How to book a MOFA document-attestation appointment

Last checked: 6 September 2026.

Understand what MOFA ratification does

MOFA ratification is used so that a document can be accepted for its intended official use in Saudi Arabia or, for some Saudi-issued documents, abroad. It does not correct the document, translate it, decide whether its contents are true or replace authentication that should have happened earlier in the chain.

The required chain varies. A UK qualification, civil-status certificate, commercial document, employer letter and power of attorney may each need different prior handling. Before paying, ask the Saudi authority that will receive the document what form it requires: original or electronic document, Arabic translation, legalisation, certified copy, or a particular issuing authority.

Prepare the document first

• Check that names, dates, passport details and document numbers match the intended application.
• Confirm whether a translation is required and whether the translation itself needs certification.
• For a foreign document, complete the authentication route required in the country of issue and by the relevant Saudi mission.
• For a Saudi commercial or employment document, confirm whether another authority, such as a chamber of commerce, must authenticate it first.
• Scan the complete document clearly, including stamps, endorsements and reverse pages.

Do not assume that a stamp used for one visa or employer will be accepted for another purpose. If the receiving authority gives written requirements, keep them with the application.

Start the official request

Go directly to the MOFA Ratification of Documents platform at ratification.mofa.gov.sa. Select the option to create a new ratification request and choose the applicant and document categories that match the actual case. The platform may offer different identification, location, submission or delivery arrangements depending on the user and document.

1. Read the live eligibility conditions and privacy information.
2. Enter the applicant’s details exactly as shown on official identification.
3. Select the document type and intended route carefully.
4. Upload the required files in the format and size requested.
5. Review the information before submission.
6. Complete any payment only through the official request.
7. If the platform offers or requires an appointment, choose an available location and slot within the request and save the confirmation.

Menu wording and service options change. Treat the current platform as authoritative rather than following screenshots from an older guide. Fees and handling times can also depend on document and channel; rely on the amount and service information displayed for the live request.

Attend or send the document as instructed

If an appointment is generated, take the confirmation, original identification, original document and any supporting authentication requested. Do not detach legalisation pages or cover sheets. If a delivery or postal channel is offered, use the exact addressing, packaging and tracking instructions in the request.

An appointment or payment receipt is not proof that ratification has been completed. Track the application through the official platform. When the document is returned, check that the ratification relates to the correct document and keep the receipt and reference number.

Protect your documents and account

Use only MOFA’s official domain and authentication flow. Do not send login credentials or one-time codes to an intermediary. If you use a representative, confirm that representation is permitted and what formal authority must be supplied. Redact nothing from a document unless the service expressly allows it, as missing pages can prevent processing.