Your SA qualifications are respected in the UAE, but they need to go through a formal attestation and recognition process before most employers and government bodies will accept them. Sort this before you get on the plane.
Step 1: SAQA verification
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) verifies that your qualification is from a legitimate SA institution and meets national standards. This is the starting point for most degree attestations.
- Apply at saqa.org.za. Online application, takes 3-5 working days.
- SAQA issues a verification letter confirming your qualification's NQF level.
- Cost: approximately R200-R400 per qualification.
- Mandatory for engineering, medicine, education and most professional licences in the UAE.
Step 2: DIRCO authentication
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria authenticates your documents for international use.
- Submit your original certificate or SAQA verification letter to DIRCO (Consular Section in Pretoria).
- DIRCO attaches a Certificate of Authentication sealed with a green ribbon.
- Processing time: standard 5-10 working days, expedited 2-3 working days.
- Cost: approximately R200-R500 per document.
Step 3: UAE Embassy attestation (Pretoria)
After DIRCO, your documents go to the UAE Embassy in Pretoria for final legalisation.
- Submit DIRCO-authenticated documents to the UAE Embassy, 980 Park Street, Arcadia.
- The embassy adds an official UAE government sticker and seal.
- Processing time: 2-5 working days.
- From 2026, the full process can be completed in SA with no further UAE-side attestation required for most documents. Always confirm the latest process with the embassy before you submit.
Step 4: UAE MOFA (if still required)
For some document types, a final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE may still be required. Check with your employer before assuming this step is not needed.
Timing tip
Degree attestation from start to finish takes 4-8 weeks under standard service. Expedited service reduces this to 3-5 weeks but costs more. Start this process as soon as you have a job offer, or ideally before.
Which documents need attestation?
- Degree or diploma — Work permit, professional licences, Golden Visa talent route
- Matric certificate — Some entry-level job applications
- Marriage certificate — Spousal residency visa sponsorship
- Birth certificate (children) — Children's residency visa
- Police clearance certificate — Many UAE employers require this
Information correct as of June 2026. Always verify at official sources before acting.