When it comes to using your documents in another country, there are two common methods of authentication: apostille certification and legalization. While both methods serve a similar purpose, they have some key differences that may make one more appropriate than the other for your specific needs. In this blog post, we'll discuss the differences between apostille services and legalization and help you determine which method is right for your international documents.
Apostille certification is a process that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. It's a form of authentication that is recognized by over 100 countries, including those that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961. Essentially, apostille certification is a way of verifying that the document in question is genuine, and that any signatures, seals, or stamps on the document are also authentic.
Legalization, on the other hand, is a process that is used to authenticate documents for use in countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention. Legalization involves several steps, including notarization, authentication by the appropriate government authority, and authentication by the embassy or consulate of the foreign country where the document will be used.
While both apostille certification and legalization serve a similar purpose, there are some key differences between the two methods. Here are a few of the most important differences to consider:
One of the biggest differences between apostille certification and legalization is the number of countries that recognize each method. Apostille certification is recognized by over 100 countries, including most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Legalization, on the other hand, is typically required for countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention, such as China, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
Another important difference between apostille certification and legalization is the time and cost involved in each process. Apostille certification is typically faster and less expensive than legalization, since it involves fewer steps and is recognized by more countries. Legalization, on the other hand, can be a lengthy and costly process, especially if you need to have your documents authenticated by multiple government agencies and embassies.
The type of document you need to authenticate can also play a role in determining whether apostille certification or legalization is the best option. Apostille certification is typically used for personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic records. Legalization, on the other hand, is typically required for commercial documents such as certificates of origin, commercial invoices, and bills of lading.
The method you choose for authenticating your international documents will depend on a variety of factors, including the country where the document will be used, the type of document, and your budget and timeline. Here are a few scenarios where one method may be more appropriate than the other:
If you need to authenticate personal documents such as birth certificates or academic records for use in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, apostille certification is likely the best option. This process is typically faster and less expensive than legalization, and is recognized by most Hague Convention countries.
If you need to authenticate commercial documents such as certificates of origin or bills of lading for use in a country that is not a signatory to The Hague Convention, legalization is likely the best option. This process may be more costly and time-consuming than apostille certification, but it is necessary for ensuring that your documents are recognized as authentic and legally valid in the foreign country where they will be used.
If you need to authenticate documents for use in a country that accepts both apostille certification and legalization, you will need to consider the specific requirements and preferences of the foreign government or institution where the documents will be used. In some cases, apostille certification may be the faster and less expensive option, while in others, legalization may be required.
In conclusion, both apostille certification and legalization serve important roles in verifying the authenticity of documents for use in foreign countries. The method you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the country where the document will be used, the type of document, and your budget and timeline. By understanding the differences between these two methods, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your international documents are authenticated correctly and efficiently.
An Apostille is a French word that means Certification and it’s Pronounce as “ah-po-style”. An Apostille is simply the name for a specialized certificate, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. The Apostille sticker is pasted on the backside of original document to verify it is legitimate and authentic, so it will be accepted in one of the other countries who are members of The Hague Apostille Convention.
The Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the legalization procedure for foreign public documents. It allows a Government body to certify a document issued in its own country as valid for other countries without further certification by the destination state. The Convention has 126 contracting states as of November 2023, including the United States and Canada.
The Apostille Convention provides the simplified certification of public (including notarized) documents to be used in countries that have joined the convention. Documents destined for use in participating countries and their territories should be certified by one of the officials in the jurisdiction in which the document has been executed.
The Hague Convention requires that all Apostille be numbered consecutively, with individual numbers applied to each Apostille issued. The recognized standard Apostille contains a seal and 10 mandatory references: name of country from which the document emanates, name of person signing the document, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted, in the case of unsigned documents, the name of the authority that has affixed the seal or stamp, place of certification date of certification, the authority issuing the certificate, number of certificate, seal or stamp of authority issuing certificate and signature of authority issuing certificate. Prior to the introduction of Apostille certificates the burden on international courts and authorities to judge foreign documents as authentic was quite considerable. On the October 5, 1961 the Hague Convention abolished the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents. The Convention reduces all of the formalities of legalization to the simple delivery of a certificate in a prescribed form, entitled “Apostille”, by the authorities of the Ministry where the document originates. This certificate, placed on the document, is dated, numbered and registered. The verification of its registration can be carried out without difficulty by means of a simple request for information addressed to the authority which delivered the certificate.
Apostille Process depends that if the documents are Educational, Non Educational or Commercial. Educational Certificate Apostille is required if you are going for Job or Study in any of The Hague Convention Countries. Non Educational documents like Marriage, Birth Certificate Apostille services are required for your dependents, if you want them to accompany you in that country. Commercial documents Apostille is required if you want to send shipment, open a branch in Hague country of have to do some business collaboration. We will try to explain process for you.
First step of the Process is getting the Notarization of document done. Notary can be done from anywhere in India. And it can be done from Delhi also. Doing Notary from Delhi will save some time, as documents has to come to Delhi only for Apostille.
After the Notary is done, next step in Sub Divisional Magistrate. SDM attestation is done in Delhi. It’s same for Educational and Non Educational documents. If you leave few countries, this SDM Stamping is valid in all the countries. Some countries Like, Italy, Switzerland and Austria might ask for State HRD for Educational Documents and State home Department/GAD for Non Educational documents. So, if you are planning for these countries please get complete knowledge from office HR or local bodies who are applying your case. SDM Stamping is done in 1 day and on the backside of the original Document.
Last and most important part is getting the document attested from Ministry of External affairs. After Notary and SDM Stampings are done Documents are submitted in Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi for Apostille. Just like Notary and SDM, Apostille Sticker is pasted on the back side of the document. Apostille sticker will have your name and current date. It also have unique number and contain name and designation of the person who have signed it. After Apostille sticker, the process is completed the documents are ready for use. When you receive the Apostille document, first please check that all the spellings and dates are fine. As sometimes there can be some mismatch in the spelling. If there is some spelling mistake then it has to submit in correction department. That will take another 1 day
If you are going through State Attestation Process then it might take more than a month. As for Educational documents, first stamp from University is required and then from State HRD Department. And for Non Educational Documents, First Stamp is required from Local DC office and then from State GAD/Home Department. If you go through SDM Apostille process then processing time is only 5 to 6 working. This Process takes less time and is less expensive as well.
Apostille Sticker has a validity of Six Months. Means you have to use this Apostille within 6 months, after that whole life you can stay in that country. But if you want to change the country after 6 Months then Apostille needs to done again. Don’t worry if there is no space on the backside of the document. New Apostille Sticker can be applied on the expired Sticker.
Original Documents are very important part of our Life. Sometimes it takes several months to obtain new documents. So security of documents is most important for us. You can do live tracking of the process daily. Currently document is in which city and in which department, you can check with just one click. Whenever you handover your documents to any of our office, a link is shared to you on mail. With that you can track the whole process, till documents are delivered back to you.
If you are travelling outside India to any of The Hague convention Country for Study or Work, then Apostille is required on your Educational documents. And if you are applying dependent visa for your spouse or children, then their Marriage and Birth Certificate will be required to get Apostille. Still if you have any query, you can get in touch with SPS Team @9920111362
