The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) recently introduced an online document attestation system. This digital portal allows Pakistanis to verify educational, personal, legal, and commercial documents. Consequently, applicants can largely avoid visiting government offices.
The digital service became operational just four days ago, on October 12, 2026. It currently links MOFA’s headquarters in Islamabad with its liaison offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Gujrat. Additionally, a ministry circular issued on October 14 confirmed the new digital workflow.
Applicants can now submit documents, complete verification, pay fees, and receive electronic certificates entirely online. However, some documents may still require additional physical verification at a MOFA office.
Available Services & Eligible Documents
MOFA offers two main authentication services through its digital portal. First, general attestation confirms the authenticity of eligible documents for regular use. Second, apostille certification verifies documents specifically for countries that accept the Hague Apostille Convention. Therefore, applicants must select the exact service required by the foreign authority, university, employer, or organization requesting the documents.
The system accepts a wide range of documents across five main categories:
- Educational Documents: University degrees, transcripts, matriculation and intermediate certificates, and diplomas.
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and family registration certificates.
- Legal Documents: Powers of attorney, eligible affidavits, succession certificates, and guardianship documents.
- Commercial Documents: Business agreements, incorporation certificates, company records, and commercial invoices.
- Experience Certificates: Employment, teaching, medical, engineering, and other professional experience certificates.
Pre-Requisites for Online Attestation
Before starting the process, you need a valid CNIC, an active email address, and clear digital copies of your documents. Furthermore, certain documents require prior verification from relevant authorities.
- The Higher Education Commission (HEC) must verify university degrees and transcripts.
- The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) must verify matriculation and intermediate certificates.
- The relevant technical education board and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) must verify technical qualifications.
- A Chamber of Commerce, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), or another authorized body must authenticate commercial documents. Always complete these preliminary requirements first to avoid application delays or outright rejections.
How to Apply for MOFA Document Attestation Online
Follow these exact steps to submit your request successfully.
- First, open your browser and go to https://portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk/. This website grants access to both general and apostille services.
- Next, select the registration option if you are a new user. Enter your first name, last name, email address, CNIC number, and password. You must enter your CNIC number without any dashes. Alternatively, existing users can simply sign in with their credentials.
- After logging in, choose either general attestation or apostille certification based on your needs.
- Carefully complete the application form. Then, upload readable digital copies of your documents alongside any requested supporting certificates or prior verification records. Review your information carefully before proceeding.
- Submit your application through the portal. MOFA will review your details. Meanwhile, monitor your application online and check your email for updates.
- Pay the prescribed fee based on the on-screen instructions. This amount varies depending on your document category and selected service. Confirm all charges displayed on the portal before finalizing the payment.
- Finally, MOFA will issue an electronic attestation certificate upon successful verification. They will send this certificate directly to your registered email address. Download and keep it ready for submission.
