Documents commonly apostilled for Saudi Arabia
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Professional licenses
- Corporate documents
Destination country
Apostille for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on December 7, 2022, significantly simplifying the process for U.S. documents. Previously, documents required embassy legalization and MOFA attestation, but now an apostille is sufficient for use in Saudi Arabia for employment, business, education, and family visa purposes.
Does Saudi Arabia accept U.S. apostilles?
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (since December 7, 2022), so an apostille is the final certification step: no embassy or consular legalization is needed for the document itself.
Membership status checked 2026-06-30. The document type and the receiving authority determine the exact processing path; we confirm it during review.
Common reasons people need one
- Employment and work visas
- Business visa applications
- Family visa and dependent sponsorship
- Professional licensing
Translation
Arabic translation is required for most documents. Translations should be done by a certified translator.
Certified translation can be added to any order.
Things to check before you submit
- Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention on December 7, 2022
- Arabic translation may still be required by some Saudi authorities
- Professional licenses may need verification by the issuing board
- Saudi Cultural Mission (SACM) may need to verify educational documents separately
Requirements are set by the receiving authority in Saudi Arabia and can change. Confirm current expectations with the office that will receive your document.
Common questions about apostilles for Saudi Arabia
Does Saudi Arabia accept U.S. apostilles?
Yes. Saudi Arabia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since December 7, 2022. Apostilled U.S. documents are now accepted in Saudi Arabia without embassy legalization or MOFA attestation.
Do I still need MOFA attestation for Saudi Arabia?
No. Since Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention in 2022, the previous three-step process (U.S. authentication, Saudi embassy legalization, MOFA attestation) has been replaced by a single apostille. An apostille is now sufficient.
Do I need an Arabic translation of my apostilled documents for Saudi Arabia?
Arabic translation may still be required by some Saudi authorities, depending on the document type and receiving institution. The apostille itself does not need to be translated.
What documents do I need for employment in Saudi Arabia?
Employment typically requires apostilled diplomas, professional licenses, and sometimes an FBI background check. The Saudi Cultural Mission (SACM) may also need to verify educational credentials separately.
How long does it take to get an apostille for Saudi Arabia?
Processing time depends on the document type and issuing authority. Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) are processed by the U.S. Department of State, while state-issued documents are processed by the relevant Secretary of State. We offer multiple processing speed options.
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