Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic diversification under Vision 2030 continues to attract foreign businesses, including Australian companies looking to establish subsidiaries. With incentives such as 100% foreign ownership in key sectors, the Kingdom remains one of the most promising markets in the Gulf.
However, in 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA) and other regulatory authorities maintain strict document verification standards. To successfully register an Australian subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, board minutes, capital verification certificates, and shareholder records must be fully Apostilled. Missing a single step in the legalisation process can lead to registration delays or outright rejection.
Why Apostille Is Mandatory for Australian Corporate Documents in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia officially acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents on 7 December 2022. Since then, Apostille certificates issued by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are legally recognised by Saudi authorities.
This change replaced the older, time-consuming embassy attestation process. However, Saudi regulators require that all corporate documents originate as legally valid and correctly notarised records before the Apostille is issued. The three key corporate records often scrutinised during subsidiary registration include:
- Board Minutes:
Documenting the decision to establish a Saudi subsidiary and appoint authorised representatives. Saudi regulators use this to verify corporate intent and legal authority. - Capital Verification Certificates:
Confirming the Australian parent company’s paid-up capital and financial capability to invest in Saudi Arabia. - Shareholder Registers and Company Constitutions:
Establishing the ownership structure and ensuring compliance with Saudi investment rules.
Without an Apostille confirming the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal, these documents will not be accepted.
The Triple Check: Steps for Apostilling Australian Corporate Records
To meet Saudi Arabia’s subsidiary registration requirements, Australian companies must follow a three-stage verification process:
1. Notarisation by an Australian Notary Public
A notary public will:
- Verify the authenticity of the original board minutes, capital verification certificates, and shareholder records.
- Issue a Notarial Certificate, ensuring the documents are formally recognised in Australia.
- Confirm the documents are consistent with Australian corporate law.
2. DFAT Apostille Certificate
Once notarised, the documents are submitted to DFAT, which issues an Apostille confirming the notary’s signature and seal. DFAT does not validate the content but verifies the document’s official status.
3. Document Review for Saudi Compliance
Although the Apostille ensures international recognition, the documents themselves must meet Saudi formatting and content standards. For example:
- Board minutes must clearly authorise the Saudi subsidiary registration.
- Capital verification must specify currency, amount, and issuing bank details.
- Shareholder registers must list up-to-date ownership percentages.
Apostilled Australian documents with outdated information or incomplete details can still be rejected by Saudi authorities.
How Authentifier Simplifies Apostille for Saudi Arabia
Registering an Australian subsidiary in Saudi Arabia demands precision at every stage. Authentifier offers end-to-end solutions to ensure your corporate records meet Saudi requirements the first time.
Our services include:
- Detailed document review to identify errors before notarisation.
- Coordinating with an experienced Australian Notary Public to issue accurate Notarial Certificates.
- Fast-track DFAT Apostille processing, reducing wait times.
- Guidance on Saudi-specific requirements, ensuring board minutes and capital verification certificates align with MISA standards.
- Progress tracking and updates so you’re always informed.
With Authentifier, Australian businesses can avoid unnecessary delays and focus on strategic planning instead of paperwork. Get started now.
