Relocating to Riyadh with your family involves more than just packing bags and booking flights. One essential part of the move is ensuring your Australian documents meet Saudi Arabia’s legal requirements.
Since Saudi Arabia joined The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents on 7 December 2022, families moving to the Kingdom can benefit from a simplified document legalisation process. Keep reading as our Australian document legalisation experts highlight the Apostille requirements Australian families must follow for school reports and family visas to avoid delays and complications.
What Does Saudi Arabia’s Membership in The Hague Apostille Convention Mean?
Before Saudi Arabia joined the Convention, Australian families needed to have their documents attested through a complex process involving DFAT and the Saudi Embassy in Canberra. Now, documents issued in Australia can be Apostilled by DFAT, making them legally recognised in Saudi Arabia without further embassy legalisation.
This membership significantly streamlines the legalisation process for public documents, including school reports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other essential identity documents needed for family visa applications and school enrolments in Riyadh.
Which Documents Require an Apostille?
For families relocating to Riyadh, the most common documents that require Apostille include:
- School reports and academic transcripts: Necessary for school admissions and transfers.
- Birth certificates: Required for visa applications and proof of identity for children.
- Marriage certificates: Needed for family visa sponsorship applications.
- Health and immunisation records: Sometimes requested by schools or authorities.
All documents must be original or notarised copies verified by a qualified Australian Notary Public before submitting them to DFAT for Apostille. This step confirms the authenticity of your documents and prepares them for legal recognition abroad.
How to Obtain an Apostille on Australian Documents
The Apostille process for Saudi Arabia involves:
- Notarisation: A Notary Public authenticates your original documents or notarised copies by issuing a Notarial Certificate.
- DFAT Authentication: Your documents are then submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Apostille certificate in accordance with The Hague Apostille Convention.
- Use in Saudi Arabia: Apostilled documents are accepted by Saudi authorities for visa processing, school enrolment, and other official purposes without needing embassy legalisation.
Why Use Authentifier?
Authentifier specialises in handling the end-to-end process of document legalisation for Australian families moving to Saudi Arabia. We ensure:
- Your documents meet all Apostille requirements for Saudi Arabia.
- Timely communication and fast processing with DFAT and the Saudi Embassy.
- Crisp and accurate verification of all paperwork to avoid delays.
- An easy online ordering system with free progress updates.
- Cost-effective fees and express turnaround, usually within one week.
Secure your Australian school reports and family visa documents for Saudi Arabia with Authentifier’s trusted Apostille services. Get started today with our easy online ordering system and benefit from our expert support throughout.
