At Biz Brokers Kenya, for over 10 years, we have provided reliable Document attestation and legalization services all over Kenya.
What is Document Attestation?
Document attestation is the process of verifying and Legalization the authenticity of a document issued in Kenya. to ensure that it is recognized as valid by authorities in Kenya and is valid for use abroad. It involves certifying documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic credentials, affidavits, and legal agreements for use in foreign countries or official proceedings.
Authentication of documents in Kenya is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), while legalization of the authenticated documents is done by the Embassy or Consular of the Country where the documents are intended to be used.
Document attestation requirements in Kenya.
- Original document. - You shall be required to produce the Original Document and a copy of the original for verification .
- Notarized Copy. - You shall attach a Notarized copy of the Original document.
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The Document Attestation / Legalization Process in Kenya
The process of attesting a document in Kenya involves the following steps:
- Preparation of Documents: Ensure that your documents are in order, accurate, and complete.
- Verification Each document must be verified and certified by the respective issuing authority. Documents such as court orders, academic certificates, birth and death records etc must first be verified and certified by the respective registries.
- Notarization
- Visit a certified notary public to have your documents notarized.
- The notary public will verify the authenticity of the document and affix their seal and signature.
- Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
- Submit the notarized documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Kenya.
- The MFA verifies the notary’s signature and certifies the document for international use.
- Embassy Attestation (if required)
- For documents intended for use in a specific foreign country, visit the relevant embassy or consulate in Kenya.
- The embassy will further attest the document, ensuring it meets their country’s requirements.
- Apostille Certification (if applicable)
- For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille certificate may be required instead of embassy attestation.
- Translation if required While submitting Kenyan documents to a foreign country or its embassy, Depending on the country's regulations, Kenyan documents may need to be translated into the official language of the foreign county to ensure accurate understanding and compliance.
How Long Does Document Attestation Take?
The time required for document attestation in Kenya varies depending on the type of document and the steps involved. On average:
- Notarization can take 1-2 days.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation may take 3-5 working days.
- Embassy attestation can take 2-7 working days, depending on the embassy’s policies.
Cost of Document Attestation in Kenya.
The cost of document attestation depends on several factors, including:
- The type and number of documents.
- Notary public fees.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs fees.
- Embassy or consulate charges.
Commonly Attested Documents in Kenya
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, passports, medical certificate report and affidavits.
- Educational Documents: Certificates from high schools, universities, or professional institutions.
- Business Documents: Memorandums of association, company registration certificates, and power of attorney.
- Legal Documents: Court orders, agreements, and notarial deeds.
Why is Document Attestation Important?
Document attestation serves several purposes, including
- International Recognition of documents. Many countries require attested documents for work, study, or immigration purposes
- Legal Validity: It ensures that your documents are legally valid and recognized by government agencies
- Business Transactions: Companies may need attested documents for trade, business registration, or tender applications abroad.
- Personal Use: Individuals may require attestation for marriage registration, inheritance claims, or property ownership transfers.
Email Inquiry:
Send a email for further clarifications to info@bizbrokerskenya.com
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