Pakistani Document Attestation for the UAE
Need your Pakistani documents translated for use in the UAE? Send them to us for fast, online translation and we will tell you what they need. This page explains the attestation steps those documents go through.
Arkan does not provide attestation. Attestation is done by the issuing country's authorities, the UAE embassy there and MOFA in the UAE. Our part is the translation that sits before or after it.
This guide maps the usual HEC, IBCC, and MOFA sequence for Pakistani documents used in the UAE.
Common Pakistani Documents for Attestation
Educational
- - HEC-attested degrees and diplomas (for MOHRE work permits)
- - IBCC equivalence certificates (for intermediate/matric)
- - University transcripts
- - Professional course certificates
Personal Status
- - Nikah nama / marriage certificates (for family visa)
- - NADRA-issued birth certificates
- - Family registration certificates
- - Police character certificates
Commercial
- - FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) documents
- - Company registration certificates (SECP)
- - Chamber of Commerce documents
- - Export/import documentation
Professional
- - PMDC registration (for DHA medical licensing)
- - PEC registration (Pakistan Engineering Council)
- - PNC registration (Pakistan Nursing Council)
- - Bar Council enrollment certificates
Attestation Chain
Two directions, depending on whether documents go from Pakistan to the UAE or from the UAE to Pakistan.
From Pakistan to UAE
- 1
HEC / IBCC Attestation (Educational) or Relevant Authority
HEC attests university degrees and diplomas. IBCC attests intermediate and matriculation certificates. Non-educational documents go through their respective issuing authority.
GUIDE-ONLY Requires action in Pakistan - 2
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan
Federal-level authentication by the Pakistani government. Required after HEC/IBCC or authority-level attestation.
GUIDE-ONLY Requires action in Pakistan - 3
UAE Embassy in Pakistan
The UAE diplomatic mission records its attestation. The receiving authority separately decides whether the document and any later formality meet its current requirements.
GUIDE-ONLY Requires action in Pakistan - 4
MOFA UAE Attestation
Final UAE government stamp. Ask MOFA directly for its current process.
AUTHORITY STEP Not an Arkan service
From UAE to Pakistan
- 1
Notarization / MOJ Translation
Document notarized or formally translated as required by the route. Check the authority requirement before commissioning the work.
TRANSLATION Certified translation, once you know what is needed - 2
MOFA UAE Attestation
UAE federal government stamp confirming document authenticity at the national level. Ask MOFA directly for its current process.
AUTHORITY STEP Not an Arkan service - 3
Pakistan Embassy / Consulate in UAE
Pakistani diplomatic mission in the UAE stamps the document for use in Pakistan. Ask the embassy directly about its submission process.
AUTHORITY STEP Usually requires personal presence
Not every Pakistani document follows the same chain. Educational documents go through HEC, while NADRA documents have their own verification path. Use document check to identify the likely route; the receiving authority confirms the actual requirement.
Translation and Attestation for Pakistani Documents
Many Pakistani documents need both translation and attestation. The order depends on the document type and receiving authority.
Documents in Urdu
Urdu-language documents (nikah nama, NADRA certificates, older educational records) may need English translation first. If the receiving authority in the UAE requires Arabic, a formal Arabic translation may follow. Check the authority requirement before commissioning either step.
Documents Already in English
Many Pakistani educational documents (HEC-attested degrees, IBCC equivalences) are issued in English. These typically only need Arabic translation if the receiving authority requires it - such as Dubai Courts or certain government entities. Attestation can proceed with the English original.
This guide helps identify whether translation may be needed before or after attestation.
Our Legal Translation ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HEC attestation and degree equivalency?
HEC (Higher Education Commission) attestation verifies that your degree is genuine and issued by a recognized Pakistani university. Degree equivalency is a separate process where HEC evaluates a foreign degree to determine its Pakistani equivalent. For UAE use, you typically need HEC attestation of your Pakistani degree - not equivalency. Confirm the exact requirement with the receiving authority.
What is the attestation chain for Pakistani documents used in the UAE?
The typical chain is: HEC or IBCC attestation (for educational documents) or relevant authority verification, then Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan attestation, then UAE Embassy stamp in Pakistan, then MOFA attestation in the UAE. The exact steps depend on the document type - each authority confirms its own requirement.
Do Urdu documents need translation for attestation?
If the receiving authority in the UAE requires English or Arabic, yes. Urdu documents may need English translation first. If the document is going to a UAE court or government entity that requires Arabic, a formal Arabic translation may also be needed. The translation step can come before or after attestation depending on the route. Check the authority requirement.
How long does Pakistani document attestation take?
Timelines are set by each authority, not by us. HEC/IBCC attestation in Pakistan can take 1-4 weeks depending on the institution. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan varies by document type. MOFA attestation in Dubai is typically 1-3 working days. The full chain can take several weeks - ask each authority for its current estimate.
Who handles NADRA document attestation?
NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) documents like computerized NICs or family registration certificates may need verification through NADRA before entering the attestation chain. The NADRA verification step requires action in Pakistan - Arkan is not an attestation provider.
Working Out What a Pakistani Document Needs?
Use document check to see what your file likely needs.