If you will study, work, do business, or even marry overseas, you will have to validate your Indian documents. That is where the apostille comes in.
Therefore, let us learn step by step how to apostille a document in India.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a type of document authentication. It is accepted by member countries of the Hague Convention of 1961. When your document is apostilled, it is genuine and valid in all other member countries.In plain language, it informs foreign governments, “Yes, this document exists.”
No more need for embassy attestation thereafter!
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
Assume you are traveling to a country such as France, Germany, or Italy – all Hague Convention countries. In these countries, you need an apostilled document to:
- Apply for a student visa
- Apply for a job
- Get married
- Open a business
- Apply for permanent residence
In all these cases, your foreign documents will only be accepted by the foreign authorities after they are apostilled. That is why learning to apostille a document in India becomes highly important.
Types of Documents That Need an Apostille
There are three types of documents you can select to apostille:
Educational Documents
- Degree certificates
- Mark sheets
- School leaving certificates
- Diplomas
Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce forms
- Police clearance certificates (PCC)
- Affidavits
Commercial Documents
- Commercial contracts
- Power of attorney
- xport-import documents
- Company registration documents
Depending on why you are going abroad, various documents have to be apostilled.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostilling a Document in India
Therefore, how do I apostille a document in India?
Here is the whole process in simple steps.
Step 1: Get the Document Pre-Authenticated
Before it is apostilled, the document must be authenticated by the responsible authority:
Educational Records: Verified by the State Education Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) signed
Personal Documents: Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) signed
Commercial Documents: Chamber of Commerce certified
This is the first and foremost step.
Step 2: Forward to MEA for Apostille
After pre-authentication, the document is sent to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA is the only Indian government department that has the mandate to issue an apostille.
Step 3: Apostille sticker is applied
Upon verification, MEA will place an apostille sticker at the rear of your document. It is:
Computer-generated
Features a QR code, serial number, and MEA stamp
Accepted everywhere in Hague Convention nations
And you’re done! Your paper is now ready for international use.
Who Can Apostille a Document in India?
Now, let’s consider another typical example question:
Who apostilles a document in India?
Here’s the solution:
An apostille can be done only by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.
But you can’t go straight to MEA.Otherwise, you must pass through sanctioned outsourcing agents approved by the Indian government.So if you are looking for who can apostille a document in India, the answer is:
MEA, by its approved service providers.
List of MEA Authorized Apostille Agencies
The MEA has teamed up with agencies with the aim of opening the apostille process to the public. They are:
These agencies have branches all across India. You can provide them with your documents, and they will do everything for you.
They are a bridge between you and the MEA.
So again, if you are curious as to who can apostille a document in India, it’s MEA through them.
Apostille: How Long Does It Take
An apostille should usually take 2 to 5 working days.
But time depends on:
- Type of document
- State/department delays
- Number of applications
- Where to send
Try to submit your applications in advance to prevent last-minute delays.
Validity of Apostille
An apostille is typically valid for 6 months to 1 year, based on the laws of the country.Therefore, inquire with the embassy or university in the country prior to applying.
Top Tips Before Application
Display original documents and readable photocopies
Double-check names and dates to ensure accuracy.
Avoid using torn or laminated papers.
Only use MEA-approved agencies.
Retain the receipt and apostille number for tracking
Conclusion:
Now you are aware of the complete procedure of how to apostille a document in India. It’s a simple 3-step process: Verification → MEA Submission → Apostille Sticker. Remember that it is only the Ministry of External Affairs that can apostille, but via authorized agents like MEA CENTER or VLS. Now, every time someone asks you about whom one should approach for apostilling a document in India, you can give a timely answer. Studies, jobs, or business abroad-all need a set of documents to be duly apostilled so that the onus on those involved remains lower. So get your documents apostilled right and remain tension-free!