Document Attestation Services in Qatar
A degree issued in Manila is a good example. Before any Qatari authority looks at it, it needs stamps in the Philippines, then from the Qatari embassy there, then from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha. That chain is attestation. Qatar never joined the Apostille Convention. An apostille on that degree is not enough here; the embassy and MOFA stamps still have to follow. We check your documents and prepare each step.
Attestation at a glance
- Qatar is not a party to the Apostille Convention
- No apostille
- Most personal, educational and civil documents
- QAR 100
- Commercial documents such as contracts
- QAR 150
- MOFA website attestation of documents issued in Qatar
- 3 to 4 days
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hague Conference; see the sources at the end of the page.
The attestation steps
MOFA looks for an unbroken chain of live seals. The last one has to come from a Qatari mission abroad, or from a foreign mission accredited in Qatar.
- Notary or issuing body
The document is notarised or certified where it was issued.
- Foreign ministry
The issuing country’s foreign ministry attests it; degrees always need this stamp.
- Qatari embassy
The Qatari mission in that country adds its seal.
- MOFA in Doha
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the chain.
MOFA’s “Complete Attestation Outside Qatar” service can also send documents to the Qatari mission abroad for you and return them for recognition in Qatar. Degrees must come from a university on the Ministry of Education’s recognised list.
What we help with
Document check
Which of your papers need attestation, and for which authority.
The right order
The steps abroad and in Doha, in the order MOFA expects.
Company papers
Parent company documents for a Qatar company or branch.
Arabic translation
A certified translation where the receiving body asks for one.
From abroad
Using MOFA’s completion service when you cannot travel.
MOFA application
Preparing the online application and the documents for it.
Company documents from abroad
A parent company’s certificate of incorporation, board resolution and power of attorney follow the same chain: attested where they were issued, then by MOFA in Qatar.
If those papers are deposited with the Ministry of Justice, a certified Arabic translation goes with them. The company contract is stricter still: unless it is in Arabic and notarised, it is void.
Ministry of Justice deposit, in brief
- Abroad
- Notarised or certified in the issuing country
- In Qatar
- Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Content
- Not contrary to Qatari law or public order
- Language
- A certified Arabic translation by a translator on the MOJ experts’ list
Why an apostille is not enough for Qatar
Even if your country issues apostilles, plan for legalisation through the Qatari mission. MOFA needs the chain to end with a Qatari or accredited mission.
MOFA attestation fees and how long it takes
- Civil, personal status, judicial, educational and medical documents
- QAR 100
- Commercial documents: contracts, certificates of origin, commercial powers of attorney
- QAR 150
- Completion service fee, plus the equivalent of QAR 120 for the Qatari mission
- QAR 150 + 120
- Qatar Post collection and return
- QAR 40
From MOFA.
| Other cases | Fee or time |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoices | Charged by value |
| MOI good conduct and Ministry of Education school certificates, attested electronically | QAR 100, issued at once |
| The steps abroad | Time depends on the country that issued the paper |
Related services
Common questions about attestation services for Qatar
What is the attestation process for Qatar?
A paper from abroad makes four stops: the issuing authority or a notary, that country’s foreign ministry, the Qatari embassy there, and last of all MOFA in Qatar. A document issued inside Qatar skips the foreign stops. MOFA attests it online, through Qatar Post, or over the counter at the consular affairs building.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Other certificates attestation
Does Qatar accept an apostille?
No. Qatar is missing from the Hague Conference’s status table for the Apostille Convention, so it is not a party. MOFA wants the chain of seals to end with a Qatari mission abroad or an accredited foreign mission. So even if your country issues apostilles, plan for embassy legalisation.
How do I attest documents from India or Pakistan for use in Qatar?
Three stamps, in order. The foreign ministry of India or Pakistan goes first, then the Qatari embassy in that country, then MOFA here. Already in Doha? MOFA’s completion service will send the papers to the Qatari mission abroad for you. For a degree, check that Qatar’s Ministry of Education recognises the university.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Complete attestation outside Qatar
How much is an attestation in Qatar?
Mostly QAR 100. That covers personal, educational, civil, judicial and medical documents. Commercial ones such as contracts and certificates of origin cost QAR 150, and commercial invoices are charged on their value. If Qatar Post collects and returns the papers, add QAR 40.
Where can I attest my documents in Qatar?
With MOFA, online or at a counter. Online, Qatar Post collects and returns the papers, and the ministry quotes three to four working days. For a counter, there is the Consular Affairs building in the Diplomatic Area and eight government service centres; Al Wakra, Al Hilal, Al Rayyan and Rawdat Al Hamama keep an evening shift until 6:30 p.m.
How does certificate attestation work in Qatar?
Certificate attestation follows the same chain as any paper from abroad: home country, Qatari embassy, then MOFA in Doha. Picture a bachelor’s degree from Kerala. India’s foreign ministry stamps it first, and it goes to MOFA with the transcript. MOFA charges QAR 100 for it, and the university has to be on Qatar’s recognised list.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Other certificates attestation
Did not find your question? Ask an adviser. We reply with what applies to your case.
Sources
Official sources for the facts on this page, last checked 19 Oct 2026.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Other certificates attestation
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, E-services FAQ
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Complete attestation outside Qatar
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Legalization fees
- Hague Conference, Apostille Convention status table
- Minister of Justice Decision No. 157 of 2024 on notarised documents (Al Meezan)
- Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015, as amended (Al Meezan)
What are the documents, and where were they issued?
Tell us who will receive them too. We reply with the steps for each one, in order.