What is the difference between Attestation and Apostille?
Attestation: Attestation is the process of authenticating documents for use in a foreign country that does not follow the Hague Apostille Convention. It involves multiple levels of verification, including state authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and sometimes the destination country's embassy.
Apostille: Apostille is a simplified form of document authentication for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. An Apostille sticker from the MEA is enough for these countries.
Example:
- - Attestation: Required for UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait.
- - Apostille: Needed for countries like the USA, UK, or Germany.
Why is Attestation or Apostille required?
These processes validate the authenticity of your documents, ensuring they are legally recognized in another country. Common purposes include:
- - Applying for work visas or permanent residency.
- - Higher education in foreign universities.
- - Starting a business abroad.
- - Personal purposes like marriage or adoption.
Also Read - Can a copy of the original document be apostilled?
Which documents need Attestation or Apostille?
Common documents include:
- - Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, mark sheets.
- - Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits.
- - Commercial Documents: Power of Attorney, invoices, business agreements.
How long does it take to complete the process?
- - Attestation: Generally 8-12 working days but can vary depending on the country and document type.
- - Apostille: 2-5 working days for most documents.
Tip: Start early to avoid delays, especially for visa applications or deadlines.
Also Read - Personal Document Attestation
What is the cost of Attestation and Apostille?
Costs vary based on:
- - Type of document (educational, personal, or commercial).
- - Country of destination.
- - Additional services like courier or translation.
Example: Attestation for a degree certificate for the UAE may cost ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
Can I do it myself, or should I use a professional service?
While you can attempt it yourself, professional services simplify the process:
- - Avoid long queues and government office visits.
- - Get expert guidance to prevent errors.
- - Save time with doorstep document collection and delivery.
Is translation required for Attestation or Apostille?
Yes, if your documents are in a language not recognized by the destination country. For instance, a Marathi birth certificate may require translation into English or the destination country’s official language.
How do I track the status of my documents?
Professional attestation services like PEC Attestation and Apostille Services provide tracking features. You can get regular updates via email, SMS, or a dedicated portal.
Why choose PEC Attestation and Apostille Services?
- 10+ years of expertise in attestation and apostille.
- Simplified, end-to-end service with transparent pricing.
- Highest reviews on Google.
- Free pick and drop.
Have more questions?
Our experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at info@pecattestation.com or call +919404450674 for tailored guidance on your attestation and apostille needs.
posted on 4 Jan, 2018. Posted In attestation, apostille.