Difference between Apostille and Normal Attestation

[Haris Butt]

What is an Apostille in Pakistan?

An apostille is a special certification that authenticates the origin of public documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Pakistan became a member of this convention in 2022, simplifying the process of document legalization for international use.

When Do You Need an Apostille in Pakistan?

You may require an apostille for:

·         Educational documents (degrees, diplomas)

·         Birth, marriage, and death certificates

·         Power of attorney documents

·         Commercial documents (company registrations)

·         Court orders and affidavits

Apostille Procedure in Pakistan - Step by Step Step 1: Document Verification

1.    Educational Documents: Must be attested by:

o    Relevant education board/university

o    Higher Education Commission (HEC)

o    Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

2.    Personal Documents (birth/marriage certificates):

o    NADRA-issued documents

o    Union Council verification

o    MOFA attestation

Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation

·         Submit original documents with copies

·         Pay applicable fees

·         Processing time: 2-7 working days

Step 3: Apostille Certification

After MOFA attestation:

·         Documents are sent to the Hague Convention Apostille Cell in Islamabad

·         Apostille sticker/certificate is attached

·         The document is now valid in all Hague Convention countries

List of Documents Requiring Apostille

Document Type

Attesting Authority

Educational Certs

HEC + MOFA

Birth/Marriage Certs

NADRA/Union Council + MOFA

Commercial Docs

Chamber of Commerce + MOFA

Affidavits

Notary Public + MOFA

Processing Time and Fees

·         Time: 5-15 working days (depending on document type)

·         Fees: Approximately PKR 20,000-25,000 per document

·         Urgent Processing: Available at additional cost

Countries Accepting Pakistan's Apostille

Since joining the Hague Convention, Pakistan's apostilled documents are accepted in over 120 countries, including:

·         United States

·         United Kingdom

·         Canada

·         Australia

·         UAE

·         European Union nations

Difference between Apostille and Normal Attestation

Feature

Apostille

Normal Attestation

Validity

120+ countries

Only specific countries

Process

Single step after MOFA

Multiple embassy attestations

Cost

Lower

Higher (multiple fees)

Time

Faster

Slower

Common Issues and Solutions

1.    Rejected Documents: Ensure all prior attestations are complete

2.    Delays: Submit complete documentation

3.    Verification Problems: Use authorized translation services if needed

Why Choose Adv. Nazia Ali for Apostille Services?

·         Expert guidance on document preparation

·         Liaison with all relevant authorities

·         Fast-track processing available

·         Complete confidentiality assured

Conclusion

The apostille process in Pakistan has become significantly easier since the country joined the Hague Convention. For hassle-free document legalization, proper understanding of the procedure is essential. Adv. Nazia Ali provides comprehensive legal support for all apostille requirements in Pakistan.