In short:
- Attestation is a government procedure handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); certified translation is the translation office’s job. They are separate steps.
- The usual order is original document, then any attestations the authority wants, then certified translation, but the receiving authority has the final say.
- Most delays come from small things: inconsistent name spelling, missing pages and unclear photos.
- Requirements and fees change, so always check the MOFA portal before you start.
“Should I translate first or attest first?” is one of the questions we hear most often from clients in Riyadh and across the Kingdom. It is a fair question, because MOFA attestation in Saudi Arabia involves two very different parties: a translation office that issues a certified, stamped and signed translation, and a government body that attests the document under its own procedures. This guide explains the general picture in plain language, shows where our role ends and the official process begins, and lists the mistakes we see delaying files again and again.
What does MOFA attestation actually mean?
In general terms, attestation is an official confirmation that the signature or seal on a document is genuine and comes from a recognised issuer. It is not a review of the document’s content or a word-by-word check of its translation. It verifies the source.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers document attestation through its digital services portal, covering categories such as educational, commercial and personal status documents. Service details change from time to time, so the only reliable reference for requirements, fees and processing times is the ministry’s own website, not a blog post or a social media thread.
Why do some authorities ask for it?
When you submit a Saudi document abroad, or a foreign document inside the Kingdom, the receiving body needs a way to trust that the paper is genuine. Attestation gives it that trust; a certified translation gives it a text it can read. That is why many authorities ask for both.
The usual order of steps
There is no single sequence that fits every case, but a common pattern looks like this:
- A complete original: issued by the competent body, with its seals and signatures.
- Attestations on the original: for example the issuing body and then MOFA, depending on the document type.
- The certified translation: which normally covers everything on the page, including seals and attestation wording.
- Anything required after translation: some authorities accept the certified translation as it is; others want the translation itself attested.
Translating after attestation means the attestation stamps get translated too, which many authorities prefer. Others want a different order, so ask the receiving authority first, ideally for written instructions.
Do we attest documents?
No. At Almadani Translation our role is to issue a certified translation that is stamped, signed and checked by a second translator. Attestation is a government procedure that the applicant submits through official channels. We will help you understand what the translation needs to include and arrange the pages so they are easy to read, but we never present ourselves as a substitute for an official body.
Common mistakes that slow things down
Inconsistent name spelling
The most frequent issue is an English name that does not match the passport. Send us a photo of your passport data page and we will use exactly that spelling across all your documents. One different letter can prompt the question: is this the same person?
Sending one page of a multi-page document
Many documents have a reverse side, an annex or a separate page of stamps. An incomplete translation may be refused even if every word is accurate, because the authority wants the translation to match the whole original. Send every page, even ones that only carry a stamp.
Unclear photos
Faded stamps, cropped numbers and glare all make a document hard to read. Photograph it in daylight on a flat surface, without flash, with all four edges visible.
Translating before the attestations are complete
If the authority wants the stamps translated, translating too early may mean ordering a fresh translation later. Confirm the order first to save time and money.
Relying on old information
Procedures evolve. What worked for a friend two years ago may no longer apply, so check the official portal every time.
A quick checklist before you send your document
- Have you confirmed the authority wants a certified translation, and into which language?
- Do you know whether stamps and attestation wording must be translated?
- Do you have a passport data page photo for the name spelling?
- Have you photographed every page clearly, including the back and annexes?
- Do you know your deadline, in case you need the urgent service?
How we work with you
Send photos of your document on WhatsApp to +966569442222 and tell us which authority, and which country, the translation is for. We send a clear quote and delivery time before you confirm. We do not publish fixed prices, because the price depends on the document, the language and the turnaround.
Once you approve, a specialist translates the document, a second translator checks it, and we stamp and sign it. You receive a stamped e-copy on WhatsApp plus a printed copy, with collection arranged with you. If your appointment is close, ask for our urgent certified translation service, which carries an extra fee shown in your quote.
We have been licensed since 1982 (licence No. 64, dated 19 February 1983) and have served more than 20,000 clients. Explore our legal translation services and our Riyadh office page, and if your document is headed to a Hague Convention country, read our guide to apostille in Saudi Arabia.
FAQ
Does a certified translation replace MOFA attestation?
No. They serve different purposes: a certified translation makes the document readable in another language in an official format, while attestation is a government check on seals and signatures. The receiving authority decides what it needs.
Should I translate before or after attestation?
It depends on the receiving authority. Many prefer translation after attestation so the stamps are translated too, but ask first.
Can you submit the attestation request for me?
No. We issue the certified translation only. Attestation requests go through MOFA’s official channels.
How long does attestation take and what does it cost?
These details are set by the ministry and can change. Check the MOFA digital services portal for current information.
Can I order from outside Riyadh?
Yes. Order on WhatsApp from any city and receive the stamped e-copy, and we will agree with you on collecting the printed copy.
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Attestation requirements change, and the receiving authority decides whether it accepts a translation and in what form. Always check the official MOFA website.
Written by the Almadani Translation Team · Information last reviewed: October 2026