How to Get Your Australian Documents Attested for Use in Saudi Arabia
When you’re planning to move to Saudi Arabia for employment, education, or any other purpose, having your documents attested is a crucial step to securing a visa.
Document attestation is a formal process that certifies the authenticity of your papers so they are recognised as valid in Saudi Arabia.
This guide walks you through the entire procedure of attesting your Australian documents, helping you to navigate this often complex process seamlessly.
What Is Document Attestation?
Document attestation is the procedure to certify the authenticity of academic, personal, and commercial documents so that a foreign country will accept them. In the case of Saudi Arabia, document attestation primarily involves verifying educational degrees, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other essential documents.
As Saudi Arabia is a member of the Hague Convention, all you may need is to complete Steps 1 and 2 (depending on the needs of the recipient of your documents). For more information on DFAT Apostilles, check our guide What is an Apostille?
Steps for Attesting Australian Documents for Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Notary Public Certification
The first step in the attestation process is to have your documents notarised by a Notary Public in Australia. A Notary Public is an experienced lawyer who can officially verify the signatures and contents of your documents.
Types of documents needed for attestation include the following:
- Personal documents such as:
- AFP National Police Clearance
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Court Documents
- Australian Citizenship Certificates
- All other personaldocuments for official use
- Educational documents including:
- University Degrees/Diplomas
- Academic Transcripts
- Professional Qualifications
- TAFE/Vocational Certificates
- TEFL/TESOL Certificates
- Primary/High School Certificates
- Corporate & business documents including:
- Certificates of Good Standing
- ASIC Company Extract
- ASIC Company Registration
- Shareholders Resolutions
- Board of Directors Minutes
- Assignment & Trust Deeds
- Powers of Attorney
- Company Constitutions
- Export Declarations/ Invoices
- Certificates of Origin
- Commercial Licenses
- Agreements and Contracts
- ISO Certificates
- Financial Statements
- All ASIC, ATO & TGA documents
Step 2: Authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Once notarised, your Australian documents need to be authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia (DFAT). DFAT verifies the signature and seal of the Notary Public and then adds their own seal of authenticity to the document.
Generally, you would need to:
1. Visit the DFAT Authentication and Apostille Services website to find the nearest office.
2. Make an appointment or use their mail-in service.
3. Submit your notarised documents for authentication.
Navigating DFAT processes can be complex and time-consuming. As a service provider, Authentifier offers a cost-effective and fast service for getting your documents authenticated by DFAT.
Step 3: Legalisation by the Saudi Embassy in Australia
After DFAT authentication, the next step is to get your documents legalised by the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in Canberra.
This step certifies that your documents will be recognized by the authorities in Saudi Arabia.
This step may not be required if the recipient of your documents (e.g. your future employer) accepts the DFAT Apostille.
If this step is required, then you need to:
1. Visit the Saudi Embassy’s website to understand their specific requirements and working hours.
2. Submit the DFAT authenticated documents along with any required forms and fees.
3. Some documents might require an Arabic translation, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Important Points to Consider
Verification from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Your attested / Apostilled Australian documents may still need to be verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia. This final verification usually requires you to be physically present in the country.
Translations
Ensure that your documents, especially educational certificates, are translated into Arabic by a certified translator. Some organisations may require this translation in advance of the legalisation process.
Timeframes
The total process can take several weeks to months, so it’s crucial to start early, especially if you have a tight deadline for your move. If you have urgent needs, Authentifier offers fast processing times for personal, educational and business document attestation.
Revalidation requirements
Keep in mind that you might need to revalidate your documents periodically, depending on your visa type and the requirements of your employer or educational institution.
Where to get help
If you’re unsure about tackling the entire process yourself, get in touch with Authentifier and speak to our experienced directors and qualified Notary Publics.
Authentifier specialises in Australian document attestation and can significantly ease your burden by managing the entire process for your.
