives, the Ministry can issue final recognition quickly, often within two days. Time varies by case.

Q: Do I need MOFA or embassy attestations for every document?
A: Some Ministry services or country-specific workflows require embassy/MOFA legalisation, but for PSV via authorised partners apostille is not required. Check the partner and MOE guidance for your case.

Q: Is the UAE equivalency certificate process different for secondary and higher education?
A: Yes. Secondary (grade 12) equivalency follows a specific MOE service. University recognition uses the Certificate of Recognition process with PSV. Follow the correct portal service for your level.

Q: What if an employer asks for degree equivalency UAE but my qualification is online or distance learning?
A: The Ministry updated policies to allow conditional recognition for some distance and online degrees, subject to committee review. Verify eligibility before applying.

Q: Where do I get the final MOE equivalency certificate after approval?
A: The decision and certificate are available for download from the Ministry portal after login with UAE PASS.