If you are applying for a dependent visa to join your spouse or children in a Hague Convention country, apostilling your Indian documents is a mandatory step. An apostille is an internationally accepted certification issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, which validates documents for legal use abroad.
This guide explains who needs apostille, which documents are required, the step-by-step process, country-specific rules, and common mistakes to avoid—helping you complete your dependent visa application smoothly.
For an overview of the process, refer to Apostille services in India.
Apostille is required when applying for a dependent visa in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Spouse visa applicants – Apostille of Marriage Certificate
Children applying as dependents – Apostille of Birth Certificate
Certain countries – Apostille of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Without apostille, most embassies and immigration authorities will not accept Indian civil documents for dependent visa processing.
Apostille requirements vary by destination country. Common examples include:
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate
PCC (if requested)
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate
Certified translation may be required
In specific cases, apostille may be required instead of embassy attestation
Always confirm requirements with the destination country’s embassy or immigration authority, or check country-wise attestation requirements.
Typically required documents include:
Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse)
Original Birth Certificate (for children)
Police Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
Passport copy of the applicant
Passport and visa or residence permit copy of the sponsor (if available)
Ensure all documents are clear, unlaminated, and correctly issued.
Verify that:
Names match passport records
Certificates are readable and authentic
Documents meet destination country format requirements
Some documents require verification before MEA apostille:
Marriage and Birth Certificates – Home Department attestation or SDM attestation
PCC – Issuing authority verification
State requirements vary, so professional document attestation services help avoid errors.
After verification, documents are submitted to the MEA through authorised centres.
Apostille is issued as a computer-generated sticker
Valid in all Hague Convention countries
Processing time depends on document type and prior verification status.
If documents are in a regional language:
Certified translation into English or the destination language may be required
Some countries require the translated document to be apostilled as well
Use certified translation services to ensure acceptance.
Once apostilled, documents can be submitted:
Along with the dependent visa application
During embassy or VFS appointments
Directly to immigration authorities abroad (if applicable)
Avoid these frequent issues:
Name mismatch between certificate and passport
Old, damaged, or laminated documents
Missing state-level attestation
Incorrect document format
Submitting uncertified photocopies
Rejected documents must be corrected and re-applied, causing delays.
For dependent visas involving children:
Birth Certificate apostille is mandatory
Some countries request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if one parent is not travelling
Older children may require a PCC, depending on country rules
If your marriage took place outside India:
The marriage certificate must be apostilled in the country of issuance, or
Registered with the Indian Embassy abroad
Only then can it be used for dependent visa purposes in India.
In rare cases, notarized or attested documents may be accepted. However, most Hague Convention countries strictly require apostille, and skipping this step often results in visa rejection.
Keep scanned copies of all apostilled documents
Confirm if translation is required
Submit documents before visa deadlines
Carry originals for embassy interviews if requested
No. Apostille must be completed in India. Indian embassies abroad do not issue apostilles. If missed, documents usually need to be couriered back to India.
Dependent visa apostille is a critical legal step for family reunification abroad. Since requirements differ by country and document type, careful verification and correct processing are essential.
For professional assistance, PEC Attestation provides end-to-end support for:
State verification
MEA apostille
Certified translations
Country-specific compliance
To understand document eligibility, country-wise rules, and MEA procedures in detail, read the complete guide:
👉 https://pecattestation.com/blog/dependent-visa-apostille-india