Planning to work or continue studies in Saudi Arabia and need your diploma attested? This guide will walk you through the complete diploma attestation process from Pakistan, including all the required steps, documents, and fees involved to get your diploma verified and accepted by the Saudi authorities.
Why Attestation is Necessary
Diploma attestation is a mandatory requirement if you’re applying for a work visa, Iqama (residence permit), or academic recognition in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government requires educational documents to be verified through a set process to ensure authenticity.
Step-by-Step Process for Diploma Attestation
1. Initial Attestations in Pakistan
Before your documents are submitted to the Saudi Embassy, they must be attested by the relevant authorities in Pakistan.
a. Attestation from Relevant Technical Board
Start by getting your diploma attested by the board or institution that issued it, such as:
- Punjab Board of Technical Education (PBTE)
- Sindh Board of Technical Education (SBTE)
- Other provincial boards
b. Attestation from IBCC (Inter Board Committee of Chairmen)
After your diploma is verified by the issuing board, submit it to IBCC for attestation.
c. Attestation from MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Once IBCC attests your diploma, the next step is to get it verified by MOFA Pakistan. This confirms the authenticity of previous attestations.
2. Saudi Culture Office Attestation (Mosadaqa)
Before approaching the Saudi Embassy, your diploma must be authenticated by the Saudi Cultural Office in Islamabad or the relevant regional center. This process ensures that your qualification aligns with Saudi Arabia’s academic standards.
Documents required for Saudi Culture Attestation may include:
- Job offer letter from a Saudi employer
- Employer’s Chamber of Commerce letter
- Attested diploma and transcripts
- Valid passport copy
3. Final Attestation from Saudi Embassy
After completing all the above steps, you can submit your documents to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad for final attestation.
Checklist of Required Documents
Depending on your visa status, the required documents may slightly vary.
For New Visa Applicants:
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of visa or job offer letter
- Matriculation/Intermediate certificate (photocopy)
- Diploma and marksheet (attested by relevant board, IBCC, and MOFA)
For Iqama Holders (Already in Saudi Arabia):
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of valid Iqama
- Matriculation/Intermediate certificate (photocopy)
- Diploma and marksheet (with complete attestation)
Additional documents (for both categories) may include:
- Request letter addressed to the Saudi Embassy for diploma attestation
- Copy of CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
Processing Time
The Saudi Embassy typically takes 2 working days to process diploma attestation once all prior verifications are complete.
Attestation Charges
The fee for diploma attestation from the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan is approximately PKR 10,000 per diploma (subject to change).
Important Tips
- Always use clear, colored photocopies for submissions.
- Ensure all information on your documents matches your passport.
- Double-check the validity of your job offer or Iqama.
- Book an appointment in advance if required.
- It’s helpful to keep extra copies of attested documents for future use.
Final Thoughts
Getting your diploma attested by the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan can seem complex, but by following the right sequence—Technical Board > IBCC > MOFA > Saudi Culture > Saudi Embassy—you can ensure your documents are accepted without hassle.
If needed, you can also hire a professional documentation attestation service to manage the entire process smoothly on your behalf.
Also Read: Saudi Visa Processing and Visa Stamping from Pakistan
