Is an apostille enough for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, since 2022. Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention on 7 December 2022, so an apostille replaces full legalisation.

Do I still need embassy confirmation?

No. The apostille is valid as-is, no separate embassy legalisation is needed.

How long does an apostille for Saudi Arabia take?

As an express service 1 to 2 working days: we book the DVV slot and handle it for you. Without express, a few working days. We give an estimate as soon as we know the document.

How much does an apostille for Saudi Arabia cost?

From €138 per document: the DVV apostille €38 and our service fee €100. Each signature needs its own apostille. Any notary certification and translation are priced separately.

Do I need a translation?

The receiving authority may require an Arabic translation alongside the apostille. It depends on the document and the recipient, we advise per document.

What do I send first and how do I deliver the originals?

First send a scan or PDF copy, the destination country and your timeline, and we confirm the route, price and timing free of charge. You can bring the originals to our office (Tehtaankatu 12, Helsinki, Mon–Fri 09–17, no appointment) or post them to us.

Legalisation · Saudi Arabia

Document legalisation for Saudi Arabia

For Saudi Arabia an apostille is enough, since 2022.

Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022, so full consular legalisation is no longer needed. We handle the apostille for you.

Send a document for review

Process

How the apostille works

01
Notarisation (DVV)
If needed, the document is notarised at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
02
Apostille (DVV)
DVV issues the apostille, which is valid as-is in Saudi Arabia.

In short

Apostille for Saudi Arabia: the key facts

Apostille: Enough since 7.12.2022. No embassy attestation needed.
Chain: Notary certification at DVV if needed, then the DVV apostille.
Price: From €138 per document (DVV €38 + service fee €100). Each signature needs its own apostille.
Time: Express in 1 to 2 working days (booked DVV slot).
Delivery: Pick-up at our office free, courier in Helsinki €60.
Translation: The receiving authority may require an Arabic translation. We advise per document.

Documents

Most common documents for Saudi Arabia

Employment certificates and contracts
Degree certificates (for a work permit)
Trade register extract and company documents
Powers of attorney
Birth and marriage certificates

Why an apostille is enough

Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022. Since then an apostille replaces the former full legalisation, unlike the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, which still require the full chain.

Prices

Apostille for Saudi Arabia, price

Apostille (DVV €38 + service fee €100): from €138 / document
Apostille Express, 1 to 2 working days: same price

Each signature needs its own apostille, so an order of several documents is priced per document. Any notary certification and translation are priced separately. Pick-up at our office is free, courier in Helsinki €60.

Reduced service fees may be available when several documents are submitted together for the same legalisation route. The exact quotation is confirmed after document review.

The apostille price consists of the DVV fee plus a service fee. See the prices on the main legalisation page.

Legalisation pricing

Good to know

Saudi Arabia legalisation in practice

The apostille replaced the full chain in 2022

Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022, and the change simplified the process significantly: instead of the former four-step consular chain, a DVV-issued apostille is enough. That means a faster timeline and clearly lower costs.

Outdated information about the full-legalisation requirement still circulates online and even in official guidance. If an instruction is dated before December 2022, it no longer applies, verify the current procedure with us.

Work permits and company documents for Saudi Arabia

The most common assignments are apostilles on degree certificates for work permits, and companies' trade register extracts and powers of attorney for projects and corporate arrangements. Some documents require a notary's certification before the apostille. We tell you the exact procedure per document.

An apostille is typically ready within a few business days. Always check the recipient's translation requirements too: an Arabic translation may be needed even when the apostille itself is enough.

FAQ

Questions about Saudi Arabia legalisation

Information verified on July 13, 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times can change without notice. We confirm the current requirements for every assignment.

Official sources: Digital and Population Data Services Agency (dvv.fi) · Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (um.fi)

Wondering what happens after you order? The stages, the timings and who handles what are on one page.

See how your order progresses