When thinking of studying, working, getting married, or establishing a business abroad, you'd be carrying and submitting a lot of Indian documents most of the time. However, merely having the original or a xerox won't work — these documents have to be apostilled.

Most of the Indian population has a misconception about the concept of "apostille" and how it can be legalized. This post is the most suitable for you if you need assistance in learning what an apostille is, the significance of an apostille and lastly, the method of having your documents apostilled in India in 2025.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille refers to a special stamp or sticker that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India issues to certify the genuineness of the document. It is an indication that the document is original and valid.

Document that bears an apostille is recognized in all countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention. There are more than 100 states, among which are France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy, that as of 2025 have ratified the apostille and, therefore, accept the apostilled documents, saving you the need to authenticate them through their embassies.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

What are the documents that you have to apostille if you are:

●      Going abroad for study (for instance, getting into a German university)

●      Working in another country (e.g., Spain or Poland) for instance.

●      Getting married in a foreign country.

●      Applying for permanent residence (PR) or visa

●      For international business

●      Sending documents for legal purposes in a different country.

Which Documents Can Be Apostilled?

There are three types of documents that can be apostilled in India:

1. Educational Documents
   
   

○      Degree certificate

○      Diploma

○      Mark sheets

○      School leaving certificate

2. Personal Documents
   
   

○      Birth certificate

○      Marriage certificate

○      Divorce certificate

○      Police clearance certificate (PCC)

○      Affidavits

3. Commercial Documents
   
   

○      Company registration

○      Invoices

○      Power of attorney (for business)

Process to Get Apostille in India

A simple guide to help you understand how to get your documents apostilled in India :

Step 1: Verify Whether the Destination Country Accepts an Apostille

Always check about the destination to which you are planning to go, whether the country is a part of Hague Apostille Convention. If the country is, then you only need a document with an apostille and if not, then you need to go with embassy attestation with apostille.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

Make sure your document is:

●      Genuine and original

●      In good condition (not torn or damaged)

●      If the document is educational, then in addition to getting an apostille, you might also need to get an HRD attestation from the state.

If you possess personal documents such as birth or marriage certificates, you must first have the home department or SDM attestation of the same.

Step 3: Notarization (If Needed)

Certain papers should be verified by a notary public then only they can be sent to get apostille. Usually, this is the starting point for affidavits or personal declarations.

Step 4: State Attestation (Only for Some Documents)

For specifics documents, such as degree certificates, the state level attestation should be accomplished before apostille:

●      HRD Attestation – for educational documents

●      Home Department or SDM Attestation – for personal documents

In most cases at present, MEA accepts Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) attestation instead of state-level attestation which is a considerable saving of time.

Step 5: Submit to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Firstly, the document should be ready in order for the Ministry of External Affairs to perform the apostille procedure. You are not allowed to deliver it yourself – it is obligatory to reach an authorized service provider.

As of 2025, MEA has outsourced this service to agencies like:

●      New Delhi – CPV Division

●      Outsourced service partners like HRD Attestation.

You can submit the documents at their collection centers or apply through a trusted document attestation agency.

Step 6: Collect Your Apostilled Document

Once the MEA has attested and apostilled the paper, it will be affixed with an apostille sticker with QR code at the back. This sticker bears testimony to the document being verified and legalized for use overseas.

The processing time is usually 2 to 5 working days and can vary according to the type of documents.

Tips to Make the Process Easy

●      Always have your original documents ready.

●      Update yourself with the latest rules and regulations for the destination country.

●      Be with experience and an authorized service provider to avoid any delays and errors.

●      Under no circumstances should you try to eliminate or change the apostille sticker because this will just render it non-legal.

●      Keep in mind to apply well in advance of your visa or university deadlines.

Final Words

At first, it might seem complex to get your documents apostilled in India, but with the appropriate guidance, the process will be fast and smooth. Digital systems and authorized agencies like apostille services in Mumbai have further made it easier and they provide services all over India.

Whether you move for business, studies, or a life partner, hand in your papers for an apostille. That way, you'll waste no time, get no legal problems, and be accepted without any hassle.

If you are still uncertain about what to do, try to reach out to a professional attestation service and they will support you in every step and also do it in the best way.