MOHESR Equivalency vs Translation
What You Actually Need
Translation converts your degree into Arabic. Equivalency evaluates whether it meets UAE standards. Most people only need translation. This guide explains when you need each—and when you need both.
Private sector job? Translation only.
Golden Visa, government job, or teaching? Both translation AND equivalency.
Translation vs Equivalency: Key Differences
MOJ Translation Only
Document conversion to Arabic
Use Cases:
- Private sector employment
- MOHRE work permit
- Free zone company employment
- Bank account opening
- HR records
- Initial job applications
MOHESR Equivalency
Official degree recognition
Use Cases:
- Golden Visa (skilled category)
- Government sector jobs
- Teaching positions (MOE)
- Engineering registration (SCE)
- UAE university enrollment
- Some professional licensing
When You Need Equivalency
Golden Visa
The skilled employee category requires MOHESR equivalency confirming your degree is bachelor's or higher. Your degree field must also match your employment.
Golden Visa Guide →Government Jobs
Federal and local government positions require equivalency as part of the hiring process. This applies to ministries, municipalities, and government-owned entities.
Teaching Positions
Ministry of Education (MOE) schools require equivalency. Private schools under KHDA may have different requirements depending on curriculum.
Engineering Registration
Society of Engineers (SCE) registration requires degree equivalency for practicing engineers. This applies to civil, mechanical, electrical, and other engineering disciplines.
UAE University Enrollment
Continuing education in UAE universities requires equivalency of your previous qualifications before admission.
Some Healthcare Roles
While DHA has its own evaluation process, some healthcare administrative roles may require MOHESR equivalency in addition to professional licensing.
DHA Requirements →When Translation Alone Is Sufficient
For most employment situations, MOJ-certified translation is all you need. MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) accepts translated degrees for work permit processing without requiring equivalency.
Private Sector Employment
Companies in mainland Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates
Free Zone Companies
DIFC, DMCC, JAFZA, and other free zone employers
MOHRE Work Permits
Standard employment visa processing
Bank Requirements
Account opening, loans, and banking verification
HR Records
Internal company documentation and compliance
Job Applications
Submitting qualifications to potential employers
Need Degree Translation Only?
Most clients need just MOJ-certified translation. Same-day delivery available.
Degree Translation Service →MOHESR Equivalency Process
If you do need equivalency, here's the complete process.
Complete Attestation
Your degree and transcripts must complete the full attestation chain: home country authentication → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE. Equivalency cannot be applied without MOFA stamp.
Learn more →Get MOJ Translation
MOHESR requires MOJ-certified Arabic translation of all academic documents. Bring your attested originals to us for same-day translation.
Learn more →Create MOHESR Account
Register on the MOHESR portal (mohesr.gov.ae) using your Emirates ID. Upload required documents including translations.
Submit Application
Pay the application fee (AED 330) and submit. Track status through the portal. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Receive Equivalency Certificate
Once approved, download your equivalency certificate from the portal. This is your official recognition document.
Required Documents for Equivalency
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Certificate | Attested original + MOJ translation | Full attestation chain required |
| Academic Transcripts | Attested original + MOJ translation | All semesters/years |
| Emirates ID | Valid ID | Required for portal registration |
| Passport | Copy of bio page | Must match degree name |
| Passport Photo | Recent photo | White background |
| Application Fee | AED 330 | Paid online |
Additional Documents (Some Cases)
- Thesis abstract: For master's and PhD degrees
- Course descriptions: If MOHESR requests detailed curriculum information
- University accreditation letter: For degrees from less-known institutions
- Previous degree: For postgraduate applications (bachelor's for master's applicants)
Equivalency Outcomes
MOHESR evaluates your degree and issues one of three outcomes:
Full Equivalency
Your degree is recognized as equivalent to the UAE standard for that qualification level. For example, your bachelor's equals a UAE bachelor's.
Can proceed with Golden Visa, government jobs, etc.Partial Equivalency
Your degree is recognized at a lower level than claimed. For example, a 3-year bachelor's may be equated to a diploma, or a coursework master's to a postgraduate diploma.
May or may not satisfy your specific requirementNon-Equivalency
Your degree is not recognized. This typically happens with unaccredited institutions, diploma mills, or degrees that don't meet minimum standards.
Cannot be used for purposes requiring equivalencyIf you receive partial or non-equivalency, you can appeal with additional documentation. Consider consulting with MOHESR directly or an education consultant before appealing.
How We Help
We provide the translation component required for MOHESR equivalency applications.
MOJ-Certified Translation
Arabic translation of degree certificate and transcripts, as required by MOHESR.
Attestation Verification
We verify your documents have complete attestation before starting translation.
Same-Day Service
Standard translation in 24 hours. Express available for urgent applications.
Complete Package
Degree + transcripts translated together at package rates.
Ready to Apply for Equivalency?
Send us your attested degree and transcripts. We provide MOJ-certified translation for your MOHESR application.
WhatsApp Your DocumentsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between degree translation and MOHESR equivalency?
Translation converts your degree certificate into Arabic/English. Equivalency evaluates whether your foreign qualification is recognized as equivalent to a UAE degree standard. Translation is a document service (we do this). Equivalency is a government evaluation process (MOHESR does this). Most employment needs only MOJ-certified translation; specific purposes require equivalency.
When do I need MOHESR equivalency?
You need equivalency for: (1) Golden Visa skilled employee category, (2) government sector jobs, (3) teaching positions at MOE schools, (4) some professional licensing like engineering (MOIAT/SCE) and DHA healthcare licensing, and (5) enrollment in UAE higher education. Private sector employment typically requires only MOJ-certified translation, not equivalency.
How long does MOHESR equivalency take?
Standard processing takes 2-4 weeks after complete document submission. Complex cases (unusual degree types, closed universities, unaccredited programs) may take longer. You can track your application status through the MOHESR portal. Meanwhile, get your degree translated and transcripts translated to have documents ready.
How much does MOHESR equivalency cost?
The MOHESR equivalency application fee is approximately AED 330. Additional costs include attestation (varies by country), MOJ-certified translation (AED 150+), and any courier fees. See our pricing guide for translation costs.
Can I apply for equivalency before coming to UAE?
Yes, MOHESR equivalency can be applied for online. However, you need: (1) attested original documents (including UAE Embassy attestation), (2) MOJ-certified translation (requires the document to be in UAE), and (3) Emirates ID for account creation. Complete attestation abroad, then finish translation after arriving.
What if my degree is not equivalent to a UAE standard?
MOHESR may issue: (1) full equivalency (your degree equals a UAE degree), (2) partial equivalency (lower than claimed, e.g., your master's equals a bachelor's), or (3) non-equivalency (not recognized). Partial equivalency can still satisfy some requirements for Golden Visa. Non-equivalency means the degree cannot be used for purposes requiring equivalency.
Do I need equivalency for private sector jobs?
Usually no. Private sector employers and MOHRE work permits typically require only MOJ-certified translation of your attested degree. Equivalency is generally not requested for private employment in DIFC, JLT, or other free zones.
Is translation required before applying for equivalency?
Yes. MOHESR requires MOJ-certified Arabic translation of your degree certificate and transcripts as part of the application. The translation must be from the attested original documents. We provide same-day translation for equivalency applications.
What documents does MOHESR require?
Standard requirements: (1) Attested degree certificate (full chain ending with MOFA UAE), (2) Attested academic transcripts, (3) MOJ-certified Arabic translation of both, (4) Valid Emirates ID, (5) Passport copy, (6) Passport-size photo. See our document checklist.
Can online/distance degrees get MOHESR equivalency?
Yes, if the institution is accredited. MOHESR evaluates distance education degrees case-by-case, considering accreditation status, program structure, and examination methods. Well-known distance universities (UK Open University, IGNOU) typically receive equivalency.
Not Sure What You Need?
Tell us your situation and we will advise whether you need just translation or equivalency as well.
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