Table of Contents
Key Takeaways – Equivalency Certificate UAE (2025 Updated Guide)
- The Equivalency Certificate UAE is an official document issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) that validates your international degree for professional and academic recognition in the UAE.
- You must complete DataFlow verification, full document attestation, and MOE application submission to receive your certificate successfully.
- This certificate is mandatory for healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, and applicants for the UAE Golden Visa.
- The equivalence certificate UAE cost typically ranges between AED 800 – AED 1,500, including verification, attestation, and processing fees.
- Processing time ranges from 2 days to 6 weeks, depending on document completeness and degree type.
- Common rejection reasons include unaccredited universities, incomplete attestations, and inconsistencies in documents — all avoidable with expert guidance.
- Partnering with Elite International Training ensures a smooth process — from verification to submission — maximizing your approval success rate.
Understanding the Equivalency Certificate: Your Academic Passport
An Equivalency certificate officially confirms that your foreign qualification matches UAE education standards. Issued by the MOE, it’s essential for professionals seeking licensing, higher studies, or long-term residency — including the UAE Golden Visa.
It applies to secondary school, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees. Reforms in 2025 have made the equivalence certificate MOE process faster and more digital, while maintaining strict validation standards
Who Actually Needs This Certificate?
Required for:
Healthcare, engineering, and education professionals
Government sector employees
University admissions (local institutions)
Golden Visa applicants
Without this certification, your foreign degree may not be accepted for work or study in the UAE.
Breaking Down the Complete Application Process
1. DataFlow Verification
Begin with DataFlow, which confirms your degree’s authenticity directly with your university. This takes about 30 days and is mandatory before applying to the MOE.
2. Document Attestation
Your degree and transcripts must be attested by:
Home country’s Ministry of Education
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
UAE Embassy (in home country)
UAE MOFA (after arrival)
3. MOE Application Submission
Apply via the MOE portal using UAE PASS. Upload:
Degree & transcripts
Passport, visa, Emirates ID
DataFlow report
High school and university applicants have different requirements (e.g., IB or A-Level scores).
4. Fees and Timeline
MOE fee: AED 100–200
DataFlow & attestations: AED 700–1,300
Total cost: AED 800–1,500
Processing time ranges from 2 days to 6 weeks.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Ensure full attestation chain is complete.
Confirm your university is accredited.
Avoid discrepancies across documents.
For medicine, law, or engineering, ensure your degree involves on-campus study.
Benefits of Using Elite International for Your Equivalency Certificate
Elite International Training simplifies the Equivalency certificate UAE process by managing verification, attestation, and submission for you. Their expertise minimizes rejection risks, saves time, and ensures full compliance with MOE standards — especially for complex or international degrees.
FAQs – Equivalency Certificate UAE
What is an Equivalency Certificate?
It’s an MOE document validating your foreign qualification for work, study, or Golden Visa eligibility.Who needs it?
Healthcare, engineering, education professionals, and Golden Visa applicants.What’s the cost?
AED 800–1,500 including all verification and processing.How long does it take?
Typically 2–6 weeks depending on documentation.Are online degrees accepted?
Some accredited online degrees are accepted, except for specialized professions like medicine or engineering.How can Elite International Training help?
They handle the entire process end-to-end, ensuring quick and compliant approval.