Apostille

The term apostille is common. Those who have traveled abroad might be well aware of the significance of getting documents attested. In recent years, there has come a sudden increase in the number of people who have to travel to a foreign country. If you are also one of the persons who are all set to travel to a Hague Member nation then make sure you get all your documents and certificates attested without wasting much of your time.

Whether you are planning to stay abroad for a long duration, to work or study, or seeking permanent or temporary residency, you need to get your documents apostilled. Even if you plan to expand business in a foreign country, getting started with the apostille attestation process is the first step you have to take. The document and certificate legalization is a mandatory process you have to follow in such scenarios. Document and certificate apostille are terms that mean legalization of certificates and documents. Though there is a characteristic that there are many levels of validation and verification prior to finalizing the legalization by the central government.

Understanding exactly what apostille is?

Going by the dictionary explanation of the Apostille – it implicates a French word meaning certification, and in a formal context, an apostille is a formality of proving the credibility and authenticity of the document.

When you get a document apostilled, an apostille stamp or/ and an apostille sticker is obtained from the authority. It is basically computer generated with a unique identification number and is applied at the back of the certificate and document. This helps in maintaining an online record and allows the respective authorities to check the authenticity and originality of the document in a more easy and convenient way. Once the document gets a stamp or sticker from the MEA, there is no requirement for any other certification from the consulate or embassy of the country you want to go to.

Apostille attestation

Apostille attestation refers to the way of getting documents and certificate attested so that they can be accepted in any country that is a member of Hague Convention. Certificate attestation is an attestation is done at the global level and is legally acceptable in more than 116 nations. Most of the European and American nations accept this fact. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs applies the stamp on the back of the document followed by a stamp on the sticker in a way that is partially on the document and partially on the sticker.

The need for Apostille

Document apostille is needed when there is a requirement to eradicate the necessity of certificate legalization when going to the foreign nations for all types of reasons. For example, applying for a permanent or temporary visa, for pursuing higher education on a student visa, obtaining a work visa or employment visa or for carrying deals for expanding the business, for instance, exporting or importing products. This requirement is a must for the nations that are the part of the Hague Convention.

Hague Convention

The Hague Convention, also known as the Apostille Convention or Apostille Hague Convention that was signed on 5^th October 1961, in the town of Luxembourg. However, it came into effect from 14^th January, 1965. The convention was implemented for abolishing the requirement for legalizing the certificates and documents again for another signatory nation. Barriers in trading as well as other areas and fields have been reduced and also the accessibility through countries is better.

Apostille procedure in India

Apostille in India, the process has been decentralized by the central government. The central body that performs certificate and document apostille is the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA has regionalized the apostille procedure to Branch Secretariats and the RPOs in fifteen cities effective from January 1^st, 2019. Usually, it starts with the local notary from where the certificate or document was issued followed by state authentication and lastly the MEA apostille sticker.

At Unique Attestation, we constantly strive to make the apostille attestation process simple and hassle-free for our clients. By choosing us, you can be assured to get it done timely. Being an expert in the apostille and attestation process, we work hard to deliver quality services at rates that will not create a hole in your pocket.