By getting an apostille!
Getting your UK-issued documents recognized in India or any other nation that is part of the Hague Convention needs to go through a process called apostille. Let us guide you on how to apostille your UK-issued documents in India step-by-step.
What is an Apostille?
Question: How would a nation know that your documents are genuine, come from a reliable source and are not fake?
Answer: By apostilling your document.
An apostille is a process that confirms the authenticity of your document. It tells the Indian or other foreign authorities that your UK document is genuine and issued by a legitimate body.
By only getting an apostille stamp on your documents, they can become usable in India or any country that has signed the Hague Convention.
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
Here are some common scenarios where you will need an apostille for your UK-issued documents in India:
- Moving to India: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates (PCCs) and other relevant documents often require apostilles for immigration purposes. If you are moving in with your family, their documents will also need an apostille.
- Education: If you plan to pursue higher education in India or another nation (Hague Convention Country), your UK degree certificate, diploma, transcripts, or mark sheets must have an apostille stamp.
- Employment: Securing a job in the USA, India or another nation needs an apostille on all relevant documents including work experience certificates.
- Starting a Business: For expanding your business or running it from India, you’ll need an apostille on commercial documents related to your business.
- Legal Matters: If you are dealing with contracts, court orders, or other legal documents that were issued in the UK, you’ll need an apostille for use in India.
The Apostille Process in India
Step 1. Gather Your Documents
Gather all your relevant documents including the original UK-issued document & certificates that you need to be apostilled. Take clear photocopies of the original documents and attach your proof of your identity like a passport.
Step 2: Notarization
Notarization is a legal process carried out by a government official called a notary public. This legal official will verify the authenticity of your signature and the document itself. Notarization is usually needed on personal documents issued in the UK, but in some cases, it can be needed for other documents as well.
Step 3: Apostille by the FCDO
Once notarization is done, you have to take your documents to the next authority called the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. They are the official authority in the UK who can verify and legalize your document for international use. They perform the verification and grant an apostille stamp to ensure that your UK document is genuine. Once done, your UK-issued documents become valid for use in India and other nations that are part of the Hague Convention.
How Do You Get an Apostille on UK-issued Documents in India?
You can do the apostille process yourself, but beware – it involves doing the whole process on your own which can be time and energy-consuming.
But, do you know that you don’t have to travel back to the UK to get your documents apostilled?
Yes, the process can be completed entirely in India! Take the help of an apostille service provider for UK documents who can handle the entire process on your behalf. All you have to do is send them your documents in India, and they’ll get them notarized (if needed) and apostilled by UK authorities.
They’ll then handle communication with all the UK authorities on your behalf to secure an apostille on your UK-issued documents. Once done, they will deliver your apostilled documents straight to your doorstep in India.
Conclusion
Getting your UK-issued documents apostilled in India is a must for their recognition by Indian or other foreign authorities. Whether you need them for education, employment, immigration, or legal matters, an apostille makes sure that your UK-issued documents are authentic and accepted internationally. The process of apostille involves notarization and verification by the FCDO in the UK. You can complete this process from India by choosing an Excellent apostille services (EAS), which will save time and effort.