How to Get an Apostille on Indian Documents for Use Abroad
The problem
A foreign university, employer, court or government office has asked for your Indian document “with an apostille”. You do not know where to start.
Example: An Indian couple moving to Germany are asked for their birth and marriage certificates with an apostille.
What the law says
An apostille is a certificate that confirms a public document is genuine, so that it can be used in another country. It works between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961. India is a member. In India, apostilles are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
If the destination country is not a member, the document instead needs attestation by the MEA and then by that country’s embassy. This is called legalisation.
What you can do – step by step
- Find out exactly what is needed. Ask the foreign office which documents, whether they need an apostille or embassy attestation, and whether a translation is required.
- Get the correct original. For example, a birth or marriage certificate from the issuing authority, or a certified copy of a court decree.
- State-level verification first. Personal and educational documents are first verified by the designated department of the State Government. Commercial documents are usually first attested by a Chamber of Commerce.
- Apply to the MEA for the apostille, through the MEA’s authorised channels.
- Translate if needed. Some countries need a certified translation, which may need its own attestation.
Documents to keep
- Originals and clear copies of each document
- Passport copy
- Any letter from the foreign office stating its requirements
Mistakes to avoid
- Getting the wrong type of copy. Many offices want a recently issued original or a certified copy.
- Paying unofficial agents who are not authorised by the MEA.
- Assuming every country accepts an apostille. Check first.
Contact
To speak to an advocate, call +91 63660 42792, WhatsApp the same number, or email contact@baselegal.in. You can also send us a message. Read more about our International & Cross-Border practice.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Please speak to an advocate about your own case.