Pakistanis can now verify their educational, commercial, legal, and personal papers without visiting government offices in most cases, thanks to a new digital document attestation system introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The new digital service became operational on October 12, 2026, at MOFA headquarters in Islamabad as well as liaison offices in Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta, Karachi, and Gujrat.
Applicants can submit papers through the official portal, complete the required payment and verification procedures, and receive electronic attestation certificates via email, according to a ministry circular issued on October 14.
The facility covers both apostille certification and general attestation, though individuals may still need to visit a MOFA office if their papers require additional physical checks.
What Is MOFA's Online Document Attestation System?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a digital platform to authenticate papers required for use abroad and inside Pakistan.
The system allows users to register online, submit papers electronically, and receive status updates on applications.
MOFA offers two main services through the portal, which are apostille certification and general document attestation.
General attestation confirms the authenticity of eligible papers, while apostille certification is meant for documents going to countries that accept the Hague Apostille Convention.
Applicants should select the service requested by the foreign authority, employer, university, or organisation.
Which Documents Can Be Attested Online?
MOFA accepts various types of papers under its attestation procedures, provided they meet necessary verification requirements.
Educational documents include university degrees, transcripts, diplomas, and matriculation and intermediate certificates. Personal documents cover birth certificates, marriage certificates, family registration certificates, and death certificates. Legal documents include powers of attorney, guardianship documents, succession certificates, and eligible affidavits. Commercial documents feature incorporation certificates, business agreements, commercial invoices, and company records. Experience certificates include employment, medical, teaching, engineering, and other professional experience certificates.
Documents Required for MOFA Attestation Online
Applicants need an active email address and a valid CNIC to register on the digital attestation portal.
They should also prepare clear digital copies of the papers needing attestation, while additional identification or supporting records may be necessary depending on the category.
Certain papers must be verified by the relevant authority before MOFA can authenticate them.
University transcripts and degrees generally require verification from the Higher Education Commission. Matriculation and intermediate certificates must go through the Inter Boards Coordination Commission.
Technical qualifications can require checks by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and the relevant technical education board.
Commercial papers may need authentication from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, a Chamber of Commerce, or another authorised body.
Applicants should finish these requirements prior to submitting papers to prevent rejections or delays.
How to Apply for MOFA Document Attestation Online
Applicants can use the official MOFA Digital Attestation Portal to submit requests.
Step 1: Visit the Official MOFA Portal
Open https://portal-attestation.mofa.gov.pk/ in your browser.
The website provides access to apostille certification and general document attestation services.
Step 2: Create an Account
Select the registration option if you are using the portal for the first time.
Enter your password, email address, CNIC number, and your first and last name where applicable. The registration form requires applicants to enter CNIC numbers without dashes.
Existing users can sign in using their registered passwords and email addresses.
Step 3: Select the Attestation Service
After signing in, choose the service matching your document requirements.
Applicants seeking ordinary paper authentication should select general attestation. Those needing certification for a country covered by the Hague Apostille Convention should pick the apostille option where applicable.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
Complete the application form with your personal information and details of the papers requiring attestation.
Upload readable digital copies of the documents alongside any supporting certificates or previous verification records requested by the portal.
Applicants should review their information carefully before submitting the application.
Step 5: Submit the Application for Verification
Submit the completed application through the portal.
MOFA will review the information and supporting papers according to relevant attestation requirements.
Applicants can monitor applications through the online system and check registered email addresses for further instructions.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fee
Applicants must pay the prescribed fee following the instructions given during processing.
The payment amount depends on the document category and selected attestation service.
Applicants should confirm the charges displayed by the official portal before completing payment.
Step 7: Receive the Electronic Attestation Certificate
After successful verification and completion of required formalities, MOFA will issue an electronic attestation certificate.
The certificate will be delivered to the registered email address of the applicant.
Applicants can download and retain the certificate for submission to the relevant embassy, employer, university, or organisation.
