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The apostille era
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention later, and apostilled documents have been accepted since 2022. Endorsements for Turkish documents are obtained from the governor's office or district governor's office; as a rule, the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs–consulate chain is no longer required.
Since transitional practices may differ between institutions, especially in requests originating from employers and sponsors, we confirm the receiving party's current requirements before preparing the file.
Work visa file
The document set for Saudi work visas is handled through the employer (sponsor) and typically includes:
- Diploma, with an apostille and a notarised Arabic translation
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical report from authorised centres
- Professional documents and experience letters
In healthcare professions and some regulated fields, documents undergo DataFlow verification, which carries out primary source verification with the issuing institutions. As this process can take weeks, it should be scheduled at the beginning of the visa timeline.
Family and education procedures
- Family residence: apostilled marriage and birth records with Arabic translations
- School enrolment: student documents and report cards
- Powers of attorney and identity documents for Hajj and Umrah arrangements
Arabic spelling
The Arabic spelling of first names and surnames must be consistent with the passport and any previous Saudi records, such as an iqama or visa; differences in individual letters can cause registration systems to show two separate people. If you have previous records, send them to us before translation.
Frequently asked questions
Is consular certification still required?
As a rule, no; an apostille is sufficient. Since some institutions may continue to make transitional requests, let us check the instructions from the requesting authority together.
What is DataFlow, and how does it relate to translation?
DataFlow is a system that carries out primary source verification of documents with the issuing institution; it is particularly used for healthcare licences. Verification does not eliminate the need for translation; documents are still submitted with their Arabic/English translations.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
