Legalization of a birth certificate in Kenya

What is Legalization of a Birth Certificate?

Legalization is the process by which the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, is confirmed for use in a foreign country. It’s not the same as notarization. Legalization involves a series of official endorsements that verify:

• The document was issued by a competent authority in Kenya

• The signature or stamp on the document is valid

• The document is genuine and unaltered

Many embassies or consulates will not accept your birth certificate without this process.

Why You Might Need to Legalize a Birth Certificate

Here are some common reasons people seek legalization:

• Applying for dual citizenship in a foreign country

• Relocating for work or study abroad

• Getting married in a foreign country

• Registering a child born abroad with Kenyan heritage

• Immigration processes and visa applications

Legalization makes your document globally credible.

The Legalization Process in Kenya 

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy from Civil Registration Services

The Department of Civil Registration to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate. This is a mandatory starting point. The copy must be recent and in good condition. Talk to us if you would like to process another birth certificate.

Step 2: Legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

Once you have the certified copy, the next stop is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Documents submitted here are checked to ensure they are authentic and properly issued. The ministry then endorses the document with an official seal or signature.

Requirements:

• Original certified copy of the birth certificate

• Copy of your national ID or passport

• Payment of a processing fee

Processing time is typically 1–3 working days. Timelines may vary.

Step 3: Embassy or Consulate Legalization (if required)

After submitting the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you may be required to take it to the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used.

Each embassy has different requirements. Some require:

• Appointment bookings

• Translations of the birth certificate into another language (e.g., Italian, French, German, Arabic)

• Payment of consular fees (each embassy has their own fees)

It’s wise to check the official website of the embassy for updated guidelines before your visit.

Important Tip: Apostille vs. Legalization

Kenya is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means apostilles are not issued in Kenya. If the country you’re submitting the document to is part of the Convention, they may still request a “legalization” through their own embassy. Always clarify what is required.

Please note that timelines may vary.