Before you send a Pakistani document abroad, or use a foreign document in Pakistan, find out which stamp it needs. It may need an apostille, a general attestation, or more steps at an embassy. The right answer depends on where the document will be used and who asks for it. This guide shows how to check, and what Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) says about each service.
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Apostille and Attestation in Simple Words
- Attestation: MOFA confirms that a Pakistani document, such as a degree or a certificate, was signed or issued by the right office.
- Apostille: A single certificate that countries in the Apostille Convention accept in place of longer legalisation steps.
Pakistan’s acceptance of foreign apostilles began on 9 March 2023, according to a ProPakistani report. Since then, a foreign public document with an apostille can go directly to Pakistani authorities, without MOFA or embassy attestation. This applies to documents from countries that are in the convention.
Step 1: Ask Who Needs the Document
Ask the university, employer, embassy or office that wants your document what exactly it asks for. Get the wording in writing, for example “apostilled” or “attested by MOFA and the embassy.”
Step 2: Check the Country
- The country is in the Apostille Convention: An apostille is usually enough. Check the member list on the official Hague Conference (HCCH) website, hcch.net. Type the address yourself.
- The country is not in the convention: You may need MOFA attestation, and then attestation by that country’s embassy in Pakistan.
- The country is a member but the receiver asks for attestation: Follow the receiver’s written request and ask why.
The MOFA page I read does not say which countries need an apostille and which need an attestation. I could not find an official country-by-country list, so use the HCCH list and the receiver’s instructions.
Step 3: Check the Type of Document
MOFA’s apostille fees depend on the document type, so decide whether yours is personal, educational, legal or commercial. Most documents are issued by another office first:
- Degrees and transcripts: Usually verified by the university and the Higher Education Commission first. The MOFA page I read does not cover this.
- Birth, marriage and similar certificates: From the relevant government office, such as NADRA or a Union Council.
- Power of attorney and affidavits: They need you to be there in person at MOFA, according to the MOFA page.
Check with MOFA or the receiver whether your document needs an earlier step, such as a notary or home department stamp.
What MOFA Says
| Apostille | Attestation | |
|---|---|---|
| How to apply | Online at apostille.mofa.gov.pk, required from 27 July 2026 | In person at the Ministry or a camp office, or through an authorised courier |
| Fee | Rs3,000 for a personal or educational document, Rs4,500 for a legal document, Rs12,000 for a commercial document, plus courier charges if used | No fee listed, only prescribed revenue stamps |
| Time | Not stated | Most general documents within two hours, but not powers of attorney or affidavits |
| Bring | Both sides of your CNIC and the documents, uploaded online | Original CNIC, a photocopy of the document and revenue stamps |
Source: MOFA’s consular services page. The page is undated. Pakistan Observer (19 October 2026) says online general attestation costs Rs10 per personal, educational or experience document and Rs60 per legal or commercial document, and that you collect your documents one to three hours after your visit. These fees conflict with MOFA’s “no fee” line, so confirm the amount at the office.
How to Apply for an Apostille
- Register and complete your profile on the MOFA apostille portal.
- Upload both sides of your CNIC.
- Create an application, enter details and attach your documents.
- Submit and watch your email for approval or requests for more documents.
- Pay the challan emailed to you, online, through Easypaisa or at a bank.
- Visit your chosen office on your assigned date and time. The offices are Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gujrat.
The page says a 5 March 2026 notice temporarily suspended the apostille portal over cybersecurity concerns, with no online appointments. Check that the portal is working before you plan.
Walk-In Service Suspended
Samaa TV reported that the ministry “temporarily suspended” walk-in apostille and general attestation at its Islamabad office and liaison offices in Karachi and Lahore. The report is undated. It says attestation is available through courier companies and designated collection points. Check the current arrangements with MOFA before you go.
For Documents From Abroad
MOFA says most documents from abroad must first be attested by the Pakistani embassy or consulate in that country. A foreign document with an apostille from a convention country may not need this, according to ProPakistani. Check with the Pakistani office that will receive it.
Contacts
- Apostille help desk on WhatsApp: +92 307 1339682.
- Consular queries: 051-90569524, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Common Mistakes
- Getting an apostille for a country that wants embassy legalisation.
- Submitting a copy when the original is needed.
- Not checking that the first issuing office has signed the document.
- Using agents who promise to “guarantee” acceptance.
Stay Safe From Scams
- Use only MOFA’s official site and its authorised couriers.
- Do not pay anyone who claims to be a “MOFA insider.”
- Check any website address yourself before entering your CNIC.
What I Could Not Confirm
- A list of countries that need an apostille or an attestation.
- The apostille processing time.
- The current status of the apostille portal and walk-in service, since the notices I found are undated or from March 2026.
- The attestation fee, since sources differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apostille and attestation?
An attestation confirms a Pakistani document with MOFA. An apostille is one certificate accepted by member countries of the Apostille Convention.
How do I know which one I need?
Ask the receiver, and check whether the destination country is in the Apostille Convention.
Does Pakistan accept foreign apostilles?
Yes, since 9 March 2023, for documents from convention countries.
How much does an apostille cost?
Rs3,000 for a personal or educational document, Rs4,500 for legal and Rs12,000 for commercial, according to MOFA.
Can I apply online?
Yes, but check that the portal is working.
How long does attestation take?
Most general documents are attested within two hours, according to MOFA.
Ask the receiver what it needs, check the country and then apply through MOFA’s official channels.
