Degree Attestation Requirements for Family Visa in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Translation Office
3 days ago
2 min read

This guide outlines the official attestation steps and requirements for degrees issued from India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, the most common expat nationalities in the Kingdom.

Why Is Degree Attestation Important for Istiqdam?

The Saudi Istiqdam office requires proof that the applicant holds a relevant and valid university degree that matches the profession on their Iqama. This helps determine eligibility for family visa sponsorship.

✅ General Degree Attestation Requirements for family visa

To be accepted by Istiqdam in Saudi Arabia, your degree must be:

From a Recognized University
- Your degree must be issued by a university that is officially accredited in your home country and recognized by the Saudi Cultural Mission.
Full-Time Study (Not Online)
- Degrees obtained through distance education, virtual universities, or online programs are often not accepted.
Attested in the Correct Order
The required attestation steps are:
Step 1: Higher Education Authority (e.g., HEC, UGC, CHED)
Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Step 3: Saudi Cultural Office in your country
Step 4: Saudi Embassy in your country

🌍 Country-Specific Degree Attestation Guidance

🇮🇳 India

Attestation from: University → UGC → Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Then: Saudi Cultural Attaché → Saudi Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Attestation from: University → HEC → MOFA (Pakistan)
Then: Saudi Cultural Office in Islamabad → Saudi Embassy

Note: Virtual University of Pakistan degrees are usually rejected.

🇪🇬 Egypt

Attestation from: University → Supreme Council of Universities
Then: MOFA (Egypt) → Saudi Cultural Bureau → Saudi Embassy

🇵🇭 Philippines

Attestation from: University → CHED → DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Then: Saudi Cultural Office → Saudi Embassy

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

Attestation from: University → UGC → MOFA (Bangladesh)
Then: Saudi Cultural Mission → Saudi Embassy in Dhaka

❌ Degrees That Are Commonly Rejected

Online or distance-learning degrees
Degrees from non-accredited institutions
Degrees without proper attestation
Degrees that don’t match your Iqama profession

📎 Pro Tip:

Make sure your degree title and specialization clearly match your Iqama job title. Otherwise, even a properly attested degree may be rejected by Istiqdam.