Why is an Equivalency Certificate Necessary for a Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa program is one of the most sought-after residency options for expatriates, professionals, investors, and skilled workers. It provides long-term residency and several exclusive benefits to eligible individuals. However, when applying for the Golden Visa, one crucial document often required is the equivalency certificate.

This article explains everything you need to know about the golden visa equivalency certificate—including what it is, why it’s required, who needs it, fees, and the required documents for the equivalency certificate.

The golden visa equivalency certificate is crucial because the UAE authorities require proof that the applicant’s education level aligns with the country’s standards—especially for professionals such as:

• Doctors
• Engineers
• University professors
• Scientists
• Highly-skilled workers
• Outstanding graduates

Having an equivalency certificate is a crucial step in the Golden Visa application process, particularly for applicants under the professional or academic categories. This certificate serves as official confirmation from the UAE Ministry of Education that your foreign degree is recognized and meets the academic standards required within the UAE. It ensures that your educational background is not only valid but also comparable to a local UAE degree in terms of level, content, and quality.

For the UAE government, this step is necessary to maintain the integrity and high standards of the Golden Visa program. By requiring an equivalency certificate, the authorities ensure that only genuinely qualified and competent individuals are granted the privilege of long-term residency. This is especially important in fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and research—sectors that have a direct impact on the nation’s well-being and development.

In the absence of an equivalency certificate, authorities may be unable to verify the authenticity or relevance of your degree. As a result, your Golden Visa application could face delays, be placed on hold, or even get rejected altogether. Many applicants make the mistake of assuming that their internationally earned degree is automatically accepted in the UAE; however, this is not the case. The UAE’s equivalency process is meticulous and requires all documents to be attested, verified, and submitted in the correct format.

Therefore, obtaining your equivalency certificate well in advance can save you significant time, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and increase the likelihood of a smooth and successful visa approval. Whether you’re applying as a doctor, professor, skilled specialist, or top-performing student, this document acts as your academic passport—proving your worth and helping you unlock long-term opportunities in the UAE.

While not all categories of Golden Visa require this document, several key categories do need an equivalency certificate:

1. Professionals (Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, etc.)

Suppose you are applying for the Golden Visa as a skilled professional, particularly in specialized fields such as healthcare, engineering, or IT. In that case, you must present a degree that aligns with your profession. This degree must be verified through the equivalency process.

2. Outstanding Students and Graduates

The UAE offers a Golden Visa to top-performing students from UAE universities and exceptional graduates from foreign institutions. In both cases, if the degree is from abroad, you will need to provide a certificate of equivalency for the golden visa.

3. University Professors and Researchers

Academic professionals applying for long-term residency need to demonstrate the legitimacy and relevance of their qualifications. An equivalency certificate is a key part of this process.

4. Other Skilled Talent

For highly skilled workers or specialists applying under the “Talent” category of the Golden Visa, a certified degree equivalent to the standards of the UAE is often required. The equivalency certificate proves your educational level and field of expertise.

An equivalency certificate is an official document issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It confirms that your academic degree—obtained from a university or institution outside the UAE—is equivalent in level, content, and academic rigor to a degree awarded within the country. This certificate plays a crucial role for individuals who want to pursue employment, further education, or long-term residency in the UAE.

In simpler terms, the equivalency certificate serves as proof that your foreign degree meets the UAE’s academic standards and is recognized by the local authorities. If you’re applying for certain professional positions—especially in sectors like education, healthcare, engineering, or government—or planning to apply for a Golden Visa, this certificate may be required as part of your documentation.

For example, if you’re a doctor or engineer who completed your studies abroad and now wants to work in the UAE, your employer or licensing authority might ask for an equivalency certificate to verify the legitimacy of your academic background. Similarly, if you’re applying for a Golden Visa under the skilled professional or outstanding student categories, you may be required to submit this certificate to demonstrate that your qualifications meet the UAE’s expectations.

Obtaining the certificate involves a formal process, including getting your academic transcripts and degrees attested by relevant authorities in both your home country and the UAE. You’ll also need to submit these documents to the MOE for review.

While the process may seem lengthy, having an equivalency certificate strengthens your application—whether for a job, professional license, or visa—and ensures smoother approval from UAE authorities. It’s an essential step for anyone seeking recognition of their academic achievements in the UAE.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the sole official authority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the legal authority to issue equivalency certificates. These certificates are essential for validating academic degrees earned outside the UAE and confirming that they meet the country’s higher education standards. Whether you’re applying for a Golden Visa, seeking employment in regulated professions, or planning to pursue further studies in the UAE, obtaining this certificate may be a crucial requirement.

To apply for an equivalency certificate, applicants must submit their request through the MOE’s official online portal. This digital platform is designed to streamline the entire application process, allowing users to upload their documents, track the status of their application, and receive updates. The system is user-friendly, but it’s essential to ensure that all required documents are scanned clearly and uploaded in the correct format. These typically include your degree certificate, transcripts, a copy of your passport, and attested documents, among others.

Once the application is submitted, the processing time may vary depending on several factors. These include the country where your degree was issued, the credibility of the educational institution, the completeness of your application, and the specific requirements of your field of study or visa category. In general, it may take anywhere from two weeks to two months to receive your equivalency certificate. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed or if there are delays in confirming details from the issuing institution abroad.

It is also worth noting that the MOE may require further clarification or supporting documents during the evaluation process. If this happens, applicants will be notified through the online portal or email. Being responsive and ensuring the timely submission of any additional requirements will help avoid delays.

In conclusion, if you plan to live, work, or apply for a Golden Visa in the UAE, obtaining an equivalency certificate through the MOE is a crucial step. Always check the latest guidelines on the Ministry’s website and ensure your documents are correctly prepared to facilitate a smooth application process.

If you’re wondering what you need to submit for the equivalency process, here’s a breakdown of the required documents for the equivalency certificate:

1. Degree Certificate
2. A copy of your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from a recognized institution.
3. Transcript of Records
4. This should include all subjects completed, grades, and GPA.
5. Accreditation Proof
6. Proof that the university is accredited in the country where you earned your degree.
7. Mode of Study Letter
8. A letter from the university confirming whether the study was conducted full-time, part-time, or via distance learning.
9. High School Certificate
10. Some cases require submission of your high school diploma, especially if your degree is not consecutive or direct.
11. Passport Copy
12. A valid passport copy for identity verification.
13. Emirates ID (if applicable)
14. If you already reside in the UAE.
15. Attestation from the UAE Embassy and the MOFA
16. Your degree and transcript must be attested by the UAE embassy in the country of study and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Fees for the equivalency certificate vary depending on the degree level and category. Below is a general idea of equivalency certificate fees in the UAE:

Degree Level Estimated Fee (AED)

Bachelor’s Degree AED 200

Master’s Degree AED 300

PhD or Doctorate AED 400

Attestation Fees (MOFA) AED 150–200 per document

Note: These fees may vary depending on the applicant’s situation and any additional services required. Always check the MOE portal for the most up-to-date information.

The processing time for an equivalency certificate generally takes between 15 and 30 working days, depending on:

• The completeness of your documents
• University verification
• Embassy attestations
• Degree type and country of study

Delays may occur if your documents are incomplete or if additional verification is required. It’s advisable to start the equivalency process well in advance of your Golden Visa application.

1. Create an Account on MOE Portal
2. Register at the Ministry of Education’s official website or innovative services platform.
3. Submit Required Documents
4. Upload all relevant documents, including your degree, transcript, and passport copy.
5. Pay the Fees
6. The system will generate the exact fee you need to pay. You can pay online.
7. Wait for Initial Review
8. The MOE will review the documents and notify you if anything is missing.
9. University Verification
10. Your university may be contacted for additional verification.
11. Receive the Certificate
12. Once approved, your equivalency certificate will be issued and can be downloaded or collected.

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