Global Apostille Canada / Destinations / Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: apostille and legalization from Canada
Apostille only · no embassy stage
Saudi Arabia is a party to the Apostille Convention, which is the point most people get wrong. It is easy to assume every Gulf destination needs consular legalization, and this one no longer does. A Canadian apostille is accepted on its own, so a hiring package that would take an extra consular stage for Qatar or the Emirates does not need one here.
The route your document takes
The Hague Apostille Convention applies to this destination (Saudi Arabia). A single apostille from the Canadian competent authority is enough, with no embassy stage.
- TranslationCertified translation into the language your destination requires. Depends on your document
- NotarizationA notary or commissioner certifies the copy, the signature or the translator's affidavit. Depends on your document
- ApostilleThe competent Canadian authority issues the apostille certificate. Always
- LegalizationEmbassy or consular stamp, for destinations outside the Hague Convention. Not required
This is a preliminary route, not a legal opinion. Convention membership and embassy requirements change; we confirm the exact chain for your file in writing before any work starts.
What people usually send
The documents we most often prepare for this destination. If yours is not here, it is almost certainly still something we handle.
- University degrees and professional credentials
- Employment contracts
- Police clearance certificates
- Marriage and birth certificates for family visas
- Corporate documents
Worth knowing
An Arabic translation is still commonly required by the employer or the ministry receiving the file, even though the authentication chain itself is shorter.
Where is your document from?
The authority that issues the apostille depends on the province the document was issued in, not on where you live.
- Own apostille office
- Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
- Every other province and territory
- Global Affairs Canada, Ottawa