Document legalization is the formal process of verifying Kenyan documents so they are legally accepted in another country. Since Kenya is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents issued in Kenya must undergo full consular legalization rather than apostille certification.
This process confirms the authenticity of signatures, seals, and stamps on official documents through multiple government authorities and the relevant foreign embassy.
Our Legalization Services in Kenya
- Document attestation and legalization for use abroad
- Notary Public certification
- High Court verification (where required)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) authentication
- Embassy and consular legalization
- Certified document translations
- Courier handling for international clients
Documents We Legalize
Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificates (D.C.I)
- Passports and IDs
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
Educational Documents
- Academic certificates and diplomas
- University transcripts
- Professional qualifications
Commercial & Corporate Documents
- Certificates of incorporation
- CR12 and company profiles
- Board resolutions
- Powers of attorney
- Commercial invoices and contracts
Step-by-Step Legalization Process in Kenya
- Pre-verification: We review your documents and confirm country-specific requirements.
- Notary Public Certification: Documents are notarized by a licensed Kenyan Notary Public.
- Government Authentication: Depending on the document, verification may be done by the High Court or issuing authority.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): MFA authentication confirms the notary or government seal.
- Embassy Legalization: The relevant foreign embassy legalizes the document for use in their country.
The Document Legalization Process in Kenya Explained
We simplify the complex bureaucratic chain for you. Here is how your document travels from your hands to being valid abroad.
1. Notarization
We certify the document with a licensed Kenyan Notary Public to verify the identity of the signatory.
2. Government Verification
Depending on the doc, we secure verification from the High Court, Ministry of Education, or Registrar of Persons.
3. MFA Authentication
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) validates the government seals, confirming the document is state-approved.
4. Embassy Legalization
The final step. The destination country's embassy in Nairobi applies their stamp/sticker, making it valid for use.
Countries Commonly Requiring Legalization from Kenya
We regularly process documents for use in:
- United States (USA)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia & Qatar
- Germany, France & EU countries
- Canada & Australia
- South Africa & other African jurisdictions
Legalization Services for Clients Outside Kenya
You do not need to travel to Kenya. We represent clients worldwide and can process your documents using certified copies, courier services, and legally appointed representatives.
This service is ideal for Kenyans abroad, foreign nationals, investors, students, and multinational companies.
Processing Timelines & Requirements
Different documents require different verification paths. Use this guide to understand the timeline and requirements for your specific document type.
| Document Type | Pre-Requisite | Authorities Involved | Est. Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Certificates (Degree, Diploma, KCSE) |
Verification by Issuing Institution / MOE | Notary ➝ Ministry of Education ➝ MFA ➝ Embassy | 5 - 12 Days |
| Marriage & Birth Certificates | Certified Copy from Civil Registry | Notary ➝ Registrar of Marriages/Births ➝ MFA ➝ Embassy | 4 - 10 Days |
| Police Clearance (Good Conduct) | Must be original DCI printout | MFA ➝ Embassy | 2 - 7 Days |
| Company Documents (Inc. Certificate, CR12, Articles) |
Notarized Affidavit | Notary ➝ Registrar of Companies ➝ MFA ➝ Embassy | 3 - 8 Days |
| Power of Attorney / Affidavits | Signatory Presence (Remote/Physical) | Notary Public ➝ High Court (if req) ➝ MFA ➝ Embassy | 3 - 7 Days |
How Long does legalization Take in Kenya?
Processing time depends on document type and embassy requirements. On average:
- Notarization: 1 working day
- MFA authentication: 2–4 working days
- Embassy legalization: 3–10 working days
Urgent and priority processing may be available for certain embassies.
Why Choose Kazi Legal?
- Experienced in international document legalization
- Clear timelines and transparent pricing
- Dedicated handling of embassy-specific rules
- Support for individuals, businesses, and law firms
- Trusted by clients in Kenya and abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenya part of the Apostille Convention?
No. Kenya is not a Hague Apostille member. Documents must undergo full consular legalization.
Can you legalize documents if I am outside Kenya?
Yes. We regularly assist international clients using courier services and authorized representation.
Do embassies have different requirements?
Yes. Each embassy has specific rules. We handle embassy-specific compliance to avoid rejections.
Do you offer certified translations?
Yes. We provide certified translations for documents required in foreign languages.
Contact Us for Legalization Services in Kenya
Need professional and reliable legalization services in Kenya? Our team is available to review your documents, confirm embassy requirements, provide timelines, and issue a clear cost estimate.
Office Location:
Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road,
Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone:
+254 723 281 732
Email:
info@kazlilegal.com
We assist both local and international clients and can handle document legalization even if you are outside Kenya.
Company Registration | Foreign Company Registration | Nominee | Trademark Registration | Work Permit Kenya | Investor Permit Kenya | Special Pass | Class K permit | Immigration Law | Dual Citizenship | Type Approval | CA License | Fintech | Data Protection | Tokenization | Crowdfunding | Finance | Due diligence | Market Entry consultations | Mineral Dealer License | Mining and prospecting | Surrogacy in Kenya | Property Conveyancing | Transfer of Property |