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MOFA Attestation and Apostille in Pakistan: Process, Fees and Online Portal

Travel · Checked October 9, 2026 against the official source

Pakistan has joined the Apostille Convention, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) now issues apostilles for documents to be used in member countries, alongside its regular attestation. Students, workers and families going abroad need this for degrees, Nikah Nama, birth certificates, FRC and similar documents.

Processing timeMOFA states general documents (other than Powers of Attorney and Affidavits) for regular attestation are processed within two hours; no apostille processing time is published.
Where to applyApply online at apostille.mofa.gov.pk, then visit MOFA Islamabad or its liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta or Gujrat; authorised couriers (TCS, Gerry's, Leopards) also accept documents.

Step by step

  1. First get the document verified by the issuing / pre-attesting authority: HEC for university degrees, IBCC for board certificates, Union Council documents signed by the Secretary, etc. NADRA documents go directly to MOFA.
  2. Create an account on the MOFA Apostille portal (apostille.mofa.gov.pk), enter your details and attach both sides of your CNIC. Since 27 July 2026 apostille requests are not entertained without this prior online registration.
  3. Create a new application, enter details and upload the documents to be apostilled, review and submit.
  4. Wait for the approval email, then pay the challan sent to you by email (online, Easypaisa or bank).
  5. Visit the selected office (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta or Gujrat) on the given date and time with originals; the apostille is printed, attached and handed back. Authorised couriers (TCS, Gerry's, Leopards) can also handle submission for extra service charges.
  6. For regular MOFA attestation (non-apostille countries), visit the MOFA Consular Hall or a Camp Office with your original CNIC, the document and a photocopy; revenue stamps are pasted on the document.

Documents you need

  • Original document, pre-verified by the relevant authority (HEC, IBCC, NADRA, Union Council, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
  • Photocopy of the document for MOFA record
  • Original CNIC (both sides uploaded on the apostille portal)
  • Blood relative applying on your behalf: proof of relationship; non-relatives need an authority letter attested by a Pakistan Embassy
  • Prescribed revenue stamps (regular attestation)
  • Commercial documents: SECP / Registrar of Firms registration certificate and company NTN certificate

Fees

Apostille: personal and educational documents (per document)PKR 3,000
Apostille: legal documents (per document)PKR 4,500
Apostille: commercial documents (per document)PKR 12,000
Regular MOFA attestation (revenue stamps only)PKR 0
Apply on the official portal Official information

Frequently asked questions

Do I need apostille or regular MOFA attestation?

If the destination country is a member of the Apostille Convention, an apostille from MOFA is enough and embassy legalisation is not needed. For non-member countries you still need regular MOFA attestation followed by that country's embassy. The MOFA apostille portal lists member countries.

Is there a fee for regular MOFA attestation?

MOFA says no fee is charged for regular attestation by the Ministry or its Camp Offices; only revenue stamps of the prescribed value are pasted on the document. Apostille certification has a separate per-document fee, and couriers charge their own service fee on top.

Can I walk in without an online application?

Not for apostilles. From 27 July 2026 MOFA requires prior online registration and an approved application on the apostille portal before you visit. Wait for the approval email and challan, then go on the date and time given.

Can someone else submit my documents?

A blood relative can submit documents if they prove the relationship. If you live abroad and want a non-relative to go, send an authority letter attested by the Pakistan Embassy. Powers of attorney, affidavits and divorce papers have stricter in-person rules.

Fees and procedures change. This guide summarises the official information; confirm on the official page before you pay or apply. Never pay agents who claim to "speed up" official attestation.

Going abroad?

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