Document Attestation (MOFA Bahrain) in Bahrain
Get your certificates attested in the right order - origin country first, MOFA Bahrain last.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Document attestation is required for any foreign certificate used in Bahrain - educational degrees for work, marriage certificates for family visas, birth certificates for children, and power-of-attorney for legal matters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain (MOFA) is the final stamp.
The chain typically runs: home country issuing authority then home-country MOFA/Apostille, then the Bahrain embassy in the home country, and finally MOFA Bahrain after arrival. Skipping any step means the document is rejected at the next.
Documents required
- Original certificate
- Translation to Arabic by a licensed translator (often required)
- Passport copy of the holder
- CPR copy of the sponsor or applicant in Bahrain
- Power of attorney if filed by a representative
Eligibility
- Document is genuine and verifiable at the source
- Origin-country attestation chain is complete before MOFA Bahrain
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOFA Bahrain attestation per document | 8 BHD | Per stamp; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Translation to Arabic | 10-25 BHD | Per page by licensed translator. |
| Bahrain embassy attestation abroad | Varies BHD | Embassy fees vary by country. |
Step by step
- 1
Issue and notarise in home country
Get the original certificate from the issuing authority and have it notarised if your country requires it.
Varies · center
- 2
Home country MOFA or Apostille
Attest at the home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or via Apostille if the country is a Hague signatory and Bahrain accepts it for that document).
1-2 weeks · center
- 3
Bahrain embassy in home country
Attest at the Bahrain embassy or consulate covering the home country.
1-2 weeks · center
- 4
Translate to Arabic
Get an Arabic translation by a licensed translator in Bahrain if the document is not in Arabic or English.
1-3 days · center
- 5
MOFA Bahrain final stamp
Submit at MOFA Bahrain (in person or via bahrain.bh) for the final attestation stamp.
1-3 days · either
Processing time: End-to-end: 3-8 weeks depending on the origin country's speed.
Where to do it online
- Bahrain.bh
MOFA Bahrain attestation booking and tracking
Common pitfalls
- Going straight to MOFA Bahrain without origin-country and embassy stamps
- Using an unlicensed translator - the translation is rejected
- Lamination - never laminate originals; many authorities will reject them
- Assuming Apostille is enough - Bahrain still often requires embassy attestation
FAQs
Bahrain accepts Apostille in some categories, but for residence and employment most authorities still require the full embassy plus MOFA Bahrain chain. Check current rules before relying on Apostille alone.
The MOFA Bahrain step itself is typically 1-3 working days. The longer leg is the home-country chain, which can take 3-6 weeks.
Arabic translation is required for non-Arabic, non-English documents used for residence, family, and court matters. Educational degrees in English are often accepted without translation.
Yes, with a signed power of attorney and a copy of your passport and CPR. Many service offices in Manama offer end-to-end attestation handling.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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