How to apostille a document in Saudi Arabia (+required translation)

Jeddah Translation Office
3 days ago
3 min read

Learn how to apostille your documents in Saudi Arabia

If you're planning to use official documents like birth certificates, degrees, or legal papers outside of Saudi Arabia, you'll likely need an Apostille. This is an international form of authentication that makes your document legally valid in other countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

In this post, the experts at JCT Translation Office explain exactly how to apostille your document in Saudi Arabia, including when you need it, what documents are eligible, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a special certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public document. It allows your document to be recognized internationally—without needing embassy legalization—if the destination country is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention.

📅 Saudi Arabia officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention in December 2022, making the Apostille process much faster and more accessible.

Who Needs Apostille Services in Saudi Arabia?

Whether you're a Saudi citizen or a foreign resident, you might need to apostille your documents for:

University admissions abroad
Work permits and visa applications
Marriage or divorce proceedings overseas
Legal representation or power of attorney
Starting a business in another country

Documents That Can Be Apostilled in Saudi Arabia

Here are some of the most commonly apostilled documents:

Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)
Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
Police clearance certificates
Commercial documents (CR, licenses)
Legal documents (power of attorney, court decisions)
Medical reports or vaccination certificates
Employment or salary letters

How to Apostille Your Document in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Prepare and Translate the Document (If Needed)

If your document is not in Arabic or English, you may need a certified translation. At JCT Translation Office, we provide sworn translations accepted by all Saudi authorities and embassies.

✅ Step 2: Authenticate Your Document

Before you can get an Apostille, your document must be officially authenticated by the issuing body:

Educational documents: Ministry of Education
Legal or court documents: Ministry of Justice
Medical or police documents: Respective government agency
Commercial papers: Chamber of Commerce or Ministry of Commerce

✅ Step 3: Apply for Apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Once authenticated, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia or submit your application through the MOFA online portal.

You’ll need:

Your original authenticated document
A valid ID or Iqama
Any supporting documents (if applicable)
Payment for MOFA’s service fees

✅ Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Document

MOFA will affix or attach the Apostille certificate to your document. This certificate is now internationally recognized in all countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

⏱️ Processing time: Usually 1–3 working days (may vary depending on document type)

Tips to Make the Process Easier

Ensure that the original document is valid and recently issued
Get your translation certified before submission
Keep both digital and hard copies of all documents
Ask for help from a certified service provider like JCT Translation Office

Why Work with JCT Translation Office?

At JCT, we help both expats and citizens:

✅ Prepare your documents✅ Translate them officially (certified/sworn)✅ Guide you through the MOFA Apostille process✅ Save time and avoid rejected applications

Final Thoughts

Getting your documents apostilled in Saudi Arabia is now simpler than ever thanks to Saudi Arabia's adoption of the Hague Apostille Convention. But missing one step—like proper translation or prior authentication—can delay the process.

Let JCT Translation Office handle your Apostille needs so you can focus on what matters most—whether that's studying abroad, working overseas, or completing legal formalities.

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