Saudi Arabia Embassy in Toronto, Canada: Apostille and Document Authentication Services

If you’re planning to use Canadian documents in Saudi Arabia—for employment, education, marriage, or business—they must go through a verification process to be legally accepted. This involves either apostille certification or the traditional authentication and legalization process, depending on the type of document and its purpose. Since January 11, 2024, both countries have been part of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning eligible documents can now receive an apostille from Global Affairs Canada without needing further approval from the Saudi embassy.

However, not all documents qualify for an apostille. Commercial records, medical letters, and specific academic documents may still need full authentication by Global Affairs Canada and legalization by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa, the only Saudi diplomatic office in the government of Canada. There is no Saudi Arabia embassy and consulate in Toronto. If you send in documents without following the proper protocols or in the wrong format (such as sending copies instead of certified originals), your application could be delayed or turned down. You must know if your documents need an apostille or full embassy legalization to prevent making expensive mistakes.

If you need assistance with apostille processing in Canada, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in document authentication for international use under the Apostille Convention. Check our Apostille Canada page for more details.

Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at [email protected].

Understanding Authentication vs. Apostille

Document authentication is when Global Affairs Canada verifies that a public official’s signature, stamp, or seal on a Canadian document is genuine. This step confirms that a recognized authority issued the document. It is often required before the document can be used in another country, especially if that country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

An apostille is a standardized certificate used by countries parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. It replaces the need for embassy legalization. An apostille ensures that a document was issued, signed, or sealed by a duly authorized Canadian authority, avoiding the need for additional legalization in other member nations and facilitating international document use.

As of January 11, 2024, both Canada and Saudi Arabia are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Canadians sending documents to Saudi Arabia can use the apostille process instead of going through full embassy legalization. For eligible documents, an apostille from Global Affairs Canada is enough for recognition in Saudi Arabia, making the process faster, easier, and more efficient.

Step‑by‑Step Process Obtaining an Apostille in Canada

Step 1: Evaluate Document Eligibility

Before obtaining an apostille, ensure that your document is a Canadian public document. It must originate from a Canadian government office, court, or school (public institution).

Check that the document has an original signature and seal, as needed. It may be rejected if it is laminated, glued together, or lacks a visible signature. Officials must be able to validate the document’s authenticity immediately.

Step 2: Gather Your Document

A Canadian Notary Public must notarize several documents, like affidavits and powers of attorney, before issuing an apostille. A notary verifies that the document is authentic and adds their official stamp or signature.

A notary verifies the document and puts their official stamp or signature on it.
You need a qualified translator if the document isn’t in English or French. This makes sure that Canadian officials can evaluate the document before they provide their approval for the apostille.

Step 3: Submit it to Global Affairs Canada or Provincial Competent Authorities for Authentication

Once your document is ready, submit it to the appropriate authority. In Canada, apostilles are issued either by Global Affairs Canada or by designated provincial authorities, depending on where the document was issued or notarized:

• Global Affairs Canada handles documents issued or notarized in:
  Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, or at the federal level.
• Provincial authorities handle apostilles in:
  Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

You can usually submit documents by mail, courier, or in person—depending on the office’s service options. To avoid delays, be sure to follow their current submission guidelines carefully.

Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Document

The Apostille validates the document’s legitimacy, allowing it to be used in any country that has signed the Apostille Convention without the need for additional validation through foreign embassies or consulates.

The apostille procedure makes it easier for people worldwide to use Canadian documents. Ensuring Canadian documents are correctly identified, prepared, validated, and apostilled makes them more legitimate and acceptable in countries that join the Hague Apostille Convention. This approach makes things easier, which helps Canadian citizens and businesses use Canadian documents more successfully when they travel.

Services Provided by Saudi Arabian Embassy in Ottawa

Consular Services Available

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa offers a range of consular services for Saudi citizens living in or visiting Canada and Canadians who need to interact with Saudi authorities. These services include passport renewals for Saudi nationals, document legalization, civil registration (such as birth or death reports), and assistance with legal matters involving Saudi citizens abroad.

Obtaining a Visa Through the Saudi Arabia Embassy

Canadians who want to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, work, Hajj, or Umrah may need a visa. While many types of Saudi Arabia visas can now be obtained through the official Saudi Arabia visa online or visa service centers, some applications may still require additional steps through the embassy—especially for work visas or legal document verification. The embassy can provide instructions and confirm visa requirements based on the traveller’s purpose and nationality.

Emergency Consular Assistance at the Embassy

The embassy can help Saudi nationals in Canada in emergencies, but only in certain ways, such as when they get into an accident, get arrested, lose their passport, or have a medical emergency. The consular division can help, work with local authorities, and let family members know if needed. Emergency services are available only in urgent situations and should not be used for routine inquiries.

Document and Visa Requirements for Travel to Saudi Arabia