Guide
The Apostille & MOFA Legalisation Workflow in Egypt
If you need an Egyptian document recognised abroad, it must go through a specific legalisation chain. This guide explains each step — from translation to Apostille.
Why Legalisation Matters
Most countries will not accept a foreign official document without authentication confirming it is genuine. Egypt operates two parallel tracks depending on the destination country.
Track 1 — Apostille (Hague Convention Countries)
Egypt acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in 2024. For Hague member countries (most EU states, UK, USA, Australia, Canada), an Apostille stamp from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is sufficient.
Step-by-Step: Apostille Track
- Obtain the original document from the issuing authority (civil registry, university, court).
- Translate the document into the language required by the destination country. The translation should be stamped by the translating office.
- Notarise the translation at an Egyptian notary public, if required by the destination.
- Submit to MOFA (Legalisation Department, Cairo). MOFA verifies the issuing authority’s signature and attaches the Apostille certificate.
- Submit to the destination authority — consulate, university, or government body.
Track 2 — Standard Legalisation (Non-Hague Countries)
For countries not party to the Apostille Convention, a longer chain is required:
- Translation + notarisation
- MOFA legalisation of the translation
- Attestation by the destination country’s embassy in Cairo
- Further attestation in the destination country’s own foreign ministry
Commonly Apostilled Documents
Birth Certificates
For immigration, marriage abroad, and child registration with foreign civil authorities.
Marriage & Divorce Certificates
For remarriage, family reunification, and inheritance proceedings.
Academic Degrees
For university admissions, credential evaluation, and professional licensing.
Criminal Record Certificates
For immigration, employment, and professional licensing background checks.
Powers of Attorney
For property transactions, litigation, and corporate matters in foreign jurisdictions.
Commercial Documents
Certificates of incorporation, articles of association, and trade licences.
Practical Tips
- Always confirm with the receiving authority which chain they require before starting.
- MOFA processing takes 3–7 business days for standard processing.
- The Apostille covers the signature on the document, not its content — the translation must still be accurate and complete.
- Some documents require internal ministerial attestation before MOFA (e.g., university degrees go through the Ministry of Higher Education first).
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