Important Notifications

  • UAE Tourists can now extend their stay from within the country

    Tourists in the UAE on a 30 or 60 days visit visa can extend their stay within the country by another 30 days. The decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) grants visitors an additional 30 days to explore and enjoy the country’s diverse offerings.
    The UAE has implemented several changes in its visa procedures since October last year, marking one of the largest residency and entry permit reforms by the ICP (Immigration and Citizenship Program). Since then, several developments have taken place in the visit visa system of the country.
    As per the ICA website, individuals holding a visit visa of 30 or 60 days will now be eligible for an additional 30-day stay, and the maximum extension period for a visit visa holder is 120 days.
  • Grace period for visit visas scrapped in UAE

    The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security confirmed that there is no grace period for visit visas issued anywhere in the UAE. There is no grace period anymore. From the date of entry, the stay duration is as per the type of visa (30 days or 60 days). All emirates except Dubai had done away with the 10-day grace period for visit visas. The grace period only applied to visas issued in Dubai. From May 15, authorities in Dubai have also removed the grace period. This means a visitor or tourist must exit the country before their visas expire. Failing this, overstay fines will apply.
  • UAE residents apply for re-entry permit if they stay overseas for over 6 months

    Hundreds of UAE residents whose visas got cancelled after staying outside the country for more than six months could return to the Emirates, thanks to a service launched earlier this year. In January, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) introduced a re-entry permit for such residents.
    Previously, residents had to apply for a visit visa to return to the country if they stayed outside the UAE for over six months. Residents of all emirates, except Dubai, can apply for the service on the ICP website. However, the process is slightly different for those who hold Dubai-issued visas.
    “It is a very straightforward process,” said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “We can do the process on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website of Dubai (GDRFA) and select the necessary option. They must provide a letter stating why they stayed outside the country.”
  • UAE launches service to renew Emirates ID card, passport from outside the country

    The UAE has recently launched a service allowing individuals to renew their Emirates ID card and passport from outside the United Arab Emirates. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced this long-awaited change.
    However, there is a crucial condition that individuals must meet to avail of this service—the applicant must personally apply for the transaction through the authority's dedicated smart application, ensuring that they are the rightful owner of the documents.
  • UAE visa fine exemption for Sudan Nationals

    ‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens one-year temporary residency, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild lives, access necessary support.
    Sudanese nationals who are stranded and are overstaying in the UAE need not worry about fines. In a significant development aimed at assisting Sudanese nationals affected by the ongoing crisis, a new visa category has been introduced by the UAE. The ‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens a one-year temporary residence permit, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild their lives, and access necessary support in times of distress.
  • Entry Permits Required to enter Makkah for Expats

    The General Directorate of Passports began receiving applications for issuing Makkah entry permits for residents of domestic workers and non Saudi family members, workers residing in establishments based in Makkah, seasonal work visa holders and contractors with those establishments registered in the Ajeer system during the Hajj season 1444 AH.
    This service comes to facilitate beneficiaries, shorten time and save effort, as the Absher platform provides individuals with permits for domestic workers and non Saudi family members, and through the service of entry permits to Makkah in the electronic Muqeem portal for all establishments.
  • Five-year Green Visa for Expats in UAE

    The UAE has introduced the five-year Green Visa as part of a framework of a set of new rules to attract skilled workers and investors from all over the world.
    The move aims to enhance flexibility of the job market and to attract exceptional workers in all fields as the new 5-year Green Residence Visa will be focused on outstanding talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
    The Green Visa offers long-term residency and more benefits to visa holders and their families than the standard residence visa.
    Benefits include the ability to sponsor sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters, regardless of age. The Green Visa is valid for five years and offers a wide range of visa options for professionals, freelancers, investors and partners. Additionally, provide 6 months grace period to complete the renewal process if the visa is expired.
    Currently, Green Visa Work Permit is still not active in Tasheel Portal. MoHRE informed the service is being developed in partnership with the concerned authorities for a green visa holder to apply for a work permit.
  • The Qatar Ministry has introduced the Hayya Platform for all types of travel visa request

    With just a click of a button, travelers from across the world can apply for a travel visa to Qatar. Anyone wishing to travel to the State of Qatar for leisure or business meetings can now apply for visa via the Hayya Portal.

    Below are the type of visas offered:
  • Tourist Visa
  • Visa with ETA (Visa holders of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and/or Schengen visa)
  • Visa for GCC Residents (Regardless of profession)

    All need to do is simply visit www.hayya.qa and create a login account then simply select the type of visa and follow the steps to upload the required document for issuing the travel visa.
    Contact our Global Visa team for more details at globalvisa@bvsglobal.com
  • Tourists from these 100 countries can enter Oman visa-free

    Oman is offering tourists from over 100 countries to enter visa-free for up to 14 days. The move, aimed to boost the country's tourism industry, is designed to encourage more travelers to visit Oman. The country had announced visa-free entry for residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in October last year, provided a resident's visa in the GCC is valid for a period of no less than three months. The circular released by Oman Airports also noted that the granting of visas to restricted nationalities will only be applied after following the required policies.
    The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has published a list of countries whose nationals are eligible for this new policy.
    Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
  • New freelance work licenses will be available in the UAE for "all skill levels."

    The UAE is set to introduce a flexible work permit that will allow people of all skills to take up freelance jobs in the country.
    This new permit which is expected to be rolled out by the third quarter of 2023 enables freelancers to work within the country or from any part of the world.
    This will attract different people with varied skill levels with businesses attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. This workforce is both beneficial for employer and the employees as with such flexible work permits, talents won't have to be tied to employers and some employers feel that this is more economical for them because they don’t have to take risks and decide if they want to continue with an employee or not.
    This will enhance productivity in the labour market increasing people’s value in the workforce.
  • Saudi Arabia is now considering a shortened workweek following the UAE

    Saudi Arabia is considering a three-day weekend after the UAE implemented it last year, according to local media reports. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in response to a tweet, said that it is studying the current work system through a periodic review to achieve increased job creation and raise the attractiveness of the market for local and international investments. It also explained that a draft of the work system had been put forward in a survey platform for public consultations.
  • Four nations are attempting to streamline procedures for holders of Indian passports.

    Countries all over the world are working to make visa application process simpler for Indians.
    Here are four countries that have announced schemes or intentions to make visa processes easier for Indians wishing to obtain entry permits:
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Germany
  • Russia

    These nations are introducing schemes to make it easier for Indian nationals to receive entry permits for both work and tourism purposes
  • Saudi Arabia relaxes visit visa rule for GCC residents, regardless of profession

    The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday that all GCC residents can now apply for a visit visa to the Kingdom - irrespective of their professions.
    Previously, there was a list of accepted professions, available to check on the ministry website, that GCC residents had to fall under in order to be allowed to apply.
    According to the website, visitors can apply for and receive a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days. This permit would be valid for a year and would allow the holder to perform Umrah, except during the Haj season. They can also apply for a single-entry visa for up to 30 days, which is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
    The cost of an eVisa is SAR300 plus full health insurance fees.
    The following are the eligibility requirements:
    1. The applicant must be at least 18 years old. For children under 18, the guardian must apply first.
    2. The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months, and the applicant must have a residency ID from a GCC country valid for no less than three months.
    3. Visa holders can perform Umrah anytime except during the Haj season
    4. The applicant must complete separate visa applications for each member of their direct family, and must accompany the member while entering the Kingdom.
    For more information and apply for a visa go to www.visa.visitsaudi.com
    Earlier, it was announced that the Kingdom would allow travellers to get a 96-hour entry permit to the country along with their flight tickets. The holder is allowed to perform Haj and Umrah with this transit visa.
  • UAE, other GCC countries first to get UK’s new ETA scheme

    Visitors to the United Kingdom from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and Jordan, will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
    The scheme will be expanded worldwide throughout 2024 and Qatari visitors will be the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023, officials said.
    By applying for an ETA in advance, visitors will benefit from smooth and efficient travel. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application.
    The officials said that an ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK, but authorises an individual to travel to the UK. On arrival, an individual will still need to obtain leave to enter, as per the process now, by seeing a Border Force Officer or using an eGate if eligible to do so.
    Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024, but can apply in advance from February 1, 2024. Before February 22, 2024, they will continue to require an EVW to travel to the UK.
    The new scheme will entirely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme which requires visitors to the UK from GCC states to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit.
  • Egypt offers citizenship to foreign investors

    Egypt announced on offering citizenship to foreign investors willing to spend at least $250,000 in the country.
    According to state newspaper Al Ahram, a decision by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli published in the official gazette, says the premier can now “grant Egyptian nationality” to applicants that meet one of four conditions.
    Foreigners can either buy at least $300,000 of real estate in Egypt, invest $350,000 in the country, deposit $500,000 in an Egyptian bank account or “make a non-refundable $250,000 deposit in direct revenues in foreign currency into the state's public treasury”
  • Get birth certificate issued in UAE online in a day

    The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) on Thursday announced the launch of the digital service, aiming to streamline procedures and provide customers with efficient services. With this new Mohap service, residents can simply file a request and pay a nominal fee of Dh60 each for both birth and death certificates and both Emiratis and expatriates can now apply without having to visit any government office or typing centre. The new process, available online, is quick and hassle-free, with documents being issued within one working day.
  • 90-day visit visa now available for UAE residents' family and friends

    UAE residents planning to invite their friends or family to the country can apply for a 90-day single or multiple-entry visit visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
    This service can be accessed by residents if they have a residence visa issued in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain. The host is required to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000 for this visa.
  • UAE visa reforms: 15 services updated for residents, visitors, including a 30-day extension

    UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), Customs and Ports Security on Wednesday announced the implementation of a new package of updates to improve the services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors through its smart services system. One of the key updates is the introduction of a one-time 30-day visa extension service for 90-day visit visas.
    • Issuance of group family visa for tourism, treatment, and patient companion, for single and multiple entries for a period of 60 days and 180 days
    • Exempting people of determination citizens from the requirement of fingerprinting when submitting applications for the issuance, renewal, and replacement of passports.
    • Allowing visa extension for a period of 30 days for one time for holders of 90-day visas, and prohibiting residency visa renewal if its validity is for more than 6 months.
    • Providing services for cancelling and amending visa data in the accounts of GCC citizens without Emirates ID.
    • Allowing the extension of visit visa of a relative or friend for single or multiple entries for a period of 30, 60, and 90 days in the individual’s accounts.
    • Visit Visa Validity Extension in UAE

      After receiving travel visa, tourists and visitors to the UAE are required to enter the nation within a certain window of time. A 30-day visit visa, for instance, must be used to enter the UAE within 30 days of being issued. According to the most recent procedure, travelers must pay a charge to cancel their visa if they are unable to enter the UAE during the allotted time. As an alternative, individuals can pay a fee of Dh200 to extend their stay in the nation by two months.
    • Russia's Mutual Visa Recognition Agreement with Belarus

      Russia and Belarus have signed Mutual Recognition of Visas and Other Matters Related to the Entry of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons into the Territories of the Member States of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State that will enter into force on 1 February 2023.
      The Agreement aims to create a legal framework for regulating the procedure for foreign citizens and stateless persons to cross the Russian-Belarusian border.
      Foreign nationals holding any permission to stay authorization (visa, temporary resident permit, permanent residence permit) issued by the government of Russia will also be permitted to reside in Belarus so long as the permissions granted under the authorization type remain valid and foreign nationals permitted to enter Russia visa-free will also be permitted to enter Belarus.
    • Schengen visa application likely to be digitized

      UAE residents wishing to travel to Schengen countries may not have to wait for appointments, stand in a queue or submit their passports to process their visas in the near future. Travelers to the 27 EU countries may soon be able to apply for their visa online and plans to digitalise the process are underway.
    • UAE announces amended Emiratization deadlines for private companies

      The UAE Cabinet has issued a decision, amending some provisions of the country’s Emiratization scheme in the private sector. The annual target is now divided by 1 per cent in the first six months and the other 1 per cent in the second half of the year.
      Private companies are still mandated to raise Emiratization rates by 2 per cent every year to reach 10 per cent by 2026. It is the procedure of the law's implementation that has been revised, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre)

      The ministry clarified what has and has not changed under the latest update:
      • The overall mechanism for achieving the targeted Emiratization rates has not changed. However, it became semi-annual instead of annual. Companies with more than 50 employees are required to achieve an increase of 1 per cent of skilled jobs every six months and reach a growth of 2 per cent by the end of the year

      • The financial contributions for non-compliant companies have not been modified.

      • There will be no new or additional commitments from companies. However, fines for non-compliance will start to be applied in July 2023 (this collection will include the remaining contributions from 2022).
        • Tourists overstaying their visas now face an absconding case filed by travel agents

          UAE travel agencies and tour operators are now filing absconding cases against tourists travelling to the UAE on a visit visa of 30 or 60 days who overstay their visit visas without any notice. Some agents say overstayers could be 'blacklisted' and banned from entering the UAE or any GCC country if they do not exit more than five days after their visas' expiry.
          However, these circulars are from travel agencies and not the immigration authorities.
          Visitors who overstay their visit visa duration must pay their overstay fine and obtain an out pass or leave permit at an additional cost before exiting the country. This is applicable to visitors who are exiting through Dubai, the out pass is not required by visitors you are leaving from other emirates.
        • Qatar extends the validity of visitors' Hayya Cards

          The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has announced the extension on the validity of Hayya Card for fans and organizers, which was applied during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
          MOI clarified in a statement that holders of this Card among visitors would be allowed to enter the State of Qatar from yesterday until January 24, 2024. However, the cardholders wishing to enter the country must have proof of hotel reservation or appropriate accommodation approved with the online Hayya portal as well as a passport valid for at least three months upon arrival.
          Incoming travelers must have a return ticket on them as well as health insurance valid for the duration of their stay in Qatar, the ministry added.
        • Ejari no longer required for dependent visa applications in Dubai

          The Ejari is no longer a need to start or renew a dependant visa application, according to GDRFA authorities. In some circumstances, Ejari is necessary, and they must present the document for the dependents visa to be issued (Ex. Sponsoring parents)
        • Saudi Arabia Starts Issuing Free 4-Day Stopover Transit Visa

          Saudi Arabia launched the service of issuing electronic Stop-over Transit Visa for international visitors arriving in the Kingdom by air for all purposes, effective from Monday, Jan. 30.
          The visa holders can stay in the Kingdom for four days and the duration of the visa is three months. The visa is free of cost and it will be issued instantly along with the flight ticket. The ministry launched the service in coordination with the relevant authorities and in cooperation with the Saudi national airlines.
          The Transit visa allows transit passengers, who wish to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah in addition to traveling inside the Kingdom, as well as all leisure, Business and tourism events.
          The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that applications for transit visas can be submitted through the electronic platforms of Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas.
          This will automatically be passed to the Unified National Visa Platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to process and issue the digital visa immediately and send it to the beneficiary via e-mail.
          The ministry confirms that the digital Transit Visa service will contribute to achieving the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s position and benefiting from its distinguished strategic location connecting various continents, and attractive station for transit passengers as well as a global tourist destination.
        • Senegal Accession to Hague Apostille Convention

          Senegal will become the 124th member to accede to the Convention abolishing the requirements of legalization for Foreign Public documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention” or the “Hague Convention”. The Apostille Convention facilitates the use of public documents abroad by replacing the often long and costly legalization process with the issuance of a simple Apostille Certificate to be accepted in the 123 member countries. In the near future, to certify Senegalese documents, it will be enough to stamp them with an apostille instead of going through the complicated procedure of consular legalization. In addition, the Senegalese authorities will begin to accept on their territory, without additional authentication procedures, foreign documents previously apostilled by the states that issued them. According to media reports, one of the factors that forced the Senegalese authorities to speed up the decision on the question of accession to the Convention was the presence of a large diaspora of representatives of the local population abroad. According to various estimates, there are currently between 550,000 and 2.5 million Senegalese citizens abroad who are constantly struggling to legalize documents. Senegal will formally ratify the Apostille Convention on March 23, 2023. From that point forward, contracting parties are required to recognize apostilles issued by designated competent body and forgo the need for legalization for public papers issued by Senegalese authorities. Apostilles issued by the competent authorities of other contracting parties must also be accepted by Senegalese authorities for incoming overseas public papers. Individuals should anticipate that short delays may arise in Senegal with obtaining such documents and with the acceptance of apostille-ed documents at Senegalese consular posts in other Hague member countries throughout the implementation of new apostille processes in conformity with the treaty.
        • Pakistan Accession to Hague Apostille Convention

          Pakistan will become the 123rd member to accede to the Convention abolishing the requirements of legalization for Foreign Public documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention” or the “Hague Convention”. The Apostille Convention facilitates the use of public documents abroad by replacing the often long and costly legalization process with the issuance of a simple Apostille Certificate to be accepted in the 122 member countries. This one-step process reduces time and cost by avoiding additional certification or legalization at an embassy or consulate of the foreign/destination country. Apostilled documents are commonly needed for business, immigration or legal transactions being conducted in a member jurisdiction to the Convention. Pakistan will formally ratify the Apostille Convention on March 9, 2023. From that point forward, contracting parties are required to recognize apostilles issued by designated competent body and forgo the need for legalization for public papers issued by Pakistani authorities. Apostilles issued by the competent authorities of other contracting parties must also be accepted by Pakistani authorities for incoming overseas public papers. Individuals should anticipate that short delays may arise in Pakistan with obtaining such documents and with the acceptance of apostille-ed documents at Pakistani consular posts in other Hague member countries throughout the implementation of new apostille processes in conformity with the treaty.
        • Grace period for changing unlimited job contracts extended

          The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has announced that the deadline for correcting the current conditions granted to employers, especially regarding the transfer of work contracts concluded and signed between workers and employers, will be extended from indefinite-term employment contracts to fixed-term employment contracts until December 31, 2023.
        • 90-day visit visas available only in specific circumstances

          Currently, nation-wide, Visit visas for the general public are only available for 30 and 60 days. However, 90-day visas can still be issued under certain conditions. One of that is the medical tourism visa or a job exploration visa available for those wishing to stay for 90 days. Granted to those classified in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).
        • Increase in costs of UAE visas & Emirates ID

          There has been an increase in the cost of issuing Emirates ID and visas in the UAE. Its prices have increased by Dh100, according to a customer service representative at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
        • PCR Tests are no longer required for EID Biometrics

          The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security no longer requires a negative PCR test to allow entry into their facilities for biometric enrollment.
        • Complete residency transactions via video calls

          The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has announced that residents of Dubai can now use video conferencing to inquire about missing papers and finish visa applications. On Wednesday, the project's pilot phase began.
        • Visitors with expired visa can get outpass to exit country

          Visitors overstaying in the UAE must pay fines for the number of extra days after visa expiry and need to obtain an out pass or leave permit by paying up to Dh300 at the airports or the immigration office at the land borders.
        • Involuntary Loss of Employment Scheme

          The mandatory scheme, which was recently announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation can now be subcribed via various channels such as the smart application ILOE, kiosk machines, Al Ansari exchange and bank ATMs. Workers in free zones are not currently covered by the unemployment insurance (ILOE) Investors or owners of establishments, domestic workers, temporary contract workers, juveniles under 18 years, and retirees are considered as exempted categories for the scheme. All eligible employees have a grace period until 30 June 2023 to subscribe in the ILOE. Also please note that if the employee was employed at a date later than 1st January, 2023, will have a grace period of 4 months to subscribe, starting from the day he landed in the UAE or the day of status change.
          For more information, employees can visit - https://www.iloe.ae/
        • No visit visa extensions from within the country

          According to the most recent information from the immigration departments in UAE, visitors would no longer be able to switch from one visit visa to another. Those with a visiting visa but wanting to continue staying in the country must exit the UAE and then reenter on a new visit visa. Visitors have the option of extending their visas for one month at a cost.
        • Saudi Arabia Accession to Hague Apostille Convention

          Saudi Arabia officially became the 122nd member to accede to the Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention”. The new procedure shortens processing timelines and avoids challenging legalization processes at consulates, streamlining recruitment and immigration processing for Saudi Arabian employers and foreign citizens. Additionally, it simplifies the immigration procedures for citizens of Saudi Arabia in the other 121 Hague members. However, when the new procedure is introduced at all consulates, people can anticipate brief delays. The recognition and acceptance of apostilles in Saudi Arabia is for all of the practical challenges that the participants in cross-border transactions involving Saudi Arabia sometimes face. For example, if a document is notarized in, and comes to Saudi Arabia from, a country that is not a signatory state to the Apostille Convention (for example, Canada and the People's Republic of China are two of the bigger gaps in the list of signatory states as it currently stands), it will still be necessary to use the older legalization system. Also, the changeover from legalization to apostilles does not remove the requirement in Saudi Arabia to have documents that are executed in a language other than Arabic translated into Arabic by a court-licensed translator, in order to be admissible in the Saudi Arabian court system. Regardless, the recognition and acceptance of apostilles in Saudi Arabia is a very welcome step forward as the country increasingly aligns its legal procedures with international practices. In so doing, Saudi Arabia becomes ever more accessible for cross-border transactions. We have not yet heard back from many locations to confirm whether they switched from consular legalization to apostille. The conventional method of attesting documents from Saudi Embassy will be replaced by an Apostille sticker if the origin is also part of the Apostille convention eg: UK to Saudi Arabia, Russia to Saudi Arabia, India to Saudi Arabia. However, there is no change if the origin is not part of Apostille convention eg: Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon to Saudi Arabia. We are keeping an eye on the modifications and will soon provide further details and instructions.
        • Medical fitness test required for Mission visa applications in ICA

          As per the latest update from ICA an additional requirement for an complete Medical Fitness Test Certificate is mandatory in order to proceed and issue the mission visa entry permit.
        • Embassy of Saudi in Lebanon does not legalize educational documents for visa applicants from outside Lebanon
        • UAE Consulate in Toronto, Canada ceased operations and documents from all provinces are legalized by the Embassy in Ottawa
        • UAE Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic does not do super legalization and directs everyone to the embassy located in Vienna
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Zimbabwe Document Legalization

Home » Zimbabwe Document Legalization

  • Why do you need it?

  • Process & Requirements

  • How we can assist

Zimbabwe Documents Legalization | Attestation | Apostille

Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation in Africa with a great natural beauty. Agriculture is the major economic sector of this country and it has some of the largest platinum reserves in the world. Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It is also the most populous city in the country. When planning to move out of Zimbabwe, there is an extensive procedure of legalization and authentication to be followed by every document issued in this country. To make it simple, you need the expertise of BVS Global. We have a profound experience of many years to complete the process exactly as stipulated by the designated authorities.

In the process of legalization, an applicant can submit the original copies of documents to be attested along with other paperwork deemed necessary by the authorities. Before obtaining legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these documents should be certified and authenticated by various government departments and ministries in both the countries, the home country and the destination country. This procedure is applicable to all the public documents whether they are personal, educational, or commercial.

Why you need Zimbabwe certificate attestation and Legalization?

  • Embassies or consulates for visa or passport issuance
  • Immigration office for visa application, emigration request or work status change etc.
  • World education services (WES) and International qualifications assessment (IQAS) verification
  • Equivalency requirements for Ministry of Education (MOE)
  • Owning an asset or transfer of ownership
  • Marriage and dissolution of marriage contract
  • Procuring new documents from vital records offices
  • Immigration & Naturalization
  • Obtaining Licenses and Approvals
  • Registering with regulatory bodies like Society of Engineers, Insurance regulatory authority etc.
  • Tax relaxation and to avoid double taxation
  • Loans and Advances from Banks and other Financial Institutions
  • Commerce and trade activities like Inter and Intra country movement of goods and services
  • Expanding businesses and trade across boundaries as well as opening off shore business
  • Closure, merge and acquisition of businesses

We provide Zimbabwe document legalization or Apostille, for any type of Zimbabwe issued documents for use in any country. However, the process may vary depending on the document and the laws of the origin & destination country. The Zimbabwe Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp can be replaced by an Apostille, if the origin and destination countries are part of Hague convention 1961. Original certificates required for some countries; a true copy / certified copy would suffice for attestation.

Acceptance or rejection of documents is solely based on discretion of the government authorities concerned. Furthermore, the requirements and processes vary often depending on the government department’s policies, terms and conditions. Please contact our customer service officer for updated fee structure and more information on legalization.

Legalization or Attestation is the process by which government authorities officially endorse a document assuring the receiving country or organization of its authenticity. Likewise, it typically involves two or three levels of attestations across government departments in both countries for Zimbabwe documents.

The Process of document Attestation, Apostille and legalization services in Zimbabwe:

A proper procedure is applicable for attesting documents in Zimbabwe. Firstly, you need the original copies of the required documents (scanned copies would suffice in some cases) along with a copy of your passport, a declaration form, and power of attorney if applicable. Accordingly, the process of Legalization, Attestation, apostille comprises:

  • The documents should have a legal translation if deemed necessary by the authorities besides the original.
  • Procurement of new Zimbabwe issued documents or replacement, if documents are outdated/invalid for legalization
  • Get the notary attestation in Zimbabwe. Additionally, educational documents should be attested by Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe.
  • Get the documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe or an Apostille
  • Get them attested by the concerned embassy or consulate.

Requirements for attesting Zimbabwe documents

Original certificate(s) or scanned copies (in some cases)

Valid Passport copy

Declaration form

Power of Attorney (if required)

Attesting personal documents like birth certificate, marriage certificate in Zimbabwe  

  • Legal Translation from Zimbabwe (If necessary)
  • Notary in Zimbabwe
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe or an Apostille
  • Embassy or consulate in Zimbabwe

Attesting educational documents like degree certificate, diploma certificate in Zimbabwe

  • Legal Translation from Zimbabwe (If necessary)
  • Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe or an Apostille
  • Embassy or consulate in Zimbabwe

Attesting commercial documents like incumbency, invoice, memorandum, articles of association in Zimbabwe

  • Concerned authority or Govt. department or Chamber of Commerce in Zimbabwe
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe or an Apostille
  • Embassy or consulate in Zimbabwe

Example of Zimbabwe certificate attestation or legalization procedure for use in UAE

Certificate attestation or Legalization Procedure of Zimbabwe document, to be used in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originally issued in Zimbabwe.

Documents of Zimbabwe origin – such as Personal, Educational, and Commercial documents have to be attested from Ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) UAE. Prior to Ministry of foreign affairs UAE, the document needs to be attested by a notary or ministry of education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe.

*If any embassy or consulate in a particular country is not operational, the document has to be legalized from the nearest government body, having jurisdiction over that country for Attestation or an Apostille

Our role

We offer our experience to make legalization as simple as it can be. our experts are well-trained to handle this process smoothly. In addition to that, they can provide Attestation and Apostille in Zimbabwe after considering the requisite parameters. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive suite of legalization /Apostille services that include consulate or embassy legalization, Apostille from the member nations of Hague Convention 1961, and attestation from the state governments and ministries. Most importantly, we can manage the attestation of every type of document needed for your international endeavours.

BVS Global has years of experience in handling attestation of valuable certificates and documents legitimately, keeping in mind the security concerns and customer requirements.

Our attestation services include

  • Embassy & Consulate legalization for Zimbabwe documents
  • Apostille from countries part of Hague convention
  • Attestation from state government departments and ministries
  • True copy or certified copy attestation
  • Procurement of Police clearance Certificate

We handle Zimbabwe legalization of Personal Documents such as Birth or Death Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Experience/ Employment, degree Certificate and of Commercial documents such as Articles of association, financial documents, Commercial invoice or Bills of lading.

Reach Out to BVS Global for Attestation Services

BVS Global Services is a one stop shop for all document authentication services. BVS Global provides verification, attestation and visa assistance in 185 countries and more. For more assistance please write to support@bvsglobal.com. We will respond soon, generally within 2 business hours.


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