When comparing quotes, many people notice that “apostille” and “attestation” can cost quite different amounts — and assume one provider is cheaper than another. Often, the difference isn’t the provider; it’s the process. Here is what actually drives apostille versus attestation costs.
They are two different routes
Apostille is for Hague Convention countries; embassy (consular) attestation is for non-members such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. They share the early stages but diverge at the end — and that divergence is where the cost difference comes from.
What both routes share
Both typically involve state-level verification, any needed notarisation, service handling and logistics, and (for degrees) university verification. These common stages cost broadly the same either way.
Where apostille is usually cheaper
Apostille ends with a single MEA sticker carrying only a nominal government fee. There is no embassy step. So for a Hague destination, you avoid an entire additional stage — which usually makes apostille the less expensive route.
Where attestation costs more
Embassy attestation adds the destination embassy’s attestation fee — which can be significant and varies by country — and sometimes a further destination-MOFA step after arrival. That extra stage is the main reason attestation for non-Hague countries typically costs more than apostille.
So what are you actually paying for?
- With apostille: verification stages, handling, logistics and a nominal MEA fee.
- With embassy attestation: all of the above plus the embassy’s attestation fee (and possibly a destination-side step).
The practical point
When comparing costs, first confirm which route your destination requires — you cannot choose the cheaper one; the destination decides. Then ask each provider for a stage-by-stage breakdown, so you are comparing like with like rather than a headline number.
Apostille and attestation cost differently mainly because of the embassy stage, not provider markups. Know which route your destination needs, get a transparent breakdown, and you will understand exactly what you are paying for.
Quick FAQ
Why does attestation cost more than apostille?
Embassy attestation (for non-Hague countries) adds the embassy’s attestation fee — and sometimes a destination-MOFA step — on top of the stages apostille also has.
Can I choose the cheaper route?
No — the destination decides. Apostille for Hague members; embassy attestation for non-members such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
How do I compare provider costs fairly?
Ask each for a stage-by-stage breakdown, so you compare like with like rather than a single headline figure.
How Manav Corporate Consultants can help
At Manav Corporate Consultants (MCC), we handle the complete apostille and attestation journey — checking your documents for issues before submission, then managing notarisation, state and Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA apostille and embassy legalisation — with doorstep pick-up and drop across India, transparent pricing and genuine, online-verifiable results. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified, MEA-licensed firm, we help you get it right the first time, without the errors, hidden costs or delays that catch applicants out.
Mumbai – +91 7738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune – +91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com