Apostille Services in Kolkata | MEA Apostille on Documents
What is Apostille?
Apostille is a process of legalization of documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague apostille convention of 1961. An apostille stamp confirms the authenticity of the sign, seal or stamp on public documents such as personal, commercial and educational documents and makes the document legally valid in another country.
India joined the Hague apostille convention in 2005. Thus, any Indian issued document needs to get an apostille stamp from the ministry of external affairs to legalize the use of it in another Hague country.
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
You need an apostille when you submit your documents to foreign authorities for purposes such as study or employment or Dependent Visa or for commercial purpose. An apostille is needed for that country to ensure the authenticity and originality of your documents.
Steps to Get Apostille in India:
- Notarization
- SDM/State Attestation
- MEA Attestation
- MEA Apostille
Documents Required to Apply for an Apostille:
- Original or Photocopies of the Documents that needs to be apostilled
- Scanned copy of passport as a supporting document.
How to Apply for an Apostille in Kolkata?
To apply for an apostille in Kolkata, fill the application form given below:
Time Frame
You will get a certificate apostille in Kolkata within 3 to 4 working days. It may vary depending on various factors.
Apostille Charges
Enquire Secure Apostille Services for the exact charges here: Secure Apostille Service Contact us
Apostille Issuing Authority
The ministry of external affairs India located in Delhi has the authority to Issue Apostille for all the documents issued in India or by Indian consulates outside.
Where to Get an Apostille in Kolkata ?
Get your certificate apostille at your doorstep by filling the apostille application form.
Apostille services in Kolkata is required for your Indian issued educational, personal and commercial certificates to legalize them in a foreign country. Apostille is a mandatory certification to legalize your documents for study/work/business visa to a Hague apostille country. Although apostille attestation is obtained from MEA in Delhi, an apostille services provider in Kolkata can get your documents apostilled on behalf of you. Thus, you will get your apostille in Kolkata itself without you travelling to Delhi.
What is Document Apostille?
Apostille is derived from the French word ‘apostil’. In simple terms apostille means certification. Basically an apostille is a certification on a certificate to prove that it is authentic and original. This extra step of verification is needed when you are submitting your documents to a foreign country, specifically a Hague apostille country.
Authentication of foreign documents has been a requirement to submit a document issued in one country in another country. However, the introduction of an apostille stamping system has made process easier for member countries. Thus, instead of an embassy attestation that required earlier for authentication, an apostille from designated authority is enough to prove it authentic.
Documents that Need an Apostille Services in Kolkata
Apostille services in Kolkata can be availed for any documents issued in India. However, depending on types documents that need an apostille can be categorized into three. They are:
- Personal Documents
- Educational Documents
- Commercial Documents
List of Documents that Need an MEA Apostille in Kolkata
| Educational Documents | Personal Documents | Commercial Documents |
|---|---|---|
Masters degree | ||
Engineering Degree | ||
ITI Diploma certificate | Partnership Deed | |
Nursing Diploma | Joint Venture Agreements | |
PhD Degree Certificate | Commercial Invoice | |
MBBS Degree | Trademark Registration Certificate | |
MS Degree certificate | Certificate of Origin | |
M Tech Degree Certificate | Adoption Deed | Bill of Lading |
Transfer Certificate (TC) | Experience Certificate | Annual Financial Statements |
Provisional Degree Certificate | Legal Heir Certificate | Copyright Registration |
Nursing Registration Certificate | Disability Certificate | FSSAI License |
Medium of Instruction Certificate | Aadhaar Card | Packing List |
What are the details that are mentioned in a document Apostille?
The details that are mentioned in a document that has an apostille stamp are as follows:
- Certificate No: A special number is written
- Certificate issued Date: 21/21/2211(date and time)
- Account Reference: AN ALPHA CODE FOR REFERENCE
- Unique Doc. Reference: ALPHANUMERIC CODE
- Purchased by: APPLICANT NAME
- Description of Document: ARTICLE 4 AFFIDAVIT
- Description: AFFIDAVIT
- Consideration Price (Rs.): ZERO
- First Party: NAME OF PERSON
- Second Party: N/A
- Stamp Duty Paid By: NAME OF PERSON
- Stamp Duty Amount(Rs.): AMOUNT
4 Simple steps to get MEA Apostille on your Documents
- Register on Apostille Portal
- Collect all Documents you want to Apostille
- Submit the Original / Photocopies of documents
- Receive Documents with Apostille Directly to your home
Document Required to Submit for Availing an Apostille Services in Kolkata
There are not many documents needed to get an apostille stamp. But make sure that all the documents that are demanded by the apostille services in Kolkata are in good condition. Moreover, all the information should be easily read. Let’s have a look at the documents:
- An original document that needs to be apostilled such as a marriage certificate, degree certificate, death certificate, and any other document.
- A photocopy of the passport’s front and last page.
- An Aadhar card and license photocopy.
Process of Getting a Document Apostille in Kolkata
The ministry of external affairs is the only authority that provides an apostille in India. Although, the final process happens in Delhi, with the help of an apostille service provider in Kolkata, you can do the entire process on your behalf.
To get an apostille in Kolkata, there are two methods of authentication available. They are:
Apostille stamp obtained through both the methods are equally valid.
SDM Attestation Method for Apostille in Kolkata
There are three steps to get an apostille stamp in Kolkata using SDM attestation method. Let’s begin with the steps
- Notary Attestation: At first, the documents are presented to the notary. Here all the certificates and details are examined by them. After analyzing all the information, the notary places a signature on the document.
- SDM Attestation: In this step, your documents are submitted to a sub divisional magistrate. The SDM will verify document details and notary. Once, ensured the authenticity, SDM will attest the document. It may take up to three days.
- Ministry of External Affairs: Finally, the documents are presented to the Ministry of External Affairs. This is an extremely important step for the attestation of documents. All the information with utmost care is verified by the MEA. Once confirmed complete information is correct, then the MEA places a stamp on the back of the document. The stamp has a unique number that enables foreign countries to check authenticity of documents online. With this, the authentication procedure is finished for all the Hague Nations.
State Attestation Method for Apostille Services in Kolkata
State attestation method for apostile involves verifying the document authenticity at the place where it was issued. Even though the attestation is done by the secretariat level officials of the state at regional authentication centers , verification process will be handled by district level authorities. They will enquire at the local office where the document was issued. After confirming from the district magistrate only, the state home/HRD department officials will attest it.
If the document is educational, the HRD department will handle the apostille. On the other hand, if the document is personal such as PCC or marriage certificate, state home department will attest it.
Steps to Get an Apostille Using West Bengal State Attestation Method in Kolkata
State attestation from West Bengal HRD and Home department can be done only if the document was issued in West Bengal State. For documents issued in other states, you need to get attestation from respective state only. Following are the steps to get an apostille in Kolkata using state attestation method:
- Notarization: In this step a public notary will attest your documents.
- West Bengal State Attestation: in this step, depending on the type of document, we will submit your documents to the home or HRD department. The department conducts verification at the origin of the document through lower level officials and finally attests it.
- MEA Attestation and Apostille: In this step, the ministry of external affairs will verify and attest your document. Finally, an apostille stamp is pasted on the backside of it.
Apostille for Commercial Documents in Kolkata
You need t get an apostille for commercial documents in Kolkata for the following purposes:
- Planning to expand your business to foreign country,
- Start a business in a foreign country
- Export goods from Kolkata
To get an apostille for commercial documents, instead of SDM and state attestation, you need to get Chamber of Commerce Attestation. An attestation from the chamber of commerce vouches for the authenticity of the document as the business that issued the document. Following are the steps to get an apositlle for commercial documents in Kolkata:
- Notarization: Mandatory only for affidavits and power of attorney.
- Chamber of Commerce Attestation
- MEA Attestation and Apostille
Legalization of Documents in Kolkata for Non Hague Countries
An apostille stamp from MEA India is accepted as a legalization method only in a Hague country. For non Hague countries, document authentication involves getting an attestation from the embassy. It has similar steps as apostille with an extra step. Below are the steps SAS Apostille follows to get embassy attestation in Kolkata:
- Notarization
- SDM/State attestation
- MEA Attestation
- Embassy Attestation
Embassy attestation involves the authorities from another country unlike apsotille. Thus, it will take more time and price. However, the process will happen inside India only. For example, to get embassy attestation for UAE, attestation is obtained from UAE embassy located in Delhi.
Charges to get An Apostille Stamp On Documents in Kolkata
The charges depend on several factors when it comes to the apostille. The first is fees that are paid to the authorities for the documentation. Along with that, the fees of the apostille services in Kolkata. Lastly, any extra services taken such as pick up and drop off of documents are also added to the total charges.
Where should I get Apostille in Kolkata ?
Is there any validity of an attested document?
Generally, an apostille document is valid for a period of 6 months. However, there are some countries that accept documents that are more than 6 months old. So contact an apostille service provider to know about the exact validity, as at first the documents will be examined and then only the exact validity can be known.
Time Required to Get a Certificate Apostille in Kolkata
The document has to go through lots of authorities before getting an apostille stamp. However, an expert service provider can get the document apostilled with in 3 to 4 days. An apostille services in Kolkata can guide better about the time frame for apostille based on your document type and process.
How to Choose an Apostille Service Provider in Kolkata?
There are many points that one should think about before finalizing apostille services in Kolkata. Let’s have a look:
- The service provider must have a good knowledge of the apostille as there are many authorities involved.
- Along with that, the service provider should keep documents safe as these are original certificates.
- Lastly, make sure the documents get attested timely. More time for attestation may increase the processing of visas if a person is going abroad.
Secure Apostille Services is Available in the Following Areas Near Kolkata
| Apostille Services Near Kolkata | Contact Number |
|---|---|
Apostille Services in Alipore | |
Apostille Services in Ballygunge | |
Apostille services in Barasat | |
Apostille Services in Barrackpore | |
Apostille services in Behala | |
Apostille services in Camac Street | |
Apostille services in College Street | |
Apostille services in Garia | |
Apostille services in Golf Green | |
Apostille services in Jadavpur | |
Apostille services in Jodhpur Park | |
Apostille services in New Town | |
Apostille services in Park Street | |
Apostille services in Parnasree | |
Apostille services in Rajarhat | |
Apostille services in Salt Lake | |
Apostille services in Southern Avenue | |
Apostille services in Tollygunge |
Register for Online MEA Apostille
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Frequently asked questions
Apostille Attestation is Legalization of your documents from Ministry of External Affairs in India. Apostille can be given for the documents issued in India by any authority or issued by any Indian authorities outside the country like Embassy / Consulate. Apostille from MEA can be used in any particular country apart from India.
Check out this article more details on what is apostille .
Apostille and Attestation are similar words. But Apostille will be given from the Ministry of External Affairs in India. Attestation has a broader meaning. Attestation from MEA is called Apostille. Attestation can be given by State Government or Embassy.
For Educational documents attestation from state government is called HRD attestation.
For Non Educational documents such as Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Affidavits state attestation is called home department attestation.
Attestation for any documents from Indian Embassy is called Embassy Attestation.
Read here for further details on how to get apostille.
- University of Calcutta
- Jadavpur University
- Presidency University
- Rabindra Bharati University
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT)
- University of Kalyani
- Burdwan University
- Vidyasagar University
- North Bengal University
- Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University
- Gour Banga University
- West Bengal State University
- Aliah University
- Netaji Subhas Open University
- Diamond Harbour Women’s University
- Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University
- Raiganj University
You need to translate your documents/certificates in Bengali into English before proceeding with the apostille process. Your certificates like birth certificate may be issued in Bengali language only. However, the ministry of external affairs provides apostille for documents issued in English only. Thus, translating Bengali certificates into English is mandatory before applying for an apostille.
Apply here to get a certified Bengali to English translation: Bengali Translation Application.
What Makes Us the Trusted Choice for Apostille Services?
Secure, Fast, and Reliable MEA Apostille Services
1) Online Apostille
2) Live Apostille Tracking System
3) Pan Indian presence
4)Privacy & Security of Document
5) Barcode System
6) Home Pickup & Delivery
7) Priority Support
Receive prompt responses and personalized assistance throughout the apostille process from a dedicated consultant assigned to you right after registration.
8) Discounted rates
We offer the MEA Apostille service at transparent and discounted price without any hidden price and without compromising on service quality, speed, or reliability
9) Led by International Document Legalization Experts
Our team is comprised of professionals with expertise and years of experience in apostille, embassy attestation and global document legalization.
Customer Reviews - SAS Apostille
I had been scammed twice before by other service providers, so I was understandably very cautious. But the team, especially Sir Lingaraj who assisted me, proved to be trustworthy, professional, and true to their promises. Communication with him was really smooth, clear, and very reassuring. He was also very patient and understanding of my concerns.
In the end, we received a fully legitimate document without any issues. I’m extremely pleased with their service and would highly recommend them to anyone needing help with document processing. Thank you again for your outstanding work and honesty. I really really appreciate it! God bless
The response was incredible . They got in touch immediately. They collected the certificate from home and delivered it back in the specific timeline agreed. Cost effective , credible and extremely quick. Will definitely recommend their services to anyone in need of an apostille in a timeline.
