The Apostille is a simplified form of document authentication under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, which abolishes the need for multiple attestations or embassy legalizations for public documents used between member countries. For Indians, this is especially useful when planning to study, work, migrate, get married, or handle legal matters abroad—common scenarios like Canada PR, Australia skilled migration, US student visa, UK job, or Europe family reunion.
Since India joined the Hague Apostille Convention on October 26, 2005, Indian documents (educational degrees, birth/marriage certificates, PCC, power of attorney, etc.) with an Apostille sticker from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are directly accepted in all member countries without further embassy attestation.
Which Countries Accept Apostille Certificates?
As of 2025–2026, more than 125 countries are parties to the Apostille Convention. An apostille from India (or any member country) is mutually recognized among these nations. Here is an updated list of major member countries (grouped alphabetically for easy reference):
- A: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan
- B: Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria
- C: Canada (joined 2024), Chile, China (including Hong Kong & Macao – joined 2023), Colombia, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic
- D: Denmark
- E: Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia
- F: Fiji, Finland, France
- G: Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala
- H: Honduras, Hungary
- I: Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy
- J: Japan, Jordan
- K: Kazakhstan, Korea (Republic of/South Korea), Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan
- L: Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
- M: North Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco
- N: Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, North Macedonia, Norway
- O: Oman
- P: Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal
- R: Romania, Russia, Rwanda
- S: Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland
- T: Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey
- U: Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
- V: Vanuatu
- Z: Zimbabwe
(Note: This list reflects the latest accessions, including recent joiners like Canada (2024) and China (2023). The total exceeds 125 members/territories.)
Popular Destinations for Indians Where Apostille Works Perfectly
Many Indians frequently ask about these countries:
- Canada — Yes, fully accepted since Canada joined in January 2024. Indian apostilled documents (e.g., degree, birth certificate, PCC) are directly valid for Express Entry, study permits, spousal visas, etc.
- USA — Yes, the US is a long-time member. Apostilled Indian documents are accepted for visa processing, employment, university admissions, etc.
- Australia → Yes, widely used for skill assessment, student visas, and migration.
- United Kingdom → Yes, for jobs, study, or family visas.
- Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands → Yes, common for higher education and work visas in Europe.
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar → No — These Gulf countries are not Hague members, so full embassy attestation (MEA + Embassy) is still required.
- Singapore, Malaysia → Yes (both members).
- Japan, South Korea → Yes.
Quick Tip for Indians
To use your document abroad:
- Get state HRD/SDM attestation (for educational/personal documents) if required.
- Submit to MEA for the Apostille stamp/e-Apostille.
- That’s it—no need for further legalization in member countries.
Always double-check the destination country’s specific requirements (e.g., some may need translations), as acceptance is for the apostille itself, but additional rules can apply for visas or immigration.
If you’re planning to move/study/work abroad and need apostille help, feel free to share your destination country in the message—We can guide you on the exact process!