Q: How do I know if my destination is a Hague country?

Check the official HCCH Apostille list and search your destination. If it’s listed, apostille applies; if not, you’ll need embassy/consulate attestation. When in doubt, ask the recipient for their written policy.

Q: Apostille vs Embassy—what’s faster?

Apostille is typically quicker (often 2–4 working days once in process) because it skips embassy legalization. Embassy/consulate attestation can add days to weeks depending on the country.

Q: Does apostille expire?

The apostille doesn’t expire, but recipients (universities, visa offices, employers) may ask for recent issuance—often within 6–12 months.

Q: What if my document is digital—can I do e-Apostille?

Many documents can be e-apostilled via the e-Sanad portal. Some still require verification or physical routes first; we confirm this during the eligibility check.

Q: Do commercial documents follow the same route?

Commercial documents commonly require Chamber of Commerce (CoC) before MEA apostille or embassy legalization. We confirm the exact route after reviewing your file and recipient’s checklist.

If you’re stuck on “apostille or embassy attestation?”, this guide is for you. In 3 minutes, you’ll know which route applies, how to check your destination, and what the process looks like from India.

Quick Answer

Apostille is for Hague Convention countries.
Not a Hague country? You’ll need embassy/consulate attestation instead.
Tip: Ask your recipient for their written requirement—it’s the final word.

Hague vs Non-Hague at a glance

Topic	Hague Country	Non-Hague Country
What you need	Apostille	Embassy/Consulate Attestation
India authority	MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)	MEA + Embassy/Consulate (sometimes MOFA at destination)
Typical route (personal/educational)	Notary → SDM/Home/HRD → MEA (Apostille)	Notary → SDM/Home/HRD → MEA → Embassy/Consulate
Typical route (commercial)	Notary (as needed) → CoC → MEA (Apostille)	Notary (as needed) → CoC → MEA → Embassy/Consulate
Verification	QR/online verification (for e-Apostille)	Embassy internal records; sometimes destination MOFA
Turnaround (once in process)	Usually faster (often 2–4 working days)	Often longer (days to weeks)

Tip

Rule of thumb: If the destination is a Hague member, start apostille process . If it’s not, do embassy legalization.

How to check if your destination is a Hague member

Open the official list on the HCCH (Hague Conference) website.
Search your destination country/territory.
If it’s listed, you’re under the Apostille Convention.
Cross-check with your recipient’s written policy (visa office, university, employer, registry).

Heads-up

Membership and rules can change. Always rely on the current HCCH list and the recipient’s written requirement for your case.

Sticker Apostille vs e-Apostille (QR)

Sticker Apostille: A physical sticker affixed by the MEA or its branch secretariat.
e-Apostille (QR): A digitally signed apostille with QR code for verification (via e-Sanad).

Which one should I use?

Use the one your recipient accepts.
If they allow e-Apostille, it’s often faster and easy to share. If they demand physical verification, go with the Sticker.

Which pre-verification applies in India?

By document type (general guidance):

Educational → Notary (as needed) → HRD/University route → MEA
Personal (birth, marriage, PCC, affidavits) → Notary (as needed) → SDM/Home Dept → MEA
Commercial/Business (POA, MOA/AOA, Incorporation, Invoices) → Notary (as needed) → Chamber of Commerce (CoC) → MEA

Important

States, universities, and recipients can enforce their own pre-checks. We confirm your exact route during the eligibility review—before any payment.

Embassy/Consulate Attestation (Non-Hague)

If your destination isn’t in the Hague list, the flow typically becomes:

Notary (if required) → SDM/Home/HRD/CoC (as applicable)
MEA (authentication)
Embassy/Consulate legalization of the destination country
Sometimes MOFA at the destination as the final step

Reality check

Embassy steps may add appointments, format checks, and extra fees/timelines. We share a written route + quote + ETA before you start.

Costs & timelines (quick guide)

MEA fee: ₹50 per document (official).
Pre-verification: varies (HRD/Home/SDM/CoC).
Service & logistics: pickup/return, handling, courier.
Embassy (non-Hague): country-specific fees & time.
Turnaround: Apostille is usually quicker than embassy legalization.

Save time

Bundle documents together (where possible) and keep scans ready. Multi-document orders often get 5–10% savings.

Common scenarios (quick answers)

Student admits in a Hague country? Apostille your degree/marksheets (plus any required transcripts).
Job abroad (Hague)? Apostille degree + PCC per the employer checklist.
Marriage/birth certificate for migration? Apostille if the country is Hague; else embassy legalization.
Company docs for overseas banking/trade? CoC → MEA (Hague) or CoC → MEA → Embassy (non-Hague).

Step-by-step: what you’ll do with us

Share scans of your documents + the recipient’s checklist.
Get a written route, all-inclusive quote, and ETA.
Schedule pickup (serviceable locations) or courier to us.
Track progress (Notary/HRD/SDM/Home/CoC → MEA → Embassy if needed).
Receive e-Apostille PDF/QR or stickered original—with secure return.

Not sure which route applies?

Reply with your destination + document type. We’ll confirm Hague vs non-Hague and share the exact steps.

Glossary (30-second refresher)

Apostille — International authentication for Hague countries, issued by MEA in India.
Embassy/Consulate Attestation — Legalization for non-Hague destinations.
HRD / Home / SDM — Indian authorities for pre-verification (by document type).
CoC — Chamber of Commerce, typically for commercial/business documents.
e-Sanad — India’s portal for e-Apostille (digital with QR).

Still on the fence?

Ask before you apply

Send us your destination, document type, and any recipient instruction. We’ll tell you if it’s Apostille or Embassy, and give you a clear route + price + ETA.