When dealing with legal, educational, property, or visa-related documents in Pakistan, you’ll often come across a requirement for an attested stamp Pakistan. Whether you are submitting an affidavit, verifying an agreement, applying for a visa, or transferring property, an attested stamp adds legal credibility to your document. Without proper attestation, government departments, embassies, and institutions may reject your paperwork. In this blog, we’ll explain what an attested stamp is, why it’s required, how to get it in Pakistan, current costs (2025), and the complete step-by-step attestation process
What Is an Attested Stamp Pakistan?
An attested stamp refers to a stamp paper or document that has been officially verified and signed by a legally authorized person such as a Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, Magistrate, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The attestation confirms the authenticity of the document’s content and the identity of the person signing it.
✅ In simple words:
A normal stamp paper becomes legally valid only after being attested by an authorized officer.
✅ Common purposes where attestation is required:
- Visa and immigration documentation
- Student affidavits and guardianship forms
- Business agreements and contracts
- Property sale/purchase or rental agreements
- Court-related affidavits
- Power of attorney
In Pakistan, different types of documents require different attestation stamps depending on their purpose. Here are the most commonly used categories: - ✅ 1. Affidavit Stamp
- Used for personal declarations such as guardianship, visa purposes, lost documents, or statements submitted in court or educational institutions.
- ✅ 2. Educational Certificate Attestation Stamp
- Required when applying abroad for study or work. Degrees and certificates are first attested by HEC or IBCC, then by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- ✅ 3. Business & Agreement Stamp
- Used for partnership deeds, employment contracts, business agreements, MoUs, and service agreements.
- ✅ 4. Property Sale/Purchase or Rent Agreement Stamp
- When buying, selling, or renting property, a stamp paper (typically Rs. 500 or higher value) is required and must be attested to be legally binding.
- ✅ 5. Power of Attorney (Mukhtar Nama) Stamp
- If authorizing someone to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters, a high-value stamp is used and must be attested by a Magistrate or Notary.
- ✅ 6. Court-Related Attestation Stamps
- Used for submitting legal appeals, bail applications, or any sworn legal statement.
- ✅ 7. Government or Embassy Attested Stamp
- Required when a document needs international recognition (e.g., for visa or immigration). MOFA or the concerned embassy attests the document.
Not every person can legally attest a stamp or document. The following officials are authorized to do so:
| Authority | When Used | Common Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Public | General legal verification | Affidavits, contracts |
| Oath Commissioner | Court or official declarations | Affidavits, sworn statements |
| Magistrate/Court Judge | High-level legal documents | Property and power of attorney |
| MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | Documents for international use | Education, visa, employment |
| Embassy Officials | International submission | Foreign visa, work permits |
💡 Tip: Always verify that the attestation stamp contains the official’s full name, registration number, and seal.
Follow these steps to get your stamp paper officially attested:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Determine the purpose | Affidavit, property, visa, agreement, etc. |
| 2️⃣ | Buy e-stamp or traditional stamp paper | From official e-stamp portal or stamp vendor |
| 3️⃣ | Draft the content | Include names, purpose, CNIC details, etc. |
| 4️⃣ | Sign the document | Ensure all parties sign it |
| 5️⃣ | Visit a Notary/Oath Commissioner | For legal signature & seal |
| 6️⃣ | Pay attestation fee | Ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,500 |
| 7️⃣ | Collect attested stamp | Keep original safely for legal use |
If the document is for international use, then:
✅ Get it notarized → ✅ Get it attested by MOFA → ✅ Submit to embassy (if needed)
The total cost of getting a stamp attested in Pakistan depends on:
✅ The value of the stamp paper (Rs 50, 100, 500, etc.)
✅ Type of document
✅ Attesting authority (Notary, Magistrate, MOFA, etc.)
✅ City or region (Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, etc.)
| Stamp Paper Value | Common Usage | Attestation Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 50 | General affidavits | Rs. 100 – 200 |
| Rs. 100 | Agreements/contracts | Rs. 150 – 300 |
| Rs. 500 | Property or business | Rs. 300 – 1,000 |
| Rs. 1,000+ | Power of attorney | Rs. 800 – 1,500 |
| MOFA Attestation | International use | Rs. 300 (fixed) |
| Embassy Attestation | For visa/employment abroad | Rs. 1,000 – 5,000 (varies) |
💡 Note: Fees may slightly vary depending on the city and the official handling the attestation.
You have both online and offline options for acquiring and attesting stamp papers:
✅ 1. Online (E-Stamp) System
Available in Punjab and Sindh:
- Visit the official Punjab e-Stamping or Sindh e-Stamps portal
- Enter CNIC details and purpose
- Generate and purchase stamp paper digitally
- Then get it attested by a Notary Public or MOFA (if needed)
✅ 2. Local Katcheri or Court
You can visit:
- District courts
- Sessions courts
- Tehsil offices
- Notary Public chambers
✅ 3. Licensed Stamp Vendors
They sell official stamp papers. After purchase, you can go directly to an attesting authority.
✅ 4. Document Service Centers & Agents
For those who prefer convenience, service providers offer complete services including drafting, stamping, and attestation (for a fee).
Use the following checklist to ensure your stamped document is legally acceptable:
✅ The stamp paper should show the value (Rs 50, 100, 500, etc.)
✅ Official seal and signature of the attesting authority
✅ Notary/Oath Commissioner name and license number
✅ For e-Stamps: QR code verification via online portals
✅ For MOFA-attested documents: Check the official stamp of MOFA
✅ No overwriting or fake seals
✅ Always keep original attested documents safe for future legal or embassy requirements.
Q1: What is the validity of an attested stamp in Pakistan?
A. There is no expiry unless the document is time-bound (e.g., agreement validity).
Q2: Can I get an attested stamp online?
A. You can buy e-stamp online, but attestation must still be done in person.
Q3: Who can attest stamp papers in Pakistan?
A. Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, Magistrate, or MOFA for international use.
Q4: Is attestation required for visa documentation?
A. Yes, visa documents like affidavits require an attested stamp.
Q5: Can I reuse an attested stamp?
A. No, each stamp paper is for one-time legal use only.
An attested stamp plays a crucial role in legalizing documents for educational, business, immigration, and court purposes in Pakistan. Whether you’re submitting an affidavit, transferring property, or applying for a visa, proper attestation ensures that your documents are accepted without objection. Always use an authorized attesting officer and keep your attested documents safe for future legal or official use.
