MOHESR Equivalency vs Translation Dubai — UAE Guide
What You Actually Need
MOJ Licensed Legal Translator Mohamed Khalid (MOJ Licence #688, Arabic–English) · Timing is confirmed after we see your document.
Send Your DocumentTranslation converts your degree into Arabic. Equivalency (MOHESR recognition) is a separate government process. This guide explains the difference and what to check before you apply.
Quick Answer: Ask the receiving authority whether it needs a translation, a MOHESR recognition report, or both.
What is MOHESR degree equivalency in the UAE?
MOHESR handles degree equivalency through its University Qualifications Recognition service, which verifies qualifications issued from accredited higher education institutions outside the UAE. The recognition report serves as an official document for employment, further studies, visas and government services in the UAE. Translation is a separate step, and MOHESR alone decides recognition.
If your certificate is not in Arabic or English, ask MOHESR which translation it needs, then see our degree certificate translation page.
Translation vs Equivalency: Key Differences
Translation only converts your document to Arabic. We confirm the timing after reviewing your document. Use it when the receiving authority asks for a translation and not a recognition report.
MOHESR recognition is decided by MOHESR. According to u.ae, the recognition report serves as an official document for employment, further studies, visas and government services in the UAE. Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current fees and timings.
For translation at the verification step, check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements; VFS Global’s MoHESR FAQ covers it.
When You Need Equivalency
The receiving authority decides whether it needs a MOHESR recognition report. Ask it before you apply.
When Translation Alone May Be Enough
If the receiving authority asks only for a translation, you may not need a recognition report; confirm with that authority. For work permits, see work permit processing and which language MOHRE actually requires.
Required Documents for Equivalency
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Certificate | Clear scan; translation if MOHESR / VFS Global requires it | Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements |
| Academic Transcripts | Clear scan; translation if MOHESR / VFS Global requires it | Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements |
| ID | As requested | Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements |
| Passport | Copy | Check with MOHESR / VFS Global, including for a name that differs from the degree |
| Fees | Verification + recognition report | Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current fees |
Conditions for Recognition
MOHESR sets the general conditions in Ministerial Decree No. (34) of 2025 (see the FAQs above). Check with MOHESR how they apply to your degree.
How We Help
We provide legal translation for documents that are not in Arabic or English. Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current translation requirements. For Indian degrees, see Indian degree equivalency.
- Legal Translation: Translation of degree certificates and transcripts that are not in Arabic or English
- Attestation Guidance: If your employer or another authority asks for attested documents, we can explain the usual steps; acceptance rests with the receiving authority
- Clear Timing: Timing confirmed after review; tell us about urgent application deadlines
- Complete Package: Degree + transcripts translated together at package rates
Ready to apply for equivalency? Send us your degree and transcripts via WhatsApp for a quote.
Related guides: Degree Translation | Golden Visa | Attestation Guide | PhD and DBA Guide | Work Permit Degrees
How It Works
Check Your Documents
Attestation: check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements; VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers attestation for the verification step. Your employer or another receiving authority may still ask for an attested degree for its own process, so check with them.
Get Legal Translation If Needed
If your documents are not in Arabic or English, check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements on translation; VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers the verification step. Send us your documents for a quote.
Create MOHESR Account
Start the recognition application on mohesr.gov.ae. Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current account and upload requirements.
Submit Application
Pay the fees shown on the portal and submit. Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current fees and timings.
Receive Recognition Report
According to <a href='https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/education/higher-education/student-admission-and-qualification-recognition'>u.ae</a>, the recognition report serves as an official document for employment, further studies, visas and government services in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our translation services.
What is the difference between degree translation and MOHESR equivalency?
Translation converts your degree certificate into Arabic or English; it is a document service (we do this). MOHESR recognition is a government process that MOHESR decides. Ask the receiving authority which one it needs.
When do I need a MOHESR recognition report?
Ask the authority that requested your degree. According to u.ae, the recognition report serves as an official document for employment, further studies, visas and government services in the UAE.
How long does MOHESR equivalency take?
Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current timings and any extra university verification fee; VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers both. Timings vary by case.
How much does MOHESR equivalency cost?
Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current fees; VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ lists the verification and recognition report fees. Legal translation is an extra cost if your documents are not in Arabic or English. Translation pricing depends on document type and complexity. Send your document via WhatsApp for a quote.
Can I apply for equivalency before coming to UAE?
Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements, including where you can apply from and which account and ID you need. VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers attestation and translation for the verification step.
Do I need equivalency for private sector jobs?
Ask your employer. Whether a private-sector employer or work permit needs a MOHESR recognition report is up to the employer and the authority, so check with them before you apply.
Is translation required before applying for equivalency?
Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for current requirements. VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers when a legal translation is needed for the verification step.
What documents does MOHESR require?
Check with MOHESR / VFS Global for the current document list. VFS Global's MoHESR FAQ covers attestation and translation for the verification step.
Can online/distance degrees get MOHESR equivalency?
Ministerial Decree No. (34) of 2025 sets general conditions for any degree from outside the UAE, including that the qualification must be valid, and all information contained therein must be accurate. Check with MOHESR how the conditions apply to a distance or online degree.
Which foreign degrees can MOHESR recognise?
Under Ministerial Decree No. (34) of 2025, the qualification must be valid, and all information contained therein must be accurate, and the awarding institution must be legally established and licensed, and must hold accreditation from the relevant accreditation authority in the country of qualification at the time of issuance.
Can MOHESR withdraw a recognition it has already issued?
Yes. Ministerial Decree No. (34) of 2025 states that the Ministry reserves the right to revoke recognition of a previously recognized qualification if it later determines that any of the conditions stated in Article 3 were not met.
Which MOHESR rule governs degree recognition now?
Ministerial Decree No. (34) of 2025, issued on January 15, 2025, repealed Ministerial Decision No. (155) of 2023 on the recognition system for higher education qualifications from outside the country. Rules can change; check with MOHESR.
Not Sure What Your Documents Need?
Send your document. We check the requirements, tell you what is needed, and confirm the right path before you spend anything.