
Ministry of foreign affairs attestation
Planning to go abroad? Whether you’re aiming for a job in Dubai, a master’s in Germany, or immigration to Canada — one thing is guaranteed: you’ll need to get your documents attested.
Sounds boring? Maybe. But if you mess it up, it could delay your entire application. That’s why we’re talking today about Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, how to book a MOFA apostille appointment, and how to handle MOFA degree attestation without losing your mind.
Why MOFA Attestation is So Important
You can’t just hand over a degree to an embassy and expect them to say “Mashallah, looks great!” They need proof it’s genuine. That’s where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) steps in.
After your degree or certificate is verified by the original issuing body (like HEC or IBCC), MOFA does the final stamp — confirming to the world that your document is officially verified by Pakistan.
If you’re going to a country that follows the Hague Apostille Convention, like France, Germany, Italy, etc., then you’ll need the apostille version. In that case, booking a MOFA apostille appointment is a must.
First Step: Get Your Degree Attested by HEC
MOFA won’t even look at your degree unless it’s already been approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
What to Do:
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Register at HEC e-portal
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Upload your documents: CNIC, transcripts, and your degree
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Book an appointment at the HEC office in your city
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Go with your originals and get it stamped
HEC takes a few working days but it’s straightforward — just follow the process and you’re good.
Booking Your MOFA Apostille Appointment
Now comes the main part — getting the stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
MOFA doesn’t take walk-ins anymore. You’ll need to book an appointment online, like this:
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Visit https://apostillemofa.com/
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Create an account with your CNIC and email
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Pick your city: Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar
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Choose a time slot that works for you
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Print your appointment slip — you’ll need it at the gate
If you’re applying for an apostille (for countries like Italy, Netherlands, etc.), make sure to mention it clearly at the counter.
Documents You’ll Need at MOFA
Here’s what to take with you on the appointment day:
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Original degree/certificate
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Attested version (from HEC or IBCC)
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CNIC (original and a copy)
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Your appointment slip (printed)
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Passport copy (if you have it)
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1–2 sets of photocopies of all documents
Once you submit everything, the officer will verify it, stamp it, and return it. Usually takes a few hours, max next working day.
MOFA Degree Attestation: Apostille vs. Regular
Now listen carefully — there are two types of MOFA attestations:
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Regular Attestation
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Needed for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
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Usually followed by embassy/legalization
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Apostille Attestation
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Required for Hague member countries like France, Germany, Spain
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MOFA will attach a special apostille sticker with a unique code
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If you’re unsure which one you need, ask the embassy of your destination country. Getting the wrong one can waste your time.
What If You’re Abroad?
If you’re not in Pakistan, don’t panic. You can still get mofa degree attestation done by:
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Giving Power of Attorney to a family member here
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Using courier services like DHL or TCS
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Hiring a registered attestation agency with a proper office in Pakistan
Make sure the agency is legit — no shady “agents” from Facebook or WhatsApp!
Time & Cost Breakdown (2025 Updated)
Here’s what to expect:
Step | Time | Cost (PKR) |
---|---|---|
HEC Attestation | 2–4 working days | 1,000 – 2,000 |
MOFA Appointment | 1 day (pre-booked) | Free |
MOFA Degree Attestation | Same day / 24 hrs | 1,000 per document |
Apostille Attestation | 1–2 working days | ~1,500 (sticker incl.) |
Agency Help (Optional) | Depends | 3,000 – 10,000 |
If you’re not in a hurry, doing it yourself is always the better option.
Mistakes to Avoid (Learn from Others!)
❌ Not getting HEC/IBCC attestation first
❌ Going to MOFA without an appointment
❌ Not knowing if you need apostille or regular stamp
❌ Forgetting original documents
❌ Trusting random “agents” without office address
Take a few minutes to double-check and you’ll save weeks of stress.
Real Life Tip – From My Side
A cousin of mine had his MOFA appointment in Islamabad last year. He had everything — except he forgot his HEC attestation.
The MOFA officer looked at the degree and said, “Yeh tou verify hi nahi hai, bhai.” He had to cancel, rebook HEC, and then wait 10 more days.
Moral of the story? Don’t assume anything. Verify, double-check, and always take originals.
Wrapping Up (Desi Style Advice)
If you’re serious about going abroad, take your Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation seriously too. It’s a small but vital step in your visa or admission journey.
First, finish HEC or IBCC attestation.
Then, lock your mofa apostille appointment through the official site.
Finally, complete your mofa degree attestation without depending on anyone.
Once you’re done — you can move forward with embassy steps, visa filing, or admission. Simple, right?
Just stay one step ahead and don’t leave anything for the last minute.