Complete Guide to Document Attestation & Equivalency Certificate Requirements for UAE Golden Visa

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Document Attestation for UAE Golden Visa in 2024

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency to individuals who contribute to the UAE’s growth across various sectors such as entrepreneurship, investment, specialized talents, and education. However, before you can enjoy the benefits of the Golden Visa, you must go through a document attestation process to prove the authenticity of your qualifications, professional achievements, and personal information.  

What is Document Attestation?

Document attestation is the process of authenticating the genuineness of documents. For the UAE Golden Visa, this process confirms that your documents have been verified and are valid in both your home country and the UAE. Attestation typically involves multiple stages, including verification from local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the UAE embassy in the applicant’s home country.

Who Needs Document Attestation for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is available to various categories of individuals, including:

  • Investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Specialized talents (doctors, scientists, creative professionals)
  • Outstanding students and researchers
  • Individuals in the humanitarian sector

Regardless of the category, applicants will need to have their documents attested before submitting them for the Golden Visa application.

Types of Documents that Require Attestation

Here are the key types of documents that typically require attestation for a UAE Golden Visa application:

a) Educational Documents

  • Degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.)
  • Diplomas and professional qualifications
  • Transcripts

b) Personal Documents

  • Passport copies
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates (if applying with family)

c) Financial and Business Documents

  • Business licenses (for entrepreneurs and investors)
  • Bank statements and financial records
  • Tax returns

d) Professional Documents

  • Employment contracts
  • Recommendation letters
  • Salary certificates
  • Proof of specialized skills or awards (for specialized talent)

Step-by-Step Attestation Process for UAE Golden Visa

UAE Golden Visa

The attestation process is typically carried out in multiple steps, often in the following the steps below:

a) Notary Attestation in the Home Country

Start by getting your documents notarized by a registered notary in your home country. This step ensures that your documents are ready for further verification.

b) Attestation from the Home Country’s Authorities

Next, submit the documents for verification by the respective ministries, such as the Ministry of Education (for educational documents) or Ministry of Justice (for legal documents).

c) Attestation from the UAE Embassy/Consulate

Once verified by your home country’s ministries, the documents should be submitted to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country for further attestation. This step is crucial as it validates the document for use in the UAE.

d) MOFA Attestation in the UAE

After your documents have been attested by the UAE embassy in your home country, they must undergo the final stage of attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Key Points to Remember for Document Attestation

a) Translation Requirements

If your documents are not in Arabic or English, you will need to have them translated by an approved legal translator. 

b) Country-Specific Rules

Some countries may have additional steps or specific procedures for attestation. Always check with your home country’s authorities and the UAE embassy to ensure you are following the correct procedure.

c) Timelines

Attestation can be a time-consuming process, taking anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your home country and the number of documents. Start the process well in advance of your visa application.

d) Attestation Fees

Attestation services may involve multiple fees at various stages. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved, including notary fees, ministry fees, embassy fees, and MOFA fees.

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Equivalency certificate for UAE Golden Visa

The equivalency certificate is a crucial part of the UAE Golden Visa application process, especially for individuals applying under specific categories like professionals (doctors, engineers, teachers), and individuals with educational qualifications obtained outside the UAE.

An equivalency certificate is a document that confirms your foreign educational qualification is recognized and comparable to the standards of the UAE Ministry of Education. It’s needed for certain professions to ensure that their qualifications meet UAE standards and are recognized locally.

The Role of MOE Equivalency for Foreign Degrees

If you are applying for the UAE Golden Visa under categories like professionals (doctors, engineers, teachers) or you have a degree obtained outside the UAE, you will need an equivalency certificate from the Ministry of Education (MOE). This ensures that your foreign degree meets UAE standards and is recognized locally.

Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate for the UAE Golden Visa?

Not all Golden Visa applicants need an equivalency certificate. It is mostly required for individuals who are applying based on their educational qualifications. Here are some of the key categories of people who typically require an equivalency certificate:

  1. Professionals:
    • Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Professionals: Those applying for the UAE Golden Visa in the healthcare sector must have their medical degrees and certifications recognized through an equivalency certificate.
    • Engineers: Engineering professionals applying for the Golden Visa need to have their foreign engineering degrees certified as equivalent to UAE standards.
    • Educators: Teachers and professors need to verify that their teaching credentials meet the UAE’s educational standards. They are required to submit an equivalency certificate to ensure their qualifications are valid in the UAE.
  2. PhD Holders:
    • Applicants with PhDs must provide an equivalency certificate for their doctoral degree if they are using this as the basis for their Golden Visa application.
  3. Highly Skilled Individuals:
    • Professionals in IT, research, and development sectors who are applying based on their foreign education or experience may also need an equivalency certificate, depending on their specific field and the requirements of the UAE authorities.
  4. Entrepreneurs and Investors:
    • Some entrepreneurs or investors may need an equivalency certificate if their business license or investment application is tied to their educational background or qualification.

How to Obtain an Equivalency Certificate?

  1. Submit Educational Documents: To begin the equivalency process, you must submit your original degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) along with transcripts, and they must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country as well as the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  2. Apply Through the Ministry of Education (MOE): Once your documents are attested, you can apply for equivalency through the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE evaluates whether your degree is comparable to the UAE’s educational standards.
  3. Additional Steps: Depending on the field of study and profession, some applicants may need to provide additional documentation such as course syllabi, academic transcripts, or proof of accreditation from the issuing institution.

Why Equivalency Certification is Important for UAE Golden Visa Applicants?

  • Legal Recognition: It ensures that your foreign educational qualifications are legally recognized and accepted by the UAE authorities.
  • Eligibility Confirmation: In certain professions, you must have your qualifications verified to confirm your eligibility for a long-term residency (Golden Visa).
  • Professional Licensing: If you plan to work in regulated fields such as healthcare or engineering, equivalency certification is often required to obtain professional licenses in the UAE.

How to Obtain UAE Golden Visa on Managerial Category ?

For individuals applying for the UAE Golden Visa under the managerial category, attestation of degrees is a critical requirement. Managers and professionals in this category must ensure their educational qualifications are both attested and equivalency-certified to confirm that their degrees are recognized in the UAE. This process helps validate the qualifications of individuals in high-level managerial positions, ensuring that their education aligns with UAE standards.

Degree Attestation for Managerial Category in UAE Golden Visa

When applying for the UAE Golden Visa under the managerial category, it is mandatory to have your educational qualifications attested. The attestation process involves multiple steps to authenticate the legitimacy of your degree and ensure it is recognized by UAE authorities. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

  1. Notary Attestation in the Home Country: The first step is to get your degree attested by a notary or relevant authority in your home country. This step ensures that your degree is valid in your country of issuance.

  2. Home Country Ministry Attestation: Following notary attestation, you will need to have your degree attested by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in your home country.

  3. UAE Embassy Attestation: The attested degree then needs to be submitted to the UAE Embassy in your home country for further verification. This ensures the document is acceptable for use in the UAE.

  4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation in the UAE: Once you arrive in the UAE, the final step is to have the document attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to legalize it for use in official applications such as the Golden Visa.

  5. Equivalency Certificate: After attestation, some applicants, especially those in the managerial category, need to obtain an equivalency certificate from the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the UAE. This confirms that your foreign degree meets UAE educational standards.


Salary Requirements for UAE Golden Visa – Managerial Category

In addition to having your degree attested, another essential factor for Golden Visa eligibility in the managerial category is your salary. The UAE government has set specific salary thresholds for Golden Visa applicants, particularly for high-level professionals in leadership or managerial roles.

Here’s what you need to know about the salary requirements:

  1. Minimum Monthly Salary:

    • To qualify for the UAE Golden Visa under the managerial category, applicants generally need to earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more. This salary requirement is designed to ensure that applicants hold significant roles with substantial remuneration.
  2. Salary Documentation:

    • To prove your salary, you will need to provide documentation such as a salary certificate, employment contract, or bank statements showing regular monthly deposits matching the required threshold.
    • Some applicants may also be asked to submit their tax returns or payslips to verify the income level.
  3. Bonuses and Allowances:

    • In some cases, bonuses or other financial benefits like housing or transport allowances may also be considered as part of the total salary package. However, it’s important to clarify this with the relevant UAE authorities.
  4. Profession-Specific Salary Thresholds:

    • Certain professions, especially in finance, business management, and high-level executive roles, may have higher salary requirements depending on the specific role and industry.

Importance of Attestation and Salary for Managerial Golden Visa Applicants

  1. Educational Verification:

    • Attesting and certifying your degree provides UAE authorities with proof that your educational background meets the requirements for managerial positions in the country. This is particularly important in sectors where educational qualifications play a key role in ensuring competence, such as finance, business management, and operations.
  2. Income Validation:

    • The salary requirement ensures that individuals applying for the Golden Visa are financially stable and hold positions of leadership within their respective organizations. It also indicates that they contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy.
  3. Smooth Processing:

    • Ensuring that both your degree attestation and salary documentation are in order will facilitate a smoother Golden Visa application process, preventing delays and rejections.

If you are applying for the UAE Golden Visa under the managerial category, it’s essential to ensure that your degree is fully attested and recognized by the UAE authorities. This involves multiple steps, from notary attestation in your home country to UAE embassy verification and final MOFA attestation in the UAE.

Additionally, you must meet the salary threshold of AED 30,000 or more to be eligible for the Golden Visa in the managerial category. 

Conclusion

Document attestation is a critical step in securing the UAE Golden Visa. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or specialized talent, ensuring that your documents are properly attested will streamline the visa application process and prevent delays or rejections.

Moreover, if you are applying with foreign educational qualifications, obtaining the MOE equivalency certificate is essential to have your qualifications recognized in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Only essential documents related to your application category need to be attested, such as educational certificates for professionals or business licenses for entrepreneurs.

No, attestation is a mandatory part of the Golden Visa process to confirm the authenticity of your documents.

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