Written by: Rohidas Kadu | Edited by: Swapnil Vyawahare
Reviewed by: Professional Attestation & Apostille Consultants team of PEC Attestation
Introduction
Are you planning to move to the Netherlands from India for work, study, or personal reasons in 2026? If so, you'll need to ensure your important Indian documents are properly legalised before they can be accepted by Dutch authorities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of document legalisation from India to the Netherlands, including requirements, procedures, timelines, and costs.
India-Netherlands Legalisation Overview
India and the Netherlands are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), which simplifies the document legalisation process significantly. Instead of going through lengthy embassy attestation procedures, Indian documents can be legalised with a single apostille stamp from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, making them directly acceptable in the Netherlands.
Types of Documents That Require Apostille
Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Decrees (Decree Absolute)
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
- Single Status Certificates
- Death certificates of spouse/partner
Educational Documents
- Degree Certificates (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)
- Diplomas
- Matriculation/Secondary School Certificates
- Transcripts and Mark Sheets
- Educational Board Certificates
Commercial & Administrative Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Trade Licenses
- Business Agreements
- Invoices and Commercial Documents
Step-by-Step Apostille Process for Netherlands (2026)
Step 1: Document Verification by Issuing Authority
First, your document must be verified by the original issuing authority in India:
- Educational Documents: Attested by the respective State Education Department or University
- Personal Documents: Attested by the relevant State Home Department or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
Step 2: State-Level Attestation
After initial verification, documents require state-level attestation:
- State Home Department (for personal documents)
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- HRD/MEA (for educational documents)
Step 3: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Apostille
The final step is obtaining the apostille stamp from MEA:
- Submit your fully attested document to MEA
- MEA will affix the apostille stamp/certificate
- This makes your document legally valid in the Netherlands
Required Documents for Apostille Process
For Individuals
- Original document requiring apostille
- Copy of the document
- Passport copy (for identification)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Completed apostille application form
For Companies/Businesses
- Original commercial document
- Company registration certificate
- Board resolution (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney (if using agent)
- Passport copies of authorized signatories
Processing Time & Fees (2026)
Standard Processing
- Time: 7-10 working days
- Fees: ₹500-₹1,500 per document (varies by state)
Express Processing
- Time: 3-5 working days
- Fees: ₹2,000-₹5,000 per document (additional charges)
Important Notes:
- Processing times may vary based on document type and state
- Rush services available for urgent requirements
- Online tracking available for most apostille services
Dutch Translation Requirements
While the apostille makes your document legally valid, Dutch authorities typically require translations of non-English documents:
Translation Requirements:
- Sworn Dutch translation required for all non-English documents
- Translation must be done by a certified translator in the Netherlands
- Translation does NOT need separate legalisation
- You can find certified translators through the Dutch Legal Aid Council
Documents NOT Eligible for Apostille
Indian Consulate-Issued Documents
Documents originally issued by Indian consulates (especially in Caribbean territories like Aruba) cannot be apostilled and require different legalisation:
- Legalisation through Dutch Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ)
- Process varies by Caribbean jurisdiction
- Additional verification may be required
Non-Public Documents
- Personal letters
- Internal company documents
- Documents without official government verification
Where to Get Apostille Services in India (2026)
Government Channels
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi
- Main apostille center in India
- Online application portal available
- MEA Branch Secretariats
- Located in major cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.)
- Regional apostille services
Tips for Smooth Legalisation Process
Before You Start:
- Verify document authenticity with issuing authority
- Check document completeness (no missing pages/sections)
- Ensure documents are less than 6 months old (if applicable)
- Make photocopies of all original documents
During Process:
- Track your application online where possible
- Keep receipts and reference numbers safe
- Follow up if processing exceeds standard timelines
- Use authorized service providers to avoid delays
After Apostille:
- Verify apostille stamp for authenticity
- Keep documents safe during travel
- Carry both original and copies when moving to Netherlands
Digital Apostille & E-Apostille (2026)
E-Apostille Initiative
India is progressively implementing digital apostille services:
- Online application portal available for many document types
- E-certificate verification system
- Reduced processing times for digital submissions
- Secure document transmission to Netherlands
Benefits of Digital Apostille:
- Faster processing (24-48 hours in some cases)
- Reduced paperwork
- Real-time tracking
- Environmentally friendly
Next Steps for Your Netherlands Move
For Students:
- Apostille educational certificates before visa application
- Arrange Dutch translations of mark sheets
- Keep extra copies for university enrollment
For Professionals:
- Legalise degree certificates and experience letters
- Apostille police clearance certificates
- Prepare commercial documents for work permits
For Families:
- Apostille birth/marriage certificates
- Legalise divorce decrees if applicable
- Arrange translations for family documents
Contact Information
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Website: [mea.gov.in/apostille-menu.htm](https://mea.gov.in/apostille-menu.htm)
- Helpline: +91-11-23012347
- Email: apostille@mea.gov.in
Dutch Authorities
- Website: [netherlandsworldwide.nl](https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl)
- Legal Aid Council: For finding sworn translators
Conclusion
Legalising your Indian documents for use in the Netherlands doesn't have to be complicated. By following this step-by-step guide and ensuring you meet all requirements, you can smoothly transition your important documents for your 2026 move to the Netherlands. Remember to start the process at least 2-3 months before your planned departure to account for any unexpected delays.
Pro Tip: Consider using professional apostille services if you're unfamiliar with the process or need urgent processing - they can save you time and ensure your documents are correctly legalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is an apostille valid?
A: Apostille certificates are typically valid for 6 months from issue date for most documents.
Q: Can I use apostilled documents in other countries?
A: Yes! Apostille is valid in all Hague Convention member countries (120+ countries worldwide).
Q: What if my document is in Hindi/other Indian languages?
A: You'll need English translation before apostille, then Dutch translation in Netherlands.
Q: Can I get apostille for photocopies?
A: No, apostille is only for original documents. Photocopies can be attested but not apostilled.
Q: How much does the entire process cost?
A: Total costs range from ₹2,000-₹8,000 per document including verification, attestation, and apostille.
posted on 7 Jan, 2026. Posted In apostille.