Apostille Attestation is a form of document authentication that verifies the legitimacy of a public document for international use, specifically in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
Steps for Apostille Attestation in Pakistan
Notarization (if needed)
- In Pakistan, certain documents, like affidavits, require notarization by a licensed notary public, who verifies the authenticity of the signatures and contents.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- In Pakistan, the apostille process is overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). To obtain an apostille, documents must be submitted to the Consular Section of MOFA for authentication.
- The applicant must visit the MOFA office in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar (depending on their location) to submit the document for apostille.
Verification and Processing
- The MOFA will verify the authenticity of the document, and once confirmed, they will place an apostille on the document. This process may take several days, depending on the type of document and the workload of the ministry.
Common Documents That May Need an Apostille
- Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, certificates, transcripts.
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates.
- Commercial Documents: Company registration documents, invoices, contracts, etc.
- Legal Documents: Power of attorney, affidavits, etc.
Apostille Fees and Processing Time
- The fee for apostille attestation in Pakistan can vary depending on the type of document and location. It’s advisable to check the latest fee structure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or their website.
- Processing time generally ranges from 2-5 Working days depending on the type of document and the office’s workload.
Where to Submit Apostille
- The apostille attestation is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Pakistan. The main offices are located in:
- Islamabad (Federal Capital)
- Karachi (Sindh Province)
- Lahore (Punjab Province)
- Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province)
Documents Required for Apostille
- Original document: The document that needs to be apostilled.
- Photocopy of the document: A copy of the original document.
- Valid identification: Passport or National ID card for verification.
- Notarized documents may be required.
Additional Information
- If you are in another country and need apostille for a Pakistani document, you will need to contact the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in that country. They can assist with the process or direct you to the appropriate authorities.
Apostille Online Service
Yes, you can apply for an apostille online in Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) launched its Online Apostille Services on September 11, 2024, to streamline the attestation process.
- Create an Account: Visit the MOFA Apostille portal and register by providing your first name, last name, email address, CNIC, and a password.
- Submit Your Documents: After logging in, follow the instructions to submit your documents for apostille attestation.
Please note that the online system facilitates the application process, but you may still need to submit physical copies of your documents for verification. Ensure that you complete all your documents and meet MOFA’s requirements to avoid any delays.
At CertificatesPakistan.com, we provide a one-stop solution for document issuance, attestation, and translation. Our services cover attestation of NADRA Birth Certificates from the Notary Public, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, and embassies like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Portugal, and more.
Feel free to contact us at +923458803399 directly or using WhatsApp. You can also contact us via email to: service@certificatespakistan.com or Submit your Query.