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Introduction

As speed piles up around globalization, people and businesses typically must authenticate documents to gain access overseas. Documents are typically presented for apostille certification in a bid to be legally accepted overseas for education, business, professional, or immigration purposes. Apostille procedure India is carried out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which is mandatory for Hague Convention of 1961 member nations.

This blog provides a step-by-step guide to the whole apostille process, what documents need it, and why hiring a professional service like La Classe Translation Pvt. Ltd. will make the process simple and hassle-free.

Understanding Apostille

An apostille is a certification on a document to authenticate its genuineness for foreign use. It only holds good within member states of the Hague Apostille Convention and not extra legalization by embassies or consulates.

The apostille guarantees a document to be authentic and legally valid across member states, which is why it is mandatory for individuals and companies that operate international business.

Documents to be Apostilled

Documents to be apostilled are mainly categorized into the following types:

1. Personal Documents

Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Death certificates
Affidavits
Police clearance certificates (PCC)
Adoption documents

2. Educational Documents

Degree certificates
Diploma certificates
Mark sheets
School leaving certificates
Transcript documents

3. Commercial Documents

Business agreements
Company registration documents
Power of attorney
Export and import documents
Trade permits
There is a different process of authentication for each category of documents before they are apostilled, involving the acquisition of verification on another level of authority.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an Apostille

Step 1: Determine the Nature of Document

Prior to initiating the process of apostille, verify that the document falls under the personal, educational, or commercial document category. The three categories are specific with their own verification and authentication process to be completed prior to presenting the documents for apostille certification.

Step 2: Notarization of Documents

Some documents have to be notarized prior to verification at the state level. The document is sealed and signed by the notary public with the official seal and signature, validating it for legal use.

Notarization is usually mandatory for:

Educational documents

Affidavits

Commercial contracts

Step 3: Verification at the State Level

Documents, following notarization, have to be verified by the concerned state authority:

Educational Documents – Certified by the Human Resource Development (HRD) or Education Department of the state concerned.

Personal Documents – Certified by the State Home Department or General Administration Department (GAD).

Commercial Documents – Certified by the Chamber of Commerce.

The authentication is carried out to make sure that the document is real and is qualified for the next level of apostille certification.

Step 4: Submission to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

After state-level authentication, the documents are forwarded to the MEA, the last agency to issue the apostille.

The MEA affixes an apostille stamp or sticker, which bears a distinct identification number making the document valid across all Hague Convention nations.

Step 5: Recovery of the Apostilled Document

The apostilled document is then delivered to the applicant or his representative. Documents are picked up personally or sent by courier services, depending on the case.

Important Things to Understand regarding Apostille

Apostille certification is valid only in Hague Convention countries.

After an apostille has been acquired, no further embassy or consulate authentication is required.

The documents should be in good condition with all the mandatory stamps and signatures before they are submitted.

Apostille services can be carried out personally or via professional agencies like La Classe’s Apostille Services in India.

Why Choose La Classe’s Apostille Services in India?

La Classe Translation Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable apostille services provider since more than 22 years. Following are the reasons why La Classe is on top of the list:

1. Expert Guidance & Support

Our experts offer step-by-step support to provide easy apostille services with no delay or fault.

2. Assured and Secure Processing

We know how legalization of documents is important and promise to provide apostille services within the given time.

3. Complete-Range Service

We do it all from notarization to submission at MEA and save your time and effort.

4. Easy Experience

La Classe makes apostille easy and hassle-free so you won’t have to waste time in long queues and navigating bureaucratic obstacles.

How Much Time Does it Take to Get an Apostille?

Processing of an apostille requires time that varies with a multitude of factors:

State-Level Authentication: Takes 2-15 days based on the state.

MEA Processing Time: Normally done within 2-5 working days post-state verification.

Expedited Services: Express and same-day services for expediting the processing are offered.

Conclusion

Apostilization is most critical for authenticating documents for cross-border use. Once the above process is followed, the public and institutions can have a smooth and hassle-free process.

For professional assistance, La Classe’s Apostille Services India provides doorstep service so your documents get apostilled with precision and within deadline. For studying abroad, job, business, or immigration, La Classe provides a hassle-free experience with step-by-step professional guidance.

For availing of apostille services, contact La Classe today for hassle-free document legalization!