MOFA Attestation in Saudi Arabia Appointments and Fees
What is MOFA attestation Saudi Arabia
MOFA attestation Saudi Arabia is the official process used to legalise documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It confirms that a document is genuine and acceptable for use outside Saudi Arabia or for foreign authorities inside the Kingdom.
This step is usually required after all prior attestations are complete. MOFA does not replace embassy or Chamber of Commerce attestation. It comes after them.
Residents, citizens, students, and businesses all use this service for different document types.
Documents accepted for MOFA attestation
MOFA attests both personal and commercial documents.
Common personal documents include educational certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and employment letters.
Common commercial documents include invoices, power of attorney, company registration papers, and trade certificates.
Foreign issued documents must already be attested by the Saudi embassy or consulate in the country of origin before MOFA will accept them. Saudi issued documents must be attested by the relevant local authority such as the Chamber of Commerce where required.
How to book a MOFA attestation appointment
Appointments are mandatory. Walk in requests are not accepted.
Online appointment steps
1 Visit the MOFA ratification portal
2 Sign in using Absher or Nafath
3 Select the document type and service location
4 Choose an available date and time
5 Confirm the request and proceed to payment
Payment must be completed within the allowed time window shown on screen. If payment is missed, the appointment is cancelled automatically.
MOFA attestation fees in Saudi Arabia
Fees depend on the document type and submission method.
For standard in person MOFA attestation, the government fee is commonly reported as around SAR 30 per document. This amount is widely used but should always be confirmed during booking.
If documents are submitted through Saudi Post or approved service centers, additional service charges apply. These are displayed during the booking process.
MOFA fees are non refundable once paid.
What to bring on the appointment day
Bring original documents only. Copies are not accepted.
You must also bring a valid Saudi ID or iqama. The name on the ID must match the appointment details.
If the document required prior embassy or Chamber attestation, those stamps must already be present.
Arrive early. Late arrivals may be refused entry.
Common rejections and how to avoid them
Many rejections happen due to small issues.
- Missing prior attestations is the most common reason. MOFA does not complete earlier steps for you.
- Uncertified translations are another issue. If a document is not in Arabic, it must be translated by a certified translator.
- Name mismatches between the document and iqama also lead to rejection.
- Appointments without completed payment are automatically cancelled and cannot be restored.
- These reasons are widely reported by applicants and should always be checked before the visit.
Alternative submission options
In some cities, MOFA attestation services are available through Saudi Post or selected Chamber of Commerce offices.
These options may reduce travel time but usually cost more. Availability varies by location and service volume. Always check the booking portal to see which options appear for your city.
Where to verify current rules
MOFA procedures and fees can change. The most reliable source is the official MOFA ratification service page.
For practical guides and expat focused explanations, you can also check local Saudi information platforms such as KSA Buddy which explains government processes in simple terms.
Summary
MOFA attestation is the final legalization step for many documents in Saudi Arabia. Booking an appointment, completing payment on time, and bringing fully attested originals are essential.
Most problems happen due to missing earlier stamps or incorrect translations. Checking requirements carefully before booking saves time and avoids repeat visits.
