Marriage Certificate Attestation for Saudi Arabia

Short answer: Since Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention on 7 December 2022, a marriage certificate for Saudi Arabia needs state attestation (SDM or Home Department) and then the MEA apostille. Saudi embassy attestation is no longer needed. The process usually takes 1–2 weeks.

Most people need marriage certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia to sponsor a spouse on a family residence or family visit visa. The process became shorter in December 2022. Here is how it works now.

The current process

Check the certificate. It should be a marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages, with names matching both passports.
State attestation. The SDM (for Delhi certificates) or the Home Department of the issuing state attests it.
MEA apostille. The Ministry of External Affairs adds the apostille.
Arabic translation, if asked. Some Saudi offices want an Arabic translation. This is usually done after the apostille.

Documents needed

Original registered marriage certificate
Passport copies of husband and wife
Authority letter for submission
Wedding photo, if your sponsor or the visa centre asks for one
Name-change proof if names differ from the passports

Religious marriage certificates

A certificate issued by a religious body (for example a nikahnama or a temple or church certificate) is not issued by a government registrar. Many couples register their marriage with the Registrar of Marriages first and then attest the registrar’s certificate. Ask us before you start if your certificate is not from a registrar.

How long it takes

Stage	Typical time
SDM / Home Department	3–7 working days
MEA apostille	2–5 working days
Total	About 1–2 weeks

Common reasons for delay

Spelling differences between the certificate and passports
Laminated certificates
Handwritten or old-format certificates that the state asks to be reissued
Sending it for Saudi embassy attestation, which is no longer the route

For other documents, see Saudi Arabia apostille & attestation and our Saudi documents checklist.

Sponsoring your spouse to Saudi Arabia? Send a photo of the document or the instruction you received on WhatsApp or call +91 93109 70010. We tell you the exact process, time and charges before you spend anything.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saudi embassy attestation required for a marriage certificate?

No. Since December 2022, Saudi Arabia accepts the MEA apostille.

How long does marriage certificate attestation for Saudi Arabia take?

Usually 1–2 weeks.

Do I need an Arabic translation?

Only if the Saudi office asks for it.

Can a nikahnama be attested for Saudi Arabia?

Many offices want a registrar-issued certificate. Registering the marriage first is often the safer route.