Birth Certificate Apostille Process – A Complete Guide
When you are planning to study, work, get married, or migrate abroad, one of the first requirements is the Apostille of your Birth Certificate. Many foreign authorities ask for an apostilled birth certificate to verify your date of birth, place of birth, and identity.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about Birth Certificate Apostille in India – meaning, process, documents required, and why it is important.
What is Birth Certificate Apostille?
A Birth Certificate Apostille is the process of legalizing a birth certificate for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961.
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi is the authority that issues the Apostille sticker on documents. Once apostilled, your birth certificate is recognized in over 100 Hague Convention countries without the need for further embassy attestation.
Why is Birth Certificate Apostille Needed?
Birth Certificate Apostille is commonly required for:
- Applying for Student Visa
- Family / Dependent Visa
- Employment / Work Permit Abroad
- Marriage Abroad
- Immigration & Residency
Process of Birth Certificate Apostille in India
The process of apostille depends on the state of issue of the document:
- Notary Attestation (if applicable)
- State Home Department / SDM Authentication
- Apostille from MEA, New Delhi
The MEA Apostille sticker is a square-shaped computer-generated label pasted on the document with a unique identification number that can be verified online.
Documents Required for Birth Certificate Apostille
- Original Birth Certificate
- Passport Copy of the Applicant
How Long Does the Apostille Take?
The processing time usually takes 2 to 7 working days, depending on the state verification and MEA workload. With professional assistance, the process can be faster and hassle-free.
