The Saudi-Side Translation and Attestation Process—and Its Limits
This guide covers the Saudi-side procedures for a power of attorney intended for use abroad; it does not determine the acceptance rules of the destination country or foreign receiving authority. A Saudi POA is issued in Arabic. For a new electronic POA, MOJ enables issuance through Najiz by signing in through National Access, entering the parties’ details, selecting the POA clauses and duration, and approving the request. The published conditions include a valid Saudi ID or residency, age over 18, full legal capacity, and an active National Access account; the service states that no documents are required for issuance. If the POA will be used abroad in a language other than Arabic, MOJ’s guidance states that it should be translated by an approved translation center and then attested by MOJ. That statement does not establish that a particular translator or translation format will be accepted in every country, so the receiving authority’s instructions should be checked. MOFA describes ratification as giving documents legal validity for use outside their state of issuance, and the service includes powers of attorney. The route differs by the POA’s source: Saudi electronic POAs issued by MOJ are listed as ratifiable, while the portal states that a POA issued by a Saudi embassy abroad for a Saudi is ratified by MOFA and then MOJ. Verify the continuing validity of an electronic POA through the available verification service, and keep the Arabic instrument, translation, and attestation records together. Do not assume that an apostille, a destination-country embassy stamp, a particular translator, or a particular acceptance period is required in every case; these points are not established as universal rules for overseas use in this process.
- The Saudi POA issued in Arabic, with its source identified as either an MOJ electronic POA or a POA issued by a Saudi embassy or consulate.
- A translation from an approved translation center if the POA is to be used abroad in a language other than Arabic, as stated by MOJ.
- The details or result of the electronic POA validity check, as the service allows its validity and continuing effect to be checked electronically.
- The relevant chain of attestations when MOFA ratification is sought; under the general rule, it ends with a seal and signature authorized by MOFA.
Identify the POA source — Determine whether it is an MOJ electronic POA issued through Najiz or a POA issued by a Saudi embassy or consulate. Do not treat the two routes as interchangeable.
Issue a new electronic POA when needed — Use Najiz: sign in through National Access, select the Powers of Attorney and Declarations package, open Issue Power of Attorney, enter the parties, clauses, and duration, and approve the request. The published conditions include valid identity or residency, age over 18, capacity, and an active National Access account.
Use the available route when abroad — A Saudi citizen abroad may issue a POA electronically through Najiz or visit a Saudi embassy or consulate. Use the route that matches the location and type of POA needed.
Retain the Arabic instrument and verify its status — Keep the POA issued in Arabic and check its validity and continuing effect electronically where the verification service is available. Do not infer current validity from an old copy alone.
Translate the POA for use in another language — If it will be used abroad in a language other than Arabic, follow MOJ’s guidance to use an approved translation center and then obtain MOJ attestation. This does not mean that every foreign authority will accept every translation or procedural sequence.
Submit for MOFA ratification where applicable — Apply electronically through the document ratification service and follow the payment and review instructions of the ministry, its branch, or a mission. The presenter must be the interested party or an authorized representative; check the displayed instructions and fee at the time of application.
Follow the route for an embassy-issued POA — For a POA issued by a Saudi embassy abroad for a Saudi, the portal states a ratification route through MOFA and then MOJ. Afterwards, check the foreign receiving authority’s requirements directly before submission.
| Document type | Common use | Note |
|---|---|---|
In what language is a Saudi POA issued?
A Saudi POA is issued in the official language, Arabic.
Can the POA be used abroad in a language other than Arabic?
For overseas use in a language other than Arabic, MOJ’s guidance says it should be translated through an approved translation center and then attested by MOJ. This does not establish acceptance by a particular country or foreign authority.
Must an electronic POA be printed or stamped?
No. The electronic POA is entirely electronic and does not require printing, stamping, or signing.
What is the maximum duration of an electronic Najiz POA?
The Najiz service states that the electronic POA duration does not exceed one year.
Are documents required to issue the electronic POA?
The issuance service states that no documents are required, while the conditions for valid identity or residency, age, capacity, and an active National Access account still apply.
How can a Saudi citizen abroad issue a POA?
A Saudi citizen abroad may issue it electronically through Najiz or visit a Saudi embassy or consulate abroad.
What is the purpose of MOFA ratification?
MOFA describes ratification as giving documents legal validity for use outside the state in which they were issued.
Does the ratification service cover powers of attorney?
Yes. MOFA lists powers of attorney among the document types covered by the ratification service.
What is the route for a POA issued by a Saudi embassy?
For Saudis, the ratification portal states that a POA issued by a Saudi embassy abroad is ratified by MOFA and then MOJ.
Does every POA require the same attestation chain?
MOFA’s instructions provide a general attestation chain ending in an authorized MOFA signature and seal, but the route varies by the document’s source and type; it should not be generalized without checking the case.
What ratification fee is displayed?
The ratification portal displays 30 riyals per ratification. Check the portal before payment because the fee or instructions may change.
Is an apostille always required?
This Saudi-side process does not establish that an apostille is required for every POA or country. The portal may offer an apostille service, but the receiving authority’s requirements must be checked.
What does the Notarization Law say about translators?
The law requires an accredited translator for a person who does not know Arabic, and the translator signs the translation.
Is a POA always valid for five years?
The Notarization Law displays a general five-year term for a POA deed unless it is revoked, either party dies, capacity ends, or the principal sets a shorter term. Najiz separately displays a one-year maximum for an electronic POA, so the instrument type must be checked.
Does Saudi attestation guarantee acceptance in the destination country?
No. Saudi attestation addresses the Saudi-side process for the document and does not replace checking the foreign receiving authority’s requirements.
This guide is for general information and is not legal or consular advice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving authority.