Saudi NEOM contracts continue to draw significant attention from Australian engineering, construction, energy, design, consulting and advanced technology firms. With more than USD 24 billion in awarded contracts across The Line, Oxagon, Trojena and Magna, the project offers substantial opportunities for companies that can meet compliance requirements quickly and present accurate corporate documentation.
Since Saudi Arabia is part of The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents (Hague Apostille Convention), Australian corporate records must follow the Apostille process before they can be used for Saudi NEOM contracts. This procedure is more efficient than traditional attestation and is recognised across all Saudi government entities and NEOM-related authorities.
Let’s look closer.
Why Apostilled Corporate Documents Are Required for NEOM Contracts
NEOM contractors, government bodies and project managers must confirm the legal standing of any organisation bidding for or executing work. Australian companies must provide verified records to support contract negotiations, prequalification, licensing and due diligence checks.
Documents often requested include:
- ASIC Company Extract
- Company registration records
- Company’s constitution
- Directors resolutions
- Powers of Attorney
- Agreements supporting tender submissions
- Financial statements for eligibility assessments
Saudi authorities accept Australian records once they have been issued with an Apostille certificate by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This confirms the authenticity of the signature or seal on or related to the document.
Step 1. Prepare Original Documents or Notarised Copies
If a document is already classified as a public document in Australia, it may be eligible for direct submission to DFAT. For most corporate records, however, notarisation is required first.
A notary public will verify the authenticity of the original record and issue a Notarial Certificate. This Notarial Certificate accompanies the document through the Apostille process and forms the basis upon which DFAT confirms authenticity.
Using correctly prepared originals or notarised copies prevents processing delays when dealing with Saudi NEOM contracts.
Step 2. Obtain the Apostille from DFAT
Once notarisation is complete, the next step is to submit the documents to DFAT. DFAT will review the Notarial Certificate and apply an Apostille certificate.
The Apostille certifies that the signature, seal or stamp on the Notarial Certificate is valid under Australian law. Saudi Arabia accepts this certificate as proof of authenticity.
DFAT processing times vary, so Australian companies preparing to meet NEOM deadlines should plan ahead to avoid administrative delays.
Step 3. Submit the Apostilled Documents to the Relevant NEOM Authority
After receiving the Apostille certificate, the document is ready for use in Saudi Arabia. For NEOM, the final submission usually depends on the relevant contracting authority or project office.
Requirements may include:
- Uploading documents to NEOM procurement portals
- Providing records during due diligence for engineering or construction contracts
- Presenting documents during onboarding or licensing stages
- Supplying corporate records for financial vetting or capability assessments
Working With Authentifier for Efficient Apostille Processing
At Authentifier, we oversee the complete Apostille workflow for Australian companies preparing records for Saudi NEOM contracts. We ensure that each document is suitable for the Apostille process, manage notarisation with our notary public team, coordinate DFAT submissions and resolve any administrative queries.
Our clients receive clear progress updates and fast turnaround times, which helps maintain compliance and avoid delays when bidding for or delivering NEOM work.
If you’re interested in fast Apostille services in Australia, you’re at the right place.
