Attestation vs apostille — which one do you need?
An apostille is a single-stamp certification accepted between countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. Attestation (legalization) is the multi-step chain used when either country is outside the convention. Qatar joined the Apostille Convention in 2025 — but Bangladesh-issued documents heading to many destinations still need the classic chain: notary → ministry → MOFA → destination embassy.
The practical answer: check the destination country's requirement first. Guessing wrong wastes weeks. We verify the exact chain for your destination before touching a single document.
Documents that commonly need attestation
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — required for nearly every work permit
- Educational certificates — SSC, HSC, diploma, degree
- Marriage certificate — for family visas and reunification
- Birth certificate — for dependent children
- Experience letters and employment certificates
- Medical certificates for specific destinations
The attestation chain, step by step
For a Bangladeshi certificate used abroad, the standard chain is: 1) Notary public, 2) The issuing ministry (Education Board for certificates, Ministry of Home Affairs for PCC), 3) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation, 4) The destination country's embassy legalization. Each hop has its own queue — realistic total time is 2 to 4 weeks when managed daily, longer if you courier documents yourself between offices.
In Qatar, our Doha office handles the local MOFA and embassy legs directly — you hand us the documents once and collect them finished.
Never laminate original certificates before attestation — stamps must go on the paper itself.
Get the full checklist for your destination
Attestation requirements shift by destination and document type. Message us with your destination country and document list via the contact page and we'll reply with the exact chain, cost, and timeline — free. Attestation is included in every work permit package we run.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an attested PCC valid?
Most embassies accept a PCC issued within the last 3–6 months. Time your PCC so it is fresh when the visa application is filed, not when you start collecting documents.
Can attestation be done while I'm in Qatar?
Yes. Through our Sylhet office we manage the Bangladesh-side chain by power of attorney while you keep working in Qatar; the Doha office handles Qatar MOFA and embassy steps.