Document Legalization
Authentication and legalization of official documents
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait provides document legalization and authentication services for Sri Lankan nationals and institutions. These services ensure that documents issued in Sri Lanka or Kuwait are legally recognized in both countries.
Document Attestation
Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document by an authorized authority. The Embassy attests Sri Lankan documents for use in Kuwait and Kuwaiti documents for use in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Documents for Kuwait Use
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Professional qualifications
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical certificates
- Personal documents (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Power of attorney documents
Kuwaiti Documents for Sri Lanka Use
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Salary certificates
- Kuwaiti civil documents
- Court documents
- Company registration documents
General Requirements for Attestation
- Original document (and photocopy)
- Document must be pre-authenticated by the relevant authority in the country of origin
- For Sri Lankan documents: prior attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka
- For Kuwaiti documents: prior attestation by Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Valid passport or ID of the applicant
- Completed attestation request form
- Applicable service fees
Apostille Services
An Apostille is a form of authentication recognized by countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention. Sri Lanka is a member of this Convention, meaning Sri Lankan documents bearing an Apostille are automatically recognized in all member countries without further legalization.
Important: Apostilles for Sri Lankan documents are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, Sri Lanka — not by the Embassy. The Embassy can guide you through the process and, where applicable, forward documents on your behalf.
Documents Commonly Requiring Apostille
- Educational degrees and diplomas for overseas employment or study
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for immigration purposes
- Police clearance certificates for visa applications
- Notarized documents for international legal proceedings
- Company incorporation documents for international business
Commercial Document Legalization
Businesses operating between Sri Lanka and Kuwait often require commercial documents to be legalized for trade, import/export, and contractual purposes. The Embassy facilitates the authentication of such documents.
Trade Documents
Certificates of Origin, invoices, packing lists, and shipping documents
Company Documents
Articles of association, board resolutions, and powers of attorney
Conformity Certificates
Product quality, health, and safety certificates for import/export
Requirements for Commercial Legalization
- Original commercial document(s)
- Company registration certificate or trade license
- Prior attestation by Chamber of Commerce (where applicable)
- Authorized signatory's identification documents
- Cover letter from the company on letterhead
- Applicable service fees
Fees & Processing Time
| Service | Fee (KWD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Document Attestation (per document) | KWD 5 | 2–3 working days |
| Commercial Document Legalization | KWD 10 | 3–5 working days |
| Apostille (forwarding service) | KWD 7 | 2–4 weeks |
Contact the Consular Section
For inquiries about document legalization services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Consular Section during working hours.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact
Tel: +965 2251 2531
Email: consular@slembassykuwait.com
