If you are planning to move abroad with your spouse for a job, study, residency, or dependent visa, apostilling your Indian marriage certificate is often mandatory. Apostille is an internationally accepted form of document legalization used by countries that are members of the Hague Convention (1961).
This guide explains what a marriage certificate apostille is, why it is required, and the step-by-step process in India, along with required documents, common challenges, and validity details.
Learn more about apostille attestation in India.
A marriage certificate apostille is a certification issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, confirming that the document is genuine and legally valid for use in other Hague Convention countries.
Once apostilled, the marriage certificate does not require embassy legalization for Hague member countries.
Read in detail about Marriage Certificate Apostille in India.
Apostille is commonly required for:
Spouse or dependent visa applications
Immigration and permanent residency
Family reunification abroad
Employment benefits for spouses
Education and accommodation formalities
Property or legal matters overseas
Child-related documentation abroad
Without apostille, foreign authorities may reject the marriage certificate, even if notarized.
See dependent visa apostille requirements.
Ensure the original marriage certificate:
Is clearly printed and readable
Contains correct names, date, and place of marriage
Bears the registrar’s official seal and signature
Some countries prefer recently issued certificates, so re-issuance may be required.
The marriage certificate is first notarized by a registered notary public along with basic ID proof.
Note: Notarization alone is not sufficient for international use.
Depending on the issuing state, the document may require:
Home Department attestation
SDM Attestation
This step verifies the document at the state level before apostille.
The final apostille is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through authorized centres.
MEA affixes a computer-generated apostille sticker
Accepted in all Hague Convention countries
Understand how MEA Apostille works in India.
You will generally need:
Original marriage certificate
Passport copies of both spouses
Aadhaar card copy (if required)
Additional documents may be requested depending on the issuing state or destination country.
Check the full list of documents eligible for apostille.
Incorrect details → Apply for correction before apostille
Delays at state departments → Apply early
MEA rejection → Ensure correct prior attestation
Regional language certificate → Obtain certified translation
Changing rules → Always verify the latest MEA guidelines
Apostille itself does not expire
Some countries may request a recently issued certificate
Valid only in Hague Convention countries
Non-Hague countries require embassy attestation instead
Learn the difference between apostille and embassy attestation.
Marriage certificate apostille is a mandatory legal requirement for many international processes involving spouses. While the procedure is straightforward, errors in documentation or verification can cause delays.
Completing the apostille correctly ensures that your marriage certificate is legally accepted abroad—whether for a dependent visa, immigration, or family settlement.
For a smooth process, ensure documents are accurate, properly attested, and submitted as per current MEA guidelines.
For expert assistance, visit
https://pecattestation.com/apostille/marriage-certificate