United Kingdom Embassy Attestation Fees 2026: MEA Apostille for UK Jobs, Study, Marriage and Business
United Kingdom Embassy Attestation is a common search, but Britain has been a Hague Apostille country since 1965, so an Indian certificate bound for the UK is finished with an MEA apostille and the British High Commission never stamps it.
Answer in brief: The UK ratified the Apostille Convention on 21 August 1964, effective 24 January 1965 (HCCH). When a British employer, university, register office, court, bank or solicitor wants a legalised Indian paper, it is checked by the state (or a Chamber for trade papers) and then gets the MEA apostille. Most UKVI visa files need no apostille, so ask first.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: HCCH status table; GOV.UK; Consulate General of India, Birmingham.
Is United Kingdom Embassy Attestation needed, or is an apostille enough?
An apostille is enough: Indian documents used anywhere in the UK need only the MEA apostille, as India (since 14 July 2005) and the UK are both Hague parties.
| Point | Position for the UK |
|---|---|
| Hague status | Ratified 21 Aug 1964; in force 24 Jan 1965 |
| Final stamp in India | MEA apostille with a QR code and serial number |
| British High Commission role | None: it does not legalise or notarise Indian documents |
| Language | English; Indian-language records need a certified English translation |
| Time and price | PCC in about 2–4 working days, from ₹1,000 |
Unlike the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait, which add an embassy stamp after MEA, the United Kingdom accepts the apostille alone.
When do UK authorities actually ask for an apostille on Indian papers?
UK authorities ask for an apostille mainly in legal, civil-status and corporate matters; routine UKVI visa files usually rely on originals or scans.
Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas
Skilled Worker visas rest on a sponsor's job offer, so most Indian engineers and care workers never need an apostille, though some sponsors and NHS trusts want apostilled degrees or a police certificate. The NMC and GMC run their own verification.
Dependants, students, marriages and companies
Spouses and children joining a worker prove the relationship with marriage and birth certificates; UKVI usually accepts originals. Universities issuing a CAS occasionally want apostilled transcripts. A register office taking notice of marriage may ask for a legalised birth certificate or divorce decree. Indian firms opening a UK subsidiary apostille board resolutions and constitutional documents for Companies House, banks and solicitors.
How does degree certificate attestation for the United Kingdom work?
Degree certificate attestation for the United Kingdom takes a notarised copy, State HRD verification and the MEA apostille.
- Notary copyA notary certifies a photocopy for the state file.
- State HRD verificationThe issuing state's education department confirms the result.
- MEA apostilleThe Ministry of External Affairs fixes its apostille to the original.
- Use in BritainGive it to the sponsor, university or Ecctis.
Diplomas and transcripts follow suit. Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) compares qualifications with UK levels; the apostille only proves authenticity.
What is the route for marriage certificate attestation for the United Kingdom?
Marriage certificate attestation for the United Kingdom runs through a notary, the SDM or state Home Department, then the MEA apostille; birth and divorce records follow suit.
| Indian record | Where it is used in Britain |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | Spouse visa back-up, register office, bank and school records |
| Birth certificate attestation for United Kingdom | Child's school place, dependant file, UK passport cases |
| PCC attestation for United Kingdom | Sponsor checks, NHS onboarding, some regulators |
| Experience certificate attestation for United Kingdom | Sponsor HR files, professional bodies |
| Single status affidavit or divorce decree | Giving notice of marriage in England or Scotland |
A Passport Seva or RPO police certificate skips the Home Department step and goes straight to MEA.
Which papers fall under commercial document attestation for the UK?
Commercial document attestation for the UK means Chamber endorsement, then the MEA apostille. Britain buys Indian garments, medicines, machinery and gems, and the India–UK trade agreement signed in July 2025 draws more Indian suppliers. Frequently apostilled:
- Certificate of incorporation, MOA and AOA for a UK establishment or subsidiary
- Board resolution and company power of attorney
- Free sale certificate, GMP and COPP for medicines
- Certificate of Origin and invoice
How are UK-issued documents legalised for use in India?
UK-issued documents are legalised for India by a UK apostille from the Legalisation Office, and India accepts that apostille without any further stamp from the Indian High Commission or consulates. GOV.UK lists £45 per document for the standard service. A power of attorney signed in Britain for Indian property may be apostilled in the UK or attested in person at an Indian mission, says the Consulate General of India, Birmingham.
What are United Kingdom embassy attestation fees in 2026?
United Kingdom embassy attestation fees with INFINITYGRO begin at ₹1,000 for an apostilled police certificate; no British consular fee applies.
| Indian paper | Our all-inclusive fee | Approx. working days |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Seva / RPO police certificate | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | 2 – 4 |
| Birth certificate | From ₹1,500 | 5 – 8 |
| Marriage certificate | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | 5 – 8 |
| Degree, diploma, transcripts | Quoted by state or university | 7 – 20 |
| Company or export document | Quoted per document | 4 – 7 |
Courier to the UK and translations are extra; laminated or mismatched papers cause delays.
INFINITYGRO, C-5 A/2, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi: WhatsApp +91 85955 58517, call +91 85120 89575.
Where is the British High Commission in New Delhi?
The British High Commission stands on Shantipath, Chanakyapuri; for Indian papers, United Kingdom Embassy Attestation is replaced by the MEA apostille.
| Item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00; public access by appointment only |
| Enquiries | Online form: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/india/british-high-commission-new-delhi |
| Other UK offices | Deputy High Commissions incl. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai |
| Website | https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-new-delhi |
Details checked October 2026 on GOV.UK; confirm timings with the mission before visiting. GOV.UK lists no public email or phone; use the form.
United Kingdom Embassy Attestation: questions Indians ask
Does the British High Commission attest Indian certificates?
No. The British High Commission in New Delhi does not legalise Indian documents; because the UK is an Apostille Convention party, the MEA apostille is the only legalisation British offices need.
When did the UK join the Apostille Convention?
1965. The United Kingdom ratified on 21 August 1964 and the Convention entered into force on 24 January 1965, according to the HCCH status table.
Do I need an apostille for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
No, not normally. UKVI decides the case on the sponsor's certificate and your originals or scans, though some employers and NHS trusts ask for apostilled degrees.
How much does a UK apostille cost in India?
₹1,000–₹1,500 for an apostilled passport-office police certificate. Birth records start at ₹1,500, marriage records cost ₹1,500–₹2,500, and degrees or company papers are quoted after we see a scan.
How many days does degree certificate attestation for the United Kingdom take?
7 to 20 working days in most cases, because the state education department must verify the degree before MEA adds the apostille; a police certificate is often ready in 2 to 4 days.
Is marriage certificate attestation for the United Kingdom needed for a spouse visa?
No, not always. UK Visas and Immigration usually accepts the original marriage certificate, but an apostilled copy avoids questions at register offices, banks and schools after arrival.
Is an apostille the same as an Ecctis statement?
No. The apostille proves an Indian certificate is genuine, while an Ecctis statement of comparability tells UK employers and universities which British level the qualification matches.
Can a Passport Seva PCC be apostilled for the UK directly?
Yes. A police certificate from Passport Seva or a Regional Passport Office skips the Home Department and SDM stage and goes straight to MEA for the apostille.
Do Indian documents need translation for the UK?
No, if they are in English. Certificates in Hindi or another Indian language need a full English translation carrying the translator's signed confirmation of accuracy and contact details.
How do I legalise a UK birth certificate for use in India?
Get a UK apostille from the Legalisation Office; India accepts it as issued. GOV.UK lists £45 per document for the standard service, and Indian missions will not add a second stamp.
Can an Indian company apostille documents for a UK subsidiary?
Yes. Incorporation certificate, MOA, AOA and board resolutions are endorsed by a Chamber of Commerce, apostilled by MEA and used with Companies House and banks.
Can INFINITYGRO send apostilled papers to me in Britain?
Yes. We collect originals anywhere in India, complete notary, verification and the MEA apostille, and courier the finished papers to your Indian address or straight to the UK.