What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official sticker issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, confirming that a public document (like a Birth Certificate) is genuine and valid for use in all Hague Convention member countries.
It removes the need for embassy attestation and makes the document directly acceptable abroad.
In simple words:
An Apostille = Legal approval of your document for international use.
Under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, all member countries agreed to replace the lengthy chain attestation process with a single authentication called Apostille.
In India, the MEA is the sole authority that issues Apostilles.
What the Apostille Looks Like?
- Square-shaped sticker, 9 cm × 9 cm
- Issued on the backside of your Birth Certificate
- Has a unique ID, MEA seal, QR code, and digital signature
Why Birth Certificate Apostille Is Required?
Apostille is required when an Indian Birth Certificate is presented to a foreign authority that needs proof of its authenticity.
Here’s when and why it’s typically needed:
| Purpose | Why Apostille Is Needed | Common Destination Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Family / Dependent Visa | To prove parentage or child’s birth for visa sponsorship | Canada, UK, Australia |
| Marriage Registration Abroad | To verify identity and birth details | Italy, France, Spain |
| Education or School Admission | For minors studying abroad | Germany, Netherlands, USA |
| Immigration / Citizenship | Proof of place and date of birth | Australia, Portugal, Poland |
| Legal / Inheritance Claims | Used in courts and estate matters abroad | USA, Canada, UK |
Once Apostilled, your Birth Certificate becomes legally recognised in 100+ countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
Here is the list of all Hague Member Countries.
When Apostille Alone Is Not Enough?
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, or China),then you’ll need Embassy Attestation instead of Apostille.
Go through this Blog to know the complete details.
Who Can Apply for Birth Certificate Apostille?
- Any Indian citizen needing to submit their Birth Certificate abroad
- Parents applying for a child’s visa or school admission
- NRIs who have Indian Birth Certificates but live abroad
- Couples applying for marriage or family registration outside India
If your document is issued by a Registrar of Births & Deaths, you can directly proceed for Apostille.
If you don’t have one or only have a hospital record, you’ll first need a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) from your local Municipal or Panchayat office.
👉 Read our guide on NAC and Delayed Birth Registration
Step-by-Step Process of Birth Certificate Apostille
Step 1: Document Pickup or Courier
- We collect your document from your doorstep anywhere in India.
- You can also send it via courier if you’re outside India.
Security Measures:
All documents are sealed, and tracked end-to-end until delivery.
Step 2: State or SDM Verification
Before Apostille, your document must be authenticated by one of the following:
- Home Department / GAD of the issuing state
- or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Delhi (accepted nationwide)
This verification confirms that the certificate was issued by a valid government authority.
Step 3: MEA Apostille
After verification, the document is submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs, which:
- Confirms authenticity of the state/SDM seal
- Issues the Apostille sticker
- Records your Apostille ID in the MEA’s online verification database
You can verify the sticker anytime on the MEA website.
Step 4: Delivery Back to You
- Apostilled document is couriered safely back to your address
- Delivery within India: 1–3 working days
- Delivery abroad: 5–7 working days
Processing Time & Pricing
We keep it simple.
Choose between two plans based on urgency:
| Service Type | Processing Time | Cost (All Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Service | 5 working days + 1–3 days courier | ₹999 per document |
| Express Service | 3 working days + 1–3 days courier | ₹1499 per document |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Causes Rejection | Our Preventive Step |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated Certificates | MEA cannot affix sticker on plastic | Safe delamination before Apostille |
| Hospital Record Used | Not a government-issued Birth Certificate | We verify and guide you to get a valid one |
| Spelling Mismatch | Causes rejection abroad | Pre-check name consistency |
| Photocopy Submitted | Apostille only valid on original | Original verification only |
| Document in Local Language | Needs English translation | Certified translation arranged |
| Missing ID Proof | Required by MEA | We ensure ID is attached correctly |
Simple comparison between eSahayak and Other Apostille Services
| Feature | eSahayak | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup & Delivery | PAN India | Limited to metro cities |
| Price Transparency | Flat ₹999 / ₹1499 | Hidden handling charges |
| Process | MEA-Compliant (No shortcuts) | Often use unauthorised intermediaries |
| Tracking | Real-time updates | Manual follow-ups |
| Document Safety | Insured Courier | Untracked hand transfers |
| Support | Dedicated case manager | Call-centre style queues |
We don’t claim to be the cheapest — we claim to be accurate, compliant, and accountable.