The standard MOFA Apostille attestation fee in Pakistan is PKR 3,000 per document. However, charges may vary depending on the type of document and the urgency of the service. For educational certificates, the fee is PKR 3,000 per document. The same applies to personal documents such as birth or marriage certificates, which also cost PKR 3,000 each. For commercial documents, the fee may differ, so it is recommended to contact MOFA directly for the most updated rates. If you are using courier services like TCS, additional service charges between PKR 500 and PKR 1,000 may apply. In case you require urgent processing (if available), extra charges will be applicable
Apostille Attestation in Pakistan: Complete Guide 2025
If you’re planning to travel abroad for work, education, immigration, or legal purposes, you may have heard about the term “apostille attestation.” But what exactly is apostille attestation, and how does it work in Pakistan? This detailed guide covers everything you need to know, including the apostille process, fee structure, document requirements, and how to apostille a document in Pakistan.
What is Apostille Attestation in Pakistan?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It ensures that a document issued in one country will be accepted in another. Pakistan became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention on March 9, 2023, and the apostille process became effective on March 9, 2024.
This means that documents apostilled in Pakistan no longer require embassy or consulate legalization for member countries. This process has simplified document attestation for Pakistanis traveling to or doing business in apostille-recognized countries.
Why Do You Need Apostille Attestation?
Apostille attestation is required for various types of documents when presenting them abroad. These include:
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Educational documents for admission or employment
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Birth and marriage certificates for immigration and visa purposes
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Commercial documents such as power of attorney or company registration
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Legal documents such as affidavits and court orders
If you’re submitting documents to a foreign authority in an apostille member country, apostille attestation from Pakistan will likely be required.
How to Apostille a Document in Pakistan
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apostille documents in Pakistan:
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Prepare the Document: Ensure your original document is complete, valid, and has the required prior attestations (e.g., HEC for degrees or IBCC for school certificates).
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Submit to MOFA: Submit the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Islamabad or regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, or Peshawar.
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Pay the Apostille Fee: Pay the required fee (details below) and attach the payment slip.
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Processing Time: Normal processing usually takes 1–2 working days, although same-day services may be available depending on workload and urgency.
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Collect the Document: You’ll receive the original document with an apostille sticker or stamp attached.
Apostille Attestation Fee in Pakistan (2025)
The standard MOFA attestation fee in Pakistan is PKR 3,000 per document. Fees may vary depending on the type of document and urgency of service:
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Educational Certificates: PKR 3,000
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Birth/Marriage Certificates: PKR 3,000
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Commercial Documents: Contact MOFA for latest rates
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TCS Service Charges: PKR 500–1,000 (if availing courier services)
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Urgent Processing (if available): Extra charges may apply
Always verify the latest rates on the official MOFA website or through authorized service centers.
Apostille Stamp vs. MOFA Attestation
Many people confuse apostille attestation with regular MOFA attestation. Here’s the difference:
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MOFA Attestation: Traditional attestation used for countries not in the Hague Convention (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia). Requires embassy legalization after MOFA attestation.
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Apostille Stamp: Valid only for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. No further embassy attestation is required.
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, you will still need the regular MOFA attestation followed by embassy attestation
Apostille Attestation Through TCS Pakistan
TCS Pakistan offers facilitation services for apostille and MOFA attestation. You can submit your documents to designated TCS centers, and they will handle the attestation process with MOFA.
Benefits of using TCS for apostille:
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Saves time and travel
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Tracking and updates
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Doorstep delivery option (in some areas)
TCS charges an additional service fee (PKR 500 to 1,000) for each document.
Apostille Documents in Pakistan – Commonly Required Documents
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Degrees and Diplomas (HEC or IBCC attested)
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Nikkah Nama (Marriage Certificate)
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Birth Certificate
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Police Character Certificate
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NADRA-issued documents (Family Certificate, CRC, etc.)
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Commercial agreements and invoices
Final Thoughts
Apostille attestation in Pakistan has become much simpler since the country joined the Hague Convention. Whether you’re applying for a visa, job, or university abroad, apostilled documents are often a legal requirement. Understanding the process, knowing the fees, and using authorized services like TCS can save you time and avoid delays.
Be sure to check the latest updates on MOFA’s official website or consult an attestation agency for guidance tailored to your document type and destination country.
