Saudi Embassy Attestation 2026: Now MEA Apostille for Saudi Arabia
Why Saudi Embassy attestation has been replaced by the MEA apostille, and the exact process, documents and charges for degree, diploma, birth, marriage, PCC and commercial documents.
Quick answer: Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022. Since then, Indian documents for Saudi Arabia need an MEA apostille instead of Saudi Embassy attestation. Degrees and diplomas go through state verification, personal documents through the SDM or Home Department, and commercial documents through the Chamber of Commerce, then the MEA apostille. No visit to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia is needed. A Passport Seva PCC apostille costs ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Saudi Arabia document legalisation at a glance
| Hague Apostille member? | Yes, in force since 7 December 2022 |
|---|---|
| What Indian documents need | MEA apostille (Saudi Embassy attestation replaced) |
| Educational | State education dept / university → MEA apostille |
| Personal | Notary → SDM / Home Dept → MEA apostille |
| PCC | MEA apostille directly, 2–3 working days |
| Commercial | Chamber of Commerce → MEA apostille |
| Visit to Delhi needed? | No, doorstep pickup and tracked courier |
What changed: Saudi Embassy attestation vs MEA apostille
Until December 2022, every Indian certificate for Saudi Arabia needed a long chain ending at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi, followed by MOFA in Saudi Arabia. When Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention, that chain was replaced by a single MEA apostille, which Saudi authorities verify directly.
Before 7 December 2022
- Notary → State → MEA attestation
- Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia stamp and fee
- MOFA Saudi Arabia after arrival
- Longer and more expensive
Now
- Notary → State (or Chamber) → MEA apostille
- No Saudi Embassy stamp, no embassy fee
- Apostille checked online by its number and QR code
- Faster and cheaper
You can confirm Saudi Arabia's status on the official HCCH Apostille Convention status table. If an older offer letter still says "Saudi Embassy attestation", the MEA apostille is what fulfils it today.
Saudi Arabia apostille charges
Because there is no Saudi Embassy step, there is no Saudi Embassy fee. Our price is all-inclusive: notary, state or Chamber verification, MEA apostille, processing and tracked courier.
| Document | Route | Our charge |
|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate (Passport Seva) | MEA apostille directly | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Birth certificate | Notary → SDM / Home Dept → MEA apostille | From ₹1,500 |
| Marriage certificate | Notary → SDM / Home Dept → MEA apostille | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Degree, diploma, marksheets | State education dept → MEA apostille | Quote on WhatsApp |
| Commercial documents | Chamber of Commerce → MEA apostille | Quote on WhatsApp |
The degree price depends on the state that issued it, because each state education department has its own process and time.
Degree and diploma certificate apostille for Saudi Arabia
Saudi employers, the Saudi Council of Engineers, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and universities ask for apostilled degrees for work visas, professional registration and admissions.
- NotaryThe original degree or diploma is notarised.
- State HRD or university verificationThe state education department, or the issuing university, confirms it.
- MEA apostilleThe Ministry of External Affairs fixes the apostille sticker.
- Ready for Saudi ArabiaNo Saudi Embassy stamp needed.
Educational documents we apostille for Saudi Arabia: degree (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, BE, BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, PhD), diploma, MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, 10th and 12th certificates, marksheets, transcripts and provisional certificates. See our degree certificate apostille guide.
Birth certificate, marriage certificate and PCC apostille for Saudi Arabia
Family visas, dependants' iqama and children's school admission in Saudi Arabia need apostilled personal documents.
- NotaryThe original certificate is notarised.
- SDM or Home DepartmentSDM New Delhi (about 2–3 working days) or the state Home Department (25 days or more).
- MEA apostilleThe Ministry of External Affairs adds the apostille.
- PCC is directA Passport Seva PCC goes straight to MEA.
Guides: birth certificate apostille · marriage certificate apostille · PCC apostille
Commercial document apostille for Saudi Arabia
For exporters and companies, the Chamber of Commerce attestation followed by the MEA apostille replaces the old Saudi Embassy legalisation.
- Chamber of CommerceThe Certificate of Origin, invoice or company document is attested by a recognised Chamber of Commerce.
- MEA apostilleThe Ministry of External Affairs apostilles it.
- Ready for Saudi buyers and authoritiesNo Saudi Embassy step.
Commercial documents we apostille for Saudi Arabia
The Apostille Convention does not cover certain customs-related administrative documents, such as import or export licences. If your Saudi importer or customs agent asks for something specific, tell us before we start.
Popular documents for Saudi Arabia: quick answers
Degree certificate attestation for Saudi Embassy
Saudi Embassy attestation is no longer done. The degree is verified by the state education department or university and then apostilled by MEA.
Diploma certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia
Same as a degree: state verification and MEA apostille.
Birth certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia
Notary, SDM or Home Department, then MEA apostille. Needed for a child's iqama and school admission.
Marriage certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia
Notary, SDM or Home Department, then MEA apostille, with both spouses' passport copies. Needed for a family visa.
PCC apostille for Saudi Arabia
A Passport Seva PCC is apostilled by MEA directly, usually in 2–3 working days, for ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Certificate of Origin and invoice for Saudi Arabia
Chamber of Commerce attestation and the MEA apostille. Keep the invoice, packing list and Certificate of Origin consistent for the same shipment.
Power of Attorney for Saudi Arabia
A company POA goes through the notary, Chamber of Commerce and MEA apostille; an individual POA through the notary, Home Department and MEA apostille.
After the apostille: what happens in Saudi Arabia
- Online verification: Saudi authorities check the apostille by its number and QR code, so keep the original intact.
- Arabic translation: many Saudi offices ask for a certified Arabic translation of the apostilled document. We can arrange it.
- Professional bodies: engineers and health professionals may also need separate verification by their Saudi council.
Frequently asked questions about Saudi embassy attestation
Is Saudi Embassy attestation still required for Indian documents?
No, not for most documents. Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022, so Indian documents now need an MEA apostille instead of Saudi Embassy attestation.
What is the process for degree certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia?
The degree is notarised, verified by the state education department or university, and then apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs. No Saudi Embassy stamp is needed.
How is a marriage certificate legalised for Saudi Arabia?
The marriage certificate is notarised, authenticated by the SDM New Delhi or the state Home Department, and apostilled by MEA. Passport copies of both spouses are needed.
How is a birth certificate legalised for Saudi Arabia?
The birth certificate is notarised, authenticated by the SDM or state Home Department, and apostilled by MEA.
Is PCC apostille accepted in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. A Passport Seva Police Clearance Certificate apostilled by MEA is accepted. It usually takes 2 to 3 working days and costs ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
Do commercial documents for Saudi Arabia need embassy legalisation?
Generally no. Commercial documents such as Certificates of Origin, invoices and Power of Attorney are attested by the Chamber of Commerce and then apostilled by MEA. Certain customs-related administrative documents are outside the Apostille Convention, so check with your importer if they ask for something specific.
What is the Saudi Embassy attestation fee?
Since the Saudi Embassy step is no longer needed, there is no Saudi Embassy fee. You pay only for state or Chamber verification, the MEA apostille, processing and courier. PCC apostille costs ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
When did Saudi Arabia join the Apostille Convention?
The Apostille Convention entered into force for Saudi Arabia on 7 December 2022.
Do I need an Arabic translation for Saudi Arabia?
Many Saudi offices ask for a certified Arabic translation of the apostilled document. We can arrange it along with the apostille.
Do I need to visit Delhi for Saudi apostille?
No. Courier your documents from anywhere in India or ask for doorstep pickup. We handle every step and return them by tracked courier.