Apostille Walk-ins Open at Ministry of Foreign Affairs: New Fees

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will offer walk-in Apostille legalization services starting July 8, 2024, at its main office and liaison offices in Lahore and Karachi, with no prior appointments needed.

This change is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to simplify bureaucratic procedures and improve the ease of obtaining necessary certifications. The Apostille certification is crucial for individuals and businesses needing to authenticate documents for international use.

New Fee Structure for Apostille Certification

Alongside the new walk-in policy, the Ministry has introduced a revised fee structure for Apostille certification, which is categorized based on the type of document:

Personal and Educational Documents:

Fee: Rs. 3,000/- per document
This category includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, and transcripts.

Legal Documents:

Fee: Rs. 4,500/- per document
This category covers documents such as power of attorney, court orders, and other legal certifications.

Commercial Documents:

Fee: Rs. 12,000/- per document
This includes business contracts, trade documents, and other commercial papers.

Benefits of the New System

The introduction of walk-in services for Apostille legalization is expected to provide several benefits:

Increased Accessibility: The elimination of the appointment requirement will make it easier for individuals to get their documents processed without long waiting times.
Convenience: With multiple locations offering the service, people in Lahore and Karachi will have local access, reducing the need to travel to the capital.
Efficiency: Streamlined processes and clear fee structures aim to make the legalization process faster and more efficient for all users.

How to Prepare

Individuals planning to use the walk-in Apostille service should ensure they have all necessary documents ready and fully comply with the Ministry’s requirements to avoid any delays. It is also advisable to check the Ministry’s official website or contact their offices for any additional information or updates regarding the service.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decision to open Apostille legalization services to walk-ins marks a significant step towards enhancing public service delivery. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit both individuals and businesses by providing a more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly process for document legalization.

Further information visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.