How to Obtain a Declaration of Value (DOV) for Italy from Pakistan: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

By: Muhammad Sheharyar Khalid

If you are planning to study in Italy, the most important document you will need is the Declaration of Value (DOV). This document is issued by the Italian Embassy/Consulate and confirms that your Pakistani qualifications are valid for the Italian education system.

The process can be confusing, but this guide breaks it down into clear, manageable phases.

Phase 1: Educational Document Attestation (The Foundation)

Before you can apply for a DOV, your original degrees must be verified by the Pakistani government. You must follow this exact order:

1. For School Documents (Matric/SSC and Inter/HSSC):

   • Board Verification: Get your certificates verified by your local BISE board.

   • IBCC Attestation: Take those verified documents to the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) for final educational attestation.

2. For University Documents (Bachelor’s and Master’s):

   • HEC Attestation: Your degrees and transcripts must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Ensure you get both the degree and the transcript stamped.

3. The MOFA Apostille (Crucial Step):

   • Once HEC/IBCC is done, take all these documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

   • Note: Since Pakistan joined the Apostille Convention, you should request an Apostille Sticker. This sticker is what makes your document legally recognized in Italy.

Phase 2: Professional Italian Translation

The Italian Embassy does not accept documents in English alone.

• After your documents have the MOFA Apostille, you must get them translated into Italian.

• You must use a translator recognized by the Italian Embassy/Consulate.

• What to translate: Every degree and transcript from Matric up to your highest qualification.

Phase 3: Personal Documents (Domicile & Passport)

Students often ask if the Domicile and Passport need MOFA attestation. Here is the rule:

• Originals: Keep your original Passport and Domicile safe; they do not need MOFA stamps for the DOV.

• Copies: You must make photocopies of your Passport and Domicile and take them to a Notary Public. They will stamp them as "Attested Photocopies." These are required for your application.

Phase 4: Organizing Your Three Sets (The Submission)

When you go to VFS Global for your appointment, you must have your papers organized into three separate folders:

SET 1: THE ORIGINALS

• DOV Application Form.

• Admission Letter from your Italian University.

• Original Degrees & Transcripts (with HEC/IBCC & MOFA Apostille stamps).

• Original Domicile Certificate.

SET 2: THE LEGALIZED COPIES

• Original Italian Translations (provided by the translator).

• Notarized Photocopy of your Passport.

• Notarized Photocopy of your Domicile.

• Simple photocopies of all your English Degrees and Transcripts.

SET 3: THE EMBASSY RECORD

• A complete set of photocopies of everything in Set 2. (This includes photocopies of the translations and photocopies of the notarized documents).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a simplified form of legalization. Since Pakistan is part of the Apostille Convention, a MOFA Apostille sticker on your degree is enough for it to be accepted in Italy without further embassy stamps.

Q2: Can I use any translator?

No. You must only use translators approved by the Italian Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. Using an unapproved translator will result in rejection.

Q3: Does my transcript need attestation?

Yes. Both the Degree and the Transcript must be attested by HEC and MOFA.

Q4: How do I submit these documents?

You must book an appointment through the VFS Global website. On the day of your appointment, you will submit these three sets and pay the service fee.

Need More Help?

If you are still confused about the paperwork or need assistance with the process:

Contact: 0326 1615603

Emial: Sheharyar@studyadviser.co.uk