Everything You Need to Know About Degree Certificate Apostille Attestation Fees in India
Everything You Need to Know About Degree Certificate Apostille Attestation Fees in India
Blog Article
Introduction
In today’s globalized world, traveling abroad for education, employment, or residency is increasingly common. One critical step in preparing your documents for international use is apostille attestation, especially for educational documents like degree certificates. This process validates your certificate for recognition in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
But how much does it cost? What is the process? In this post, we break down the complete fee structure and essential steps involved in the degree certificate apostille process in India.
What Is Apostille Attestation?
An apostille is a type of authentication issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It confirms that a public document (such as a degree certificate) is genuine and can be legally recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961.
Why Do You Need Apostille for Degree Certificates?
Apostille is often required when:
Applying for higher education abroad
Seeking employment in foreign countries
Applying for a visa, work permit, or residency
Submitting educational documents to foreign authorities
Step-by-Step Apostille Process for Degree Certificates
Notarization: Your degree certificate must first be notarized by a public notary.
State-Level Attestation: Next, the certificate is authenticated by the relevant State HRD Department or university authority.
MEA Apostille: Once state authentication is complete, the document is sent to the Ministry of External Affairs for final apostille.
What Are the Apostille Attestation Fees?
The overall cost of apostille attestation for a degree certificate includes the following components:
Service Fee
MEA Apostille Fee ₹50 per document
Service Provider/Agency Fee ₹500 to ₹1,500 (varies by agent)
Scanning & Handling Charges ₹3 to ₹20 per page
Total Estimated Cost ₹600 to ₹1,800 per certificate
Note: The MEA does not accept direct submissions. Documents must be submitted through authorized outsourcing agencies.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Agency Degree Certificate Apostille Charges: Different MEA-authorized service providers (like VFS, BLS) have varying convenience and courier fees.
Document Type: Costs may differ slightly between educational, personal, or commercial documents.
Urgency: Some agencies offer expedited services for an extra fee.
Turnaround Time
The complete process usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on state-level verification and the service provider.
Tips for a Smooth Apostille Process
Ensure your degree certificate is in good physical condition and has all necessary stamps.
Contact a reliable and MEA-authorized agency for submission.
Keep digital and photocopies of all documents for reference.
Conclusion
Getting an apostille for Degree Certificate Apostille your degree certificate is a crucial step when planning to study or work abroad. While the government’s base fee is nominal (₹50), the total cost depends on various service charges. Understanding the fee structure and process can help you prepare better and avoid unnecessary delays.
For expert assistance and hassle-free attestation, consult a trusted documentation agency that is officially approved by the MEA.