Apostille Documents India: MEA Attestation Process & Fee Guide

An apostille is an official certification that makes your Indian documents legally valid in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the sole authority for apostille services in India. This guide covers the complete process, documents accepted, fees, and step-by-step procedure.

What is Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority (MEA in India) that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is recognized by all member countries of the Hague Convention of 1961 (Apostille Convention).

Key Point: Apostille replaces the old process of embassy/consulate legalization for Hague Convention member countries. If the destination country is NOT a Hague member, you need attestation (embassy legalization) instead.

Apostille vs. Attestation

Documents Accepted for Apostille

Educational Documents

• Degree certificates (all levels)
• Mark sheets / transcripts
• Diploma certificates
• School leaving certificates
• Migration certificates

Pre-requirement: Must be attested by the State HRD (Human Resource Development) Department or the issuing university before MEA apostille.

Personal Documents

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate
• Affidavits (notarized)
• Power of Attorney (notarized)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Medical certificates

Pre-requirement: Must be attested by the State Home Department or SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) before MEA apostille.

Commercial Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Board resolutions
• Memorandum of Association
• Articles of Association
• GST certificates
• Export/Import documents

Pre-requirement: Must be attested by the Chamber of Commerce before MEA apostille.

Step-by-Step Apostille Process

Step 1: Get Pre-Authentication (State Level)

Before MEA apostille, documents must be verified at the state level:

Step 2: Apply at MEA

Online Application:

1. Visit MEA Attestation portal
2. Create an account and log in
3. Fill the application form with document details
4. Select Apostille as the service type
5. Upload scanned copies of documents
6. Pay the fee online
7. Print the application receipt

In-Person Submission:

1. Visit the MEA branch office or authorized outsourced agency
2. Submit original documents with pre-authentication
3. Submit a copy of passport (for personal documents)
4. Pay the fee
5. Collect acknowledgement receipt

Step 3: MEA Verification

• MEA verifies the pre-authentication stamps
• Cross-checks with the issuing authority database
• Affixes the apostille sticker on each document

Step 4: Collect Apostilled Documents

• Collect from the MEA office or authorized agency
• Or opt for courier delivery (additional charges)
• Verify the apostille sticker has: Certificate number, country, authority name, date, and signature

MEA Apostille Fee

Note: The MEA's own fee is only ₹50 per document. However, authorized agencies like VFS Global, BLS International, and others charge additional service fees.

Processing Time

MEA Apostille Centres in India

MEA provides apostille services through:

1. MEA Headquarters — Patiala House, New Delhi
2. MEA Branch Offices — Located in major cities
3. Authorized Agencies:
   • BLS International
   • VFS Global
   • Other regional agents

Find the nearest centre at mea.gov.in.

State HRD Attestation (Pre-Requirement for Educational Documents)

Before getting an apostille for educational documents, you need state HRD attestation:

Process

1. Visit the state HRD department (or apply online where available)
2. Submit original documents + photocopies
3. Submit verification letter from the university/board
4. Pay the fee (₹100-500, varies by state)
5. HRD attests the documents in 3-7 working days

State HRD Offices

• Each state has its own HRD attestation process
• Some states (like Kerala, Tamil Nadu) offer online HRD attestation
• University verification may take 7-15 additional days

Hague Convention Member Countries

India joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 10, 2023. Apostille is accepted in 125+ countries including:

USA, UK, Canada (partial), Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and most EU countries.

Not members: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, China — these require traditional embassy attestation.

Check full member list at hcch.net.

Important Tips

1. Check if the destination country is a Hague member — If not, you need attestation, not apostille
2. Get state-level authentication first — MEA will reject documents without proper pre-authentication
3. Use authorized agencies for convenience — They handle the entire process but charge extra
4. Keep photocopies of all documents — Always retain copies before submitting originals
5. Verify apostille sticker details — Check the country name, certificate number, and date on the sticker

FAQs

What is the difference between apostille and notarization?

Notarization is done by a Notary Public and is a basic form of authentication. Apostille is a higher-level certification by MEA that makes documents valid internationally in Hague Convention countries. Notarization may be a pre-step for some personal documents.

How much does apostille cost in India?

MEA charges ₹50 per document. If you use an authorized agency, expect to pay ₹500-2,000 per document as service charges, plus courier fees.

Can I apostille photocopies?

No. Apostille is done only on original documents. Some agencies accept notarized true copies for certain document types — check with your destination country's requirements.

Do I need apostille for a tourist visa?

Usually not. Apostille is typically required for work visas, study visas, immigration, business registration, or legal proceedings abroad. Tourist visas rarely require apostilled documents.

How long is an apostille valid?

The apostille itself does not expire. However, the underlying document may have its own validity (e.g., PCC is valid for 6 months). The destination country may also set time limits on when apostilled documents are acceptable.

Can I get apostille for a birth certificate?

Yes. Birth certificates can be apostilled after pre-authentication by the SDM or State Home Department. This is commonly required for immigration and overseas registration of births.

What happens if MEA rejects my document?

MEA rejects documents if pre-authentication is missing, the document is damaged, or there are discrepancies. Correct the issue (get proper pre-authentication) and resubmit. The fee is non-refundable.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs or any government body. Verify current fees and processes at mea.gov.in.