Document attestation guide
Why do my documents need to be attested?
A Malaysian document may not automatically be recognised overseas. Attestation creates a trusted verification trail that overseas organisations can check.
1
Malaysian document
Issued for use in Malaysia
Valid locally, but may be unfamiliar overseas.
2
Authenticity checked
Relevant details are verified
Signature, seal or issuing authority is confirmed.
3
Attestation completed
The verification trail is recorded
Required authentication or legalisation is added.
4
Can be verified overseas
Presented to the overseas recipient
The recipient can assess it with greater confidence.
In simple terms
Attestation helps an overseas organisation confirm that your Malaysian document is genuine.
Acceptance remains subject to the recipient's specific requirements.
Common reasons you need your documents attested
- Overseas employment
- University admission
- Business registration
- Court or legal matters
- Immigration or residency
- Marriage overseas
- Commercial transactions
Important note: Attestation confirms authenticity. The receiving authority still decides whether to accept the document.
Most of our customers engage us as they don't want to take the risk of their documents being rejected. Understanding the process is key to your documents being accepted by authorities overseas.
Attestation process
Settle's process for attesting a Malaysian document
The route depends on the document, issuing authority, destination country and intended use.
1
Review
We check the document type, destination country and purpose.
2
Certification
A Notary Public may notarise, witness or certify a copy, if required.
3
Verification
We confirm the document with the issuing institution or authority.
4
Authentication
We submit it to the relevant Malaysian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5
Legalisation
We submit it to the destination embassy or consulate for final legalisation.
6
Return
Collect the completed documents or receive them by courier.
Checklist
Documents to prepare
General checklist for submission to authorities and embassies
Personal documents
Common documents required
- Original certificate or document
- Passport or identification copy
- Documents explaining the purpose of attestation
- Evidence of any name difference, if applicable
- Authorisation letter
Examples
Birth, marriage and death certificates; medical or financial documents; Certificate of Good Conduct.
Educational documents
Common supporting documents
- Degree, diploma or certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or identification copy
- Completion letter from the institution
- Student visa for foreign students, if applicable
Examples
Degrees, diplomas, transcripts, school certificates and professional qualifications.
Commercial documents
Common supporting documents
- Original document(s) for attestation
- Company registration or SSM documents
- Company application and authorisation letter
- ID copies of directors and signatories
- Documents explaining the purpose of attestation
Examples
Company documents, agreements, licences, financial reports and commercial certificates.
Legal documents
Common supporting documents
- Original document(s); wet signatures where required
- Identification copies for each signatory
- Documents explaining the purpose of attestation
- Official or certified court copy, where required
- Authorisation letter
Examples
Powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, agreements and court documents.
Timelines
How long will attestation take?
Most cases take about 10–14 working days
The actual timing depends on the document, destination country and authorities involved. After reviewing a clear copy, Settle will provide an estimated route and timeline before you submit the original.
10–14
working days
A safe estimate for most cases
What may cause delays
- Verification by the issuing authority, especially for older documents
- Embassy appointment availability
- Incomplete documents, corrections or additional requirements
- The number of authorities involved
- Public holidays in Malaysia or the destination country
Quotation
Pricing and fees
The total cost depends on the document, destination, number of copies and authorities involved.
Your quotation may include:
✓Translation, if required
✓Notarisation or certification charges
✓Malaysian government authority fees
✓Collection and courier costs
✓Embassy or consular fees
✓Settle processing and coordination fee
✓Institution or third-party verification fees
Quotation promise
Settle provides a written quotation before processing begins.
We explain any optional or additional charges separately.
Fees vary by route. Send us a clear copy for an accurate quotation.
Example
Document page
Legalisation page
What an attested birth certificate can look like
Document page
Legalisation page
Attested birth certificate
- Notarised by a Notary Public
- Attested by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legalised by the Embassy of China
The required route varies by destination and intended use.
Example
Certified translation
Original certificate
What an attested education certificate can look like
Certified translation
Original certificate
Attested education certificate
- Certified translation
- Verified by the issuing institution
- Attested by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legalised by the Qatar Embassy
The required route varies by destination and intended use.