The Ultimate Guide to Apostille and Attestation Services in India (2024 Update)
If you're planning to move abroad for education, employment, marriage, or business purposes, you'll likely need to get your documents legalized. In India, this usually means either getting your documents apostilled or attested. This guide explains both processes and how MEA Expert can help.
What is Apostille?
Apostille is an authentication process under the Hague Convention of 1961. It certifies the validity of documents so they can be recognized in another member country. Apostille in India is done by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
What is Attestation?
For countries not part of the Hague Convention (like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait), embassy attestation is required. This involves multiple layers of authentication, including HRD, MEA, and the respective embassy.
When is Apostille or Attestation Required?
- Education abroad: Universities in Italy, Germany, France require apostilled degrees.
- Jobs overseas: UAE and Qatar require embassy attestation.
- Marriage and residency: Apostille of birth or marriage certificates is often required.
- Business abroad: Power of attorney and GST certificates may need to be legalized.
Apostille Process in India
- Document preparation
- Notary attestation
- State HRD/Home attestation (if required)
- MEA apostille
Embassy Attestation Process
- Notary
- HRD/Home attestation
- MEA attestation
- Embassy attestation
Country-Specific Examples
- Italy Apostille in Delhi: For student or work visa.
- UAE Embassy Attestation: For job visa or family visa.
- Birth Certificate Apostille in Delhi: For dependent visa to EU countries.
Why Choose MEA Expert?
- 10+ years of experience
- Nationwide pickup and delivery
- Transparent tracking system
- Error-free document handling
Final Thoughts
Legalizing your documents doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you need an apostille or embassy attestation, MEA Expert ensures a smooth and reliable process.