Apostille Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is a primary civil status document that records your birth, parentage and place of origin. When you need to use your birth certificate abroad — for work, study, migration or legal purposes — simply having the certificate isn’t enough. It must be officially certified in a way that the foreign country recognises. That’s where the apostille process steps in. This process doesn’t change the content of the certificate, but adds a formal certification that makes it valid for international use in participating countries.
Apostille Birth Certificates Process
To apostille a birth certificate, you typically begin by obtaining the original or a certified copy of the certificate. After that, you submit it to the designated authority in the country of issue — for example, in Pakistan the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA) handles apostilles. The application often includes personal ID, the certificate, any previous attestations and payment of the fee. Once the certificate is apostilled, it carries international recognition in countries that are party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (“Apostille Convention”).
Apostille Birth Certificates Eligibility & Key Points
- The document must be a civil status record — a birth certificate or equivalent (“B Form” in Pakistan).
- The destination country must accept apostilles (i.e., be a signatory of the Hague Convention).
- You may need prior notarisation or attestation before the apostille authority will act — especially if the certificate was issued abroad or requires translation.
- Different types of documents may attract different processing times and fees. In Pakistan, for example, personal documents are charged one rate, legal and commercial documents higher.
Apostille Birth Certificates Fees & Turnaround
In Pakistan, the official fee structure for apostilling documents such as birth certificates, marriages etc is outlined by MOFA. For personal documents the fee is for example PKR 3,000, for legal documents PKR 4,500 and for commercial documents PKR 12,000. The actual processing time depends on the workload, whether additional verification is needed, and whether you apply via courier or walk-in. Some service providers quote 7–10 business days under standard process.
Apostille Birth Certificates For Pakistan → Abroad Or Abroad → Pakistan
If you hold a Pakistani birth certificate and plan to use it abroad (in a Hague country) you will use the Pakistan apostille system. If you hold a birth certificate from abroad and intend to use it in Pakistan, you will need to check if Pakistan recognises the apostille from that country or requires additional attestation from the Pakistani side. Always verify the rules of the destination country and whether the certificate must be in English or translated.
Why Choose Us
With years of experience handling civil-status document legalization and apostille services, our team ensures your birth certificate is correctly prepared, submitted and tracked until the apostille is affixed. We understand the strict procedural requirements of the relevant authorities, coordinate with local officials and provide a transparent timeline and fee breakdown. You’ll receive regular updates and full support to avoid any delays or rejection risk. Trust us to simplify what can otherwise be a complex process and help facilitate your international move or requirement smoothly.
FAQs
Do I Need An Apostille For A Birth Certificates?
If you intend to use your birth certificate in a country that is a member of the Apostille Convention, yes — an apostille ensures the document is recognised abroad.
Can I Apostille A Birth Certificates Issued Abroad For Use In Pakistan?
Possibly — you must check whether Pakistan accepts an apostille from the issuing country and whether any additional attestation is required.
How Long Does The Apostille Process Take For A Birth Certificates?
It depends on where the certificate was issued, the destination country, and whether prior notarisation or translation is needed. Standard procedures often require several working days.
What Happens If The Destination Country Is Not A Member Of The Apostille Convention?
If the country is not a signatory, you may need traditional consular/legalisation procedures rather than an apostille.
Can The Apostille Be Done Online?
Some regions allow online application submission, but physical document handling and ink stamp or certificate are still typically required. Ensure you follow the specific process of the issuing authority.
Useful Links
Other Useful Resources
Apostille Convention Status Table