Marriage Certificate Apostille: Everything You Need to Know

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official stamp, attestation, or sticker from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that validates the authenticity of a document. When relocating to another country, apostilled documents are legally recognized by that country’s government.

For individuals traveling abroad, a marriage certificate apostille is essential for various reasons. Let’s explore its significance and the process involved.

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Why is a Marriage Certificate Apostille Required?

Obtaining an apostille for a marriage certificate is crucial for:

✔ Permanent Residency (PR) applications in a foreign country.
✔ Dependent Visa processing for a spouse’s relocation.
✔ Work Visa applications when proof of marital status is needed.
✔ Other legal and immigration requirements.

If you are planning to live, work, or settle abroad, getting your marriage certificate apostilled is a mandatory step for document authentication.

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Steps for Marriage Certificate Apostille

The apostille process involves two major steps:

1. Authentication of Documents

Before receiving an apostille, the marriage certificate must be verified at either the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) level or State level.

a) SDM Verification (Faster Process)

• The document is submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) for authentication.
• Once verified, it is forwarded to the MEA for the apostille.
• Processing time: 3 to 14 working days, depending on the chosen service.

b) State Verification (Longer Process)

• Since all documents in India are issued at the state level, the State Government must authenticate them.
• The State Secretariat verifies the document before it is forwarded to the MEA for apostille.
• Processing time: Up to 30 working days, as multiple government bodies are involved.

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2. Legalization of the Document

After authentication, the final step is legalization by the MEA. The MEA places an official apostille stamp on the marriage certificate, confirming its validity for international use.

Important Note:
Apostille is accepted in 113 Hague Convention countries, except Italy and Austria, which require only State verification instead of SDM verification.
For non-Hague nations, the document must undergo State verification, MEA apostille, and then legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate.

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Final Thoughts

A Marriage Certificate Apostille is a crucial legal requirement for anyone moving abroad. Understanding the authentication process, required steps, and timelines can help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth transition.

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