How to Legalize or Attest a Document in Nigeria
Introduction
In today’s interconnected world, there’s a growing need for documents to be recognized and accepted across borders. Whether you’re applying for a visa, studying abroad, doing international business, or entering legal agreements, your Nigerian documents may need to be legalized or attested to gain international acceptance.
But what do these processes actually mean? Why are they important? And how exactly do you legalize or attest a document in Nigeria?
This article provides a complete, updated, and practical guide on how to legalize or attest a document in Nigeria, including procedures, relevant offices, timelines, common challenges, and legal requirements.
Understanding the Concepts: Legalization vs Attestation
Before diving into the procedures, let’s define the two main terms:
1. Attestation
Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document by a competent authority. This could be done by a Notary Public, court, or government agency in Nigeria. The purpose is to confirm that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine.
2. Legalization
Legalization takes it one step further. It is the process by which a document is authenticated for use in a foreign country. Legalization confirms that the document was issued by a legitimate authority in Nigeria and is certified for acceptance abroad. This often involves authentication by:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Nigeria
The relevant foreign embassy or consulate (of the destination country)
💡 Note: Nigeria is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so it does not issue apostilles. Instead, it uses legalization processes.
Documents That Often Require Legalization or Attestation
The types of documents that may need attestation or legalization include:
Academic certificates and transcripts
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates
Power of attorney
Company registration documents (CAC documents)
Police clearance certificate
Court affidavits and judgments
Wills and probate documents
Medical certificates
Contracts and agreements
International business documents
Step-by-Step Process to Legalize or Attest a Document in Nigeria
Step 1: Prepare the Original Document and Copies
Start by ensuring that you have:
The original document
Photocopies (at least 2)
Valid means of identification
Supporting documents (where applicable)
If the document is not in English, you must get it translated by a certified translator in Nigeria.
Step 2: Get the Document Notarized by a Notary Public (If Applicable)
For most documents, especially private documents, you need to notarize them first.
How to do this:
Visit a Notary Public (often a senior lawyer authorized by the Supreme Court).
Present the document, and the notary will:
Verify the identity of the signatory
Confirm the contents (if required)
Affix their notarial seal and signature
Cost: ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 depending on the document.
Step 3: Certify the Document at the High Court (Optional but sometimes required)
Some documents, especially affidavits or judgments, may need to be certified at a High Court of Justice. Certification confirms that the copy matches the original court-issued document.
Where to go:
Any High Court in Nigeria
Legal Department or Registrar’s Office
Step 4: Authenticate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Abuja
Once notarized (and certified, if needed), the document must be authenticated by the MFA in Abuja. This is a critical step for international recognition.
📍 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Legalisation Office)
Address: Tafawa Balewa House, Central Business District, Abuja.
Requirements:
The original and photocopy of the document
A valid means of ID
Evidence of payment (via Remita)
Process:
Create a Remita payment invoice online
Pay the applicable fees at the bank or online
Submit the document and payment evidence at the MFA Legalization Office
Collect the authenticated document after 2–5 working days
Fees:
Varies based on the type of document (approx. ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 per page/document)
Step 5: Legalize at the Embassy or Consulate of the Destination Country
After the MFA authenticates the document, the final step is to take it to the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used.
What You Need:
Authenticated document from the MFA
Application letter or embassy form (if required)
Passport/ID
Embassy fees (varies)
Each embassy has its own procedures and may require:
Additional translation
Appointment booking
Interview or physical presence
✅ Examples:
The UK High Commission may require documents legalized at the MFA and translated by an approved translator.
The Canadian Embassy may only accept certain types of notarized and authenticated documents for immigration purposes.
Always check with the specific embassy or consulate for their latest requirements.
Special Cases: Legalization for Company or Business Documents
Documents like CAC certificates, Board Resolutions, Tax Clearance Certificates, and contracts must be legalized for international business transactions, tenders, and foreign investments.
Steps:
Get the documents certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), FIRS, or issuing authority
Notarize the documents
Authenticate at MFA
Legalize at the foreign embassy
Legal Framework and Guidelines in Nigeria
The authority to legalize and attest documents in Nigeria stems from the:
Evidence Act 2011
Notaries Public Act
Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalisation Guidelines
Diplomatic Procedures of Foreign Embassies in Nigeria
These laws and administrative procedures empower notaries, courts, and government agencies to verify and certify documents for international use.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lack of information | Contact the MFA or the foreign embassy directly or consult a legal expert |
| Long waiting time at the MFA | Arrive early, use official online appointment platforms where available |
| Rejection by embassy | Ensure all documents are correctly notarized and authenticated beforehand |
| Translation errors | Use certified translators only |
| High embassy fees | Check the current fees online before submission |
| Scams or fake notaries | Verify the notary’s credentials via the Supreme Court Registry or Nigerian Bar Association |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Notarization: Same day (15–30 minutes)
High Court Certification: 1–2 working days
MFA Authentication: 2–5 working days
Embassy Legalization: 3–10 working days (depending on the embassy)
Total processing time: 1 to 3 weeks
Professional Help: Why You May Need a Lawyer or Consultant
Legalizing or attesting documents can be time-consuming, especially if you live outside Abuja or need urgent service. This is why many individuals and companies engage:
Legal Practitioners
Accredited agents
Immigration consultants
International business lawyers
A professional can:
Guide you through the process
Help with documentation
Represent you at the MFA and embassies
Avoid delays and mistakes
Digital Advancements and Online Services
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and some embassies now support:
Online Remita payments
Digital appointment bookings
Real-time document tracking
Email notifications
This is improving efficiency, transparency, and ease of access.
FAQs About Legalizing or Attesting Documents in Nigeria
1. Is notarization the same as legalization?
No. Notarization confirms authenticity domestically, while legalization makes the document valid internationally.
2. Can I legalize a document without visiting Abuja?
In most cases, no. MFA authentication is centralized in Abuja, but you can use agents or legal representatives.
3. Are digital documents accepted?
Some embassies accept digital copies for preliminary review, but legalization typically requires physical originals.
4. What is the cost of full legalization?
Anywhere from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 per document, depending on the complexity, embassy fees, and agent charges.
Conclusion
Legalizing or attesting a document in Nigeria is essential for international use—whether for education, immigration, business, or legal compliance. While the process may appear complex, with the right guidance, preparation, and professional assistance, it can be handled smoothly and efficiently.
Contact Us
At Chaman Law Firm, we assist individuals, corporate entities, and organizations with end-to-end document attestation and legalization services—saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring international compliance.
📞Phone: 08065553671, 08096888818
✉ Email: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
📍 Address: 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Junction, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria