Introduction
If you are applying for a dependent visa to join your spouse or children in a Hague Convention country, you need to Apostille your documents. Apostille is an internationally recognized certification that validates Indian documents for use abroad.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for getting an Apostille for a dependent visa, including country-specific requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Who Needs an Apostille for a Dependent Visa?
Apostille is required for those applying for a dependent visa in Hague Convention countries. The following categories require Apostille:
• Spouses applying for a dependent visa must Apostille their marriage certificate to prove their relationship.
• Children applying for a dependent visa must Apostille their birth certificate to establish parentage.
Some countries may also require a police clearance certificate (PCC) for dependent visa applicants.
Dependent Visa Apostille Requirements by Country
Netherlands
• Marriage certificate, birth certificate, and police clearance certificate (PCC if required).
France
• Marriage certificate and birth certificate.
USA, Canada
• In some cases, Apostille may be required instead of Embassy Attestation.
Each country has different Apostille requirements. It is recommended to check the specific guidelines before applying.
Documents Required for Dependent Visa Apostille
• Original marriage certificate (for spouses)
• Original birth certificate (for children)
• Police clearance certificate (PCC) (if required by the country)
• Copy of passport of the applicant and sponsor
• Visa or residence permit copy of the sponsor (if available)
Step-by-Step Guide for Getting an Apostille for Dependent Visa
- Document Verification – Ensure the original document is valid and in the correct format.
- State-Level Attestation (if needed) – Some documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, may need attestation by the Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) before Apostille.
- MEA Apostille – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides the final Apostille stamp.
- Translation (if required) – If the document is in a regional language, some countries require an official English or French translation before Apostille.
- Submission for Visa Processing – After getting the Apostille, submit the document for the dependent visa application.
Common Reasons for Apostille Rejection & How to Fix Them
• Incorrect document format – Ensure the document follows the required format.
• Mismatch in names – Verify that names match the passport and visa records.
• Expired or old documents – Some countries require recently issued certificates.
• Missing state attestation – Some documents must be attested by the Home Department or SDM before Apostille.
If an Apostille is rejected, the applicant must correct the issue and reapply.
State-Wise Apostille Processing – Which States Are Faster?
Processing time may vary by state. Below is an estimated timeline:
Applicants from states with longer processing times can opt for SDM attestation, which is often faster than state Home Department attestation.
Dependent Visa Apostille Costs
The cost of Apostille services varies based on:
• The type of document (marriage certificate, birth certificate, PCC, etc.)
• The state of issuance (some states have additional fees for verification)
• Urgent processing requests (express Apostille services may cost more)
Since fees vary per document and location, applicants should check with the Apostille service provider for an exact quote.
Apostille for Children’s Documents – What Parents Should Know
• For children applying for a dependent visa:
• The birth certificate must be Apostilled.
• If one parent is traveling with the child, some countries may ask for a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the other parent.
• A police clearance certificate (PCC) may be required for older children in some cases.
Parents should ensure that all documents are properly verified before applying for the Apostille.
Marriage Certificate Apostille – What If You Were Married Abroad?
If you were married outside India, you may need:
• Marriage registration in India (if applicable) or
• Marriage registration at the Indian Embassy in the country where the marriage took place
If the marriage certificate was issued abroad, it must be Apostilled in the country of issuance first before being accepted in India for further attestation.
Can You Apply for a Dependent Visa Without an Apostille?
Some countries may accept a notarized and attested document instead of an Apostille in rare cases. In urgent cases, some embassies may provide an alternative verification process. However, most Hague Convention countries strictly require Apostille, and skipping the process may lead to visa rejection.
Applicants should verify the requirements with the respective country’s embassy before proceeding.
Checklist: What to Do After Getting an Apostille
• Keep scanned copies of the Apostilled documents.
• Verify if the document needs translation before submission.
• Submit the Apostilled documents before the visa interview or as per embassy requirements.
• Ensure that all supporting documents, such as passport copies and visa papers, are ready.
Can I Get an Apostille After Reaching the Foreign Country?
No, Apostille must be completed in India before traveling. Some Indian embassies abroad may assist with attestation, but they do not provide Apostille services. If you forgot to Apostille a document before traveling, you may need to send it back to India for processing.
To avoid delays, it is best to complete the Apostille process before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get an Apostille in one day?
A: Apostille generally takes 3-4 working days, but urgent processing is available in some cases.
Q: Is state attestation required for a marriage certificate?
A: Yes, some states require Home Department attestation before MEA Apostille.
Q: Do I need an Apostille for a Netherlands dependent visa?
A: Yes, Netherlands requires an Apostille on the marriage certificate, birth certificate, and PCC (if needed).
Q: What if my document is from another country?
A: It must be Apostilled in the country of issuance first before submission in India.
posted on 7 Feb, 2025. Posted In apostille.