What is an Apostille in Pakistan?

An apostille is a special certification that authenticates the origin of public documents for use in countries that are members of the  Hague Apostille Convention . Pakistan became a member of this convention in 2022, simplifying the process of document legalization for international use.

When Do You Need an Apostille in Pakistan?

You may require an apostille for:

·         Educational documents (degrees, diplomas)

·         Birth, marriage, and death certificates

·         Power of attorney documents

·         Commercial documents (company registrations)

Court         orders and affidavits

Apostille Procedure in Pakistan - Step by Step

Step 1: Document Verification

1.     Educational Documents : Must be attested by:

o    Relevant education board/university

the    Higher Education Commission (HEC)

the    Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

2.     Personal Documents  (birth/marriage certificates):

NADRA    -issued documents

the    Union Council verification

the    MOFA attestation

Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation

·         Submit original documents with copies

·         Pay applicable fees

·         Processing time: 2-7 working days

Step 3: Apostille Certification

After MOFA attestation:

·         Documents are sent to the  Hague Convention Apostille Cell  in Islamabad

·         Apostille sticker/certificate is attached

·         The document is now valid in all Hague Convention countries

List of Documents Requiring Apostille

Processing Time and Fees

·          Time : 5-15 working days (depending on document type)

·          Fees : Approximately PKR 20,000-25,000 per document

·          Urgent Processing : Available at additional cost

Countries Accepting Pakistan's Apostille

Since joining the Hague Convention, Pakistan's apostille documents are accepted in  over 120 countries , including:

·         United States

·         United Kingdom

·         Canada

·         Australia

UAE         ​

·         European Union nations

Difference between Apostille and Normal Attestation

Common Issues and Solutions

1.     Rejected Documents : Ensure all prior attestations are complete

2.     Delays : Submit complete documentation

3.     Verification Problems : Use authorized translation services if needed

Why Choose Adv. Nazia Ali for Apostille Services?

·         Expert guidance on document preparation

Liaison         with all relevant authorities

·