Apostille is a process that verifies the authenticity of public documents for use in foreign countries. It is a certification issued by the government of the country where the document originated from, and it confirms the signature, seal, and stamp of the official who signed the document.
In Pakistan, the process of getting an Apostille in Pakistan is regulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This process is necessary for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, and other legal documents that are required for use outside of Pakistan.
Obtain the original document: The document must be an original and not a photocopy or a scanned copy.
Notarize the document: The document must be notarized by a lawyer or a notary public.
Attestation from the relevant authority: Depending on the type of document, it may need to be attested by the relevant authority. For example, educational degrees need to be attested by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Submit the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Once the document has been notarized and attested, it needs to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Apostille.
Collect the Apostille certificate: After the document has been processed, the Apostille certificate will be attached to the original document. The document is now ready for use in foreign countries.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining an Apostille can take some time, and it is recommended to start the process well in advance of when the document is needed. Additionally, the cost of Apostille varies depending on the type of document and the level of attestation required.
In conclusion, getting an Apostille in Pakistan is an essential step for individuals who need to use public documents outside of the country. It is a process that requires attention to detail, time, and patience. With the right guidance and support, obtaining an Apostille can be a straightforward process