Saudi Arabia: NOT a Hague Apostille member
DFA authentication + Saudi Embassy legalisation required
900,000+ Filipinos in KSA
Embassy in Makati + Consulate in Cebu
Important: Saudi Arabia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. An apostille is not valid for Saudi Arabia. The NBI Clearance must go through a 3-step legalisation: NBI → DFA authentication → Saudi Embassy authentication in Manila.
Why Saudi Arabia requires embassy legalisation
The Hague Apostille Convention allows member countries to recognize a simple apostille stamp from the issuing country's designated authority (DFA, for Philippine documents). Because Saudi Arabia has not joined this convention, the apostille is not recognized there. Philippine public documents for use in Saudi Arabia must instead pass through two layers of authentication:
- DFA authentication — the DFA Office of Consular Affairs certifies the document origin (without the Hague apostille stamp)
- Saudi Embassy / Consulate legalisation — the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Makati (or Consulate in Cebu) adds its own authentication stamp, confirming the document is valid for use in Saudi Arabia
Compare this to UAE, which joined Hague in 2021 and now only requires a DFA apostille (step 1 only). For Saudi Arabia, both steps are required.
| Country | Hague member | Process | Steps |
|---|
| UAE | Yes (2021) | DFA apostille only | 2 |
| Australia | Yes | DFA apostille only | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | No | DFA authentication + Embassy legalisation | 3 |
| Qatar | No | DFA authentication + Embassy legalisation | 3 |
| Israel | No | DFA authentication + Embassy legalisation | 3 |
When is an NBI Clearance required for Saudi Arabia?
NBI Clearance with full legalisation is required for:
- OFW employment deployment — all POEA/DMW-approved deployments to Saudi Arabia require NBI Clearance as a pre-departure document
- Domestic worker visa — housemaids, caregivers, drivers; one of the most common categories for Filipino OFW in KSA
- Medical and nursing — Saudi Ministry of Health hospitals and clinics frequently employ Filipino nurses and caregivers; NBI is required for Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) credential verification
- Construction and engineering — Saudi Aramco, NEOM, Vision 2030 infrastructure projects; background documentation required
- Iqama (residency permit) — some employers require legalized background documents when processing the iqama for new hires
OFW deployment to Saudi Arabia — POEA/DMW requirements
Saudi Arabia is consistently one of the largest destinations for Filipino OFW, with approximately 900,000 Filipinos in the Kingdom. Deployment through POEA/DMW-accredited agencies requires:
- NBI Clearance with DFA authentication + Saudi Embassy legalisation
- OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) — issued by DMW; for airport privileges and immigration exit
- OWWA membership — mandatory; covers insurance and welfare benefits
- PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) — required for first-time and re-deploying OFW
- Employment contract verification — must be POEA-verified Standard Employment Contract for household service workers
POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) maintains an office in Riyadh and a Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to assist OFW.
Saudi Arabia visa categories for Filipinos
Domestic Worker Visa
Housemaids, drivers, nannies, cooks. Governed by Saudi domestic worker law. Employer (kafeel) sponsors the iqama. POEA/DMW approved deployment mandatory.
Medical / Nursing
Filipino nurses and caregivers are in high demand in Saudi hospitals and clinics. SCFHS license verification and NBI legalisation required. Saudi Commission for Health Specialties regulates healthcare workers.
Construction & Engineering
Vision 2030 mega-projects (NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Project) are driving demand for Filipino construction workers and engineers.
Service & Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, retail and service sector roles. Employer sponsorship (kafala system) applies.
3-step legalisation process
1
NBI Clearance — Apply online (nbi.gov.ph) or through our service. Biometrics at an NBI office. Processing: 1–5 business days. If a HIT (name-match review) is triggered, allow 2–4 extra weeks.
2
DFA Authentication — Submit original NBI Clearance to the DFA Office of Consular Affairs. This is a standard DFA authentication (not apostille). Processing: 7–10 business days. The DFA authenticates the document as originating from the NBI.
3
Saudi Embassy Legalisation — Submit DFA-authenticated NBI Clearance to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Makati (or Consulate in Cebu) for their authentication stamp. Processing: 3–7 business days. Appointment or queue may be required.
4
International delivery — Fully legalised document shipped to Saudi Arabia or your address. EMS / DHL: 5–10 business days.
| Step | Estimated time | Notes |
|---|
| NBI Clearance (no HIT) | 1–5 business days | HIT adds 2–4 weeks |
| DFA authentication | 7–10 business days | Not an apostille — different process |
| Saudi Embassy legalisation | 3–7 business days | Embassy of KSA in Makati or Consulate in Cebu |
| Delivery to Saudi Arabia | 5–10 business days | EMS / DHL tracked |
| Total (typical) | 5–8 weeks | Allow 12 weeks with a fixed departure date |
Pre-departure document checklist for Saudi Arabia OFW
Filipino workers deployed to Saudi Arabia through POEA/DMW-accredited agencies must complete the following pre-departure requirements. Ensure all documents are ready before purchasing your flight:
- NBI Clearance — with DFA authentication and Saudi Embassy legalisation (3-step process; start 8–12 weeks before departure)
- OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) — issued by the DMW at the POLO or e-Registration (eOEC) for documented OFW; required at the airport OFW lane
- OWWA membership — mandatory for all land-based OFW; register at POLO or online
- PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) — required for first-time OFW and those with expired OEC
- Verified employment contract — POLO-verified contract from the accredited agency
- PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, SSS — ensure contributions are up to date
- Valid passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Saudi Arabia
- Entry visa / iqama — issued by the Saudi employer; the original or a certified copy is required for airline check-in
POLO Riyadh and Philippine Consulate Jeddah
The Philippine government maintains two key offices in Saudi Arabia to assist OFW:
- POLO Riyadh (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) — handles OEC issuance for documented OFW in Riyadh and the Central, Eastern, and Northern regions; accepts welfare concerns and legal assistance referrals; co-located with the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.
- Philippine Consulate General, Jeddah — serves OFW in the Western and Southern regions (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Taif and surrounding provinces); handles passport renewal, notarial services, and OFW welfare concerns.
Approximately 900,000 Filipinos live and work in Saudi Arabia, making it the largest OFW destination in the Middle East. The domestic worker sector (housemaids, drivers, nannies) and the healthcare sector (nurses, therapists, lab technicians) account for the majority of Filipino OFW in the Kingdom.
Common mistakes for Saudi Arabia applications
- Ordering an apostille for Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is not a Hague Apostille member. An apostille is not accepted in Saudi Arabia. You need DFA authentication (not apostille), followed by Saudi Embassy legalisation.
- Going to the Saudi Embassy before DFA authentication — The 3-step process must be followed in order: NBI first, then DFA authentication, then Saudi Embassy. The Embassy will not legalise a document that has not been DFA-authenticated.
- Starting the process too late — Allow 8–12 weeks minimum; with a fixed departure date, allow 12 weeks to handle potential delays at the Embassy or DFA.
Frequently asked questions
Does Saudi Arabia accept a DFA apostille?
No. Saudi Arabia is not a Hague Apostille member. An apostille is not valid in Saudi Arabia. The NBI Clearance requires a 3-step process: NBI Clearance → DFA authentication → Saudi Embassy legalisation in Manila.
Do I need an NBI Clearance to work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. NBI Clearance with DFA authentication and Saudi Embassy legalisation is required for most POEA/DMW-approved OFW deployments to Saudi Arabia, particularly for domestic workers, medical professionals and construction roles.
What is the difference between DFA apostille and DFA authentication?
An apostille is used for Hague Convention member countries and includes a standardized Hague apostille stamp. DFA authentication is a simpler DFA certification used for non-Hague countries (like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel) — the document then goes to the relevant embassy for their additional stamp. They are not interchangeable.
Where do I get Saudi Embassy authentication in the Philippines?
At the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Makati (Metro Manila). There is also an Honorary Consulate in Cebu. The NBI Clearance must already be DFA-authenticated before going to the Embassy. An appointment or queue may be required — check current procedures with the Saudi Embassy directly.
How long does the full legalisation take for Saudi Arabia?
Allow 5–8 weeks total: NBI (1–5 days) + DFA authentication (7–10 days) + Saudi Embassy (3–7 days) + delivery to KSA (5–10 days). With HIT delays or a fixed departure, plan 12 weeks minimum.
Is UAE the same process as Saudi Arabia?
No. UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention in October 2021, so DFA apostille is now accepted for UAE — much simpler. Saudi Arabia remains non-Hague and still requires the 3-step DFA authentication + Embassy legalisation process.
How long does Saudi Embassy legalisation take?
Processing time at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Makati varies and can take 3–10 business days. Combined with DFA authentication (5–7 business days standard) and the NBI Clearance itself (1–5 business days), total processing time is typically 3–5 weeks under normal conditions. Allow 8–12 weeks for a fixed departure date to account for potential HIT delays or Embassy appointment queues.
Can I do the Saudi Embassy legalisation in Cebu instead of Manila?
The main Embassy of Saudi Arabia is in Makati, Metro Manila. There is an Honorary Consulate in Cebu, but legalisation services are typically handled only at the main Embassy in Manila. DFA authentication is available at DFA regional offices including Cebu. Check current Embassy procedures directly, as consular services can change.
I am already working in Saudi Arabia and need to renew my NBI Clearance. What do I do?
You can renew the NBI Clearance online from Saudi Arabia. A representative or service in the Philippines handles the in-person pickup, DFA authentication, and Saudi Embassy legalisation, then ships the document to you in Saudi Arabia. No return trip is necessary. Start early — allow 8–12 weeks for the full 3-step process including Embassy legalisation.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Saudi Arabia authentication requirements can change. Verify current procedures with the Saudi Embassy in Makati, POLO Riyadh, your recruitment agency, or the POEA/DMW. We are a private document-procurement service and are not affiliated with the NBI, DFA, Saudi Embassy, or any government agency.