Apostille Attestation for Belgium
Apostille Attestation for Belgium
Apostille attestation plays a crucial role in validating certificates’ authenticity and legality when used in foreign countries. In this article, we will understand a few basics of apostille attestation for certificates and focus specifically on the process of apostille attestation for Belgium. By understanding the significance, requirements, validity, and steps involved in obtaining an apostille stamp certificate, individuals can make the attestation a smooth process.
Apostille attestation is a process that transforms a simple certificate into a legally recognized document. It enables the certificate to be accepted and used in foreign countries. This attestation applies to various types of documents, including birth certificates, death certificates, PPC certificates, single status certificates, marriage certificates, and, importantly, degree certificates. The Hague Convention of 1961 introduced apostille attestation, and since India became a member in 2008, all Hague member nations have accepted apostille certificates from India.
Go to Apostille Process Directly
What are the details that are mentioned in the apostille attestation for Belgium?
An individual can see all the mentioned details in an apostille attestation for Belgium:
- Certificate No.: A unique identification number is assigned to the certificate.
- Certificate Issued Date: The date of issuance of the certificate, formatted as dd/mm/yyyy.
- Account Reference: An alphanumeric code is provided for reference purposes.
- Unique Document Reference: A specific alphanumeric code assigned to the document.
- Purchased by: The name of the applicant who requested the apostille.
- Description of Document: A brief description of the type of document, such as an affidavit or certificate.
- Consideration Price (Rs.): The amount paid for the apostille service, typically mentioned as zero
- First Party: The name of the individual or entity associated with the document.
- Second Party: Not applicable (N/A).
- Stamp Duty Paid By: The name of the person who paid the stamp duty.
- Stamp Duty Amount (Rs.): The monetary value of the stamp duty.
Why is document attestation necessary?
Document attestation is essential for several reasons, as outlined below:
- Legalization for official use: Attestation of documents is necessary to legalize them for official purposes. It ensures that the document holds legal validity and can be accepted by relevant authorities.
- Visa requirements: Many countries require attested documents as part of the visa application process. This ensures the authenticity and credibility of the submitted documents.
- Hague Convention member countries: For countries that are members of the Hague Convention, document attestation through apostille is mandatory. This simplifies the process of document verification among member nations.
- Using documents abroad: When using documents in a foreign country, attestation helps establish the authenticity and legitimacy of the documents, making them legally acceptable.
- Expedited verification process: Attested documents can facilitate a faster verification process in a foreign country. The recognized apostille stamp reduces the need for extensive document scrutiny, saving time and effort.
- Eliminating the need for Embassy Attestation: In some cases, document attestation with an apostille can replace the requirement for embassy attestation. This streamlines the process and eliminates the need for additional steps.
What types of documents require an apostille?
Apostille stamping can be applied to various types of documents based on their purpose and nature. The documents can be broadly categorized into three main types:
- Personal Documents: This category includes documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificate, single status certificates, police clearance certificates, and other personal identification documents.
- Educational Documents: Educational certificates like degree certificates, diplomas, transcripts, and other academic records require apostille attestation for recognition in foreign countries.
- Commercial Documents: Business-related documents, including company registrations, contracts, powers of attorney, agreements, and other commercial papers, may require apostille attestation for international acceptance and legal validity.
It is important to note that the specific document requirements for apostille may vary based on the destination country and its regulations
What is the process that is followed for apostille for Belgium?
The process of apostille attestation for Belgium takes approximately 7 to 10 days to complete. It involves several steps and authorities that need to verify and authenticate the document. Seeking the assistance of an apostille service provider can provide guidance throughout the process.
- Notary Attestation: The initial step is notary attestation, where the certificate is presented to a notary who examines the document for accuracy and authenticity before performing the attestation.
- SDM and State Attestation: Next, the certificate and supporting documents are submitted to either the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) or the State attestation. The authorities review the documents and affix their signature and stamp accordingly. SDM attestation typically takes 3-5 days, while state attestation can take around 3-4 weeks.
- Ministry of External Affairs: MEA is a crucial step in the attestation process. The documents are thoroughly checked for authenticity, and only genuine certificates receive MEA attestation. This involves placing an apostille sticker and stamp on the certificate.
For countries not part of the Hague Convention, the final step is embassy attestation. The certificate is presented to the embassy, and a specified fee is paid. Once attested by the embassy, the certificate is ready for use in foreign countries.
The complete procedure involves notary attestation, followed by SDM/State attestation, MEA attestation, and embassy attestation (if applicable). In other cases, the procedure skips embassy attestation, resulting in notary attestation, SDM/State attestation, and MEA attestation.
How much does it cost for apostille attestation for Belgium?
The cost of attesting a certificate can vary based on several factors. These factors include the fees charged by different authorities involved in the attestation process, the fees of the apostille service provider, the number and type of documents, and the fees required by the embassy, which differ for each country.
How much can an individual can get an apostille attestation for Belgium?
Generally, the process of obtaining an apostille for a degree takes around 15-20 days to complete. However, the duration can vary depending on various factors. If there is a high volume of applicants, it may take longer to process the attested degrees. Additionally, in cases of rush or urgent services, the processing time may be extended. To obtain the exact timeframe, it is advisable to register for apostille or consult the relevant authorities.