Why European Countries Ask for an Apostille on Indian Documents
A university in France, an employer in the Netherlands, a registrar in Italy or a migration office in Norway: almost every European office that receives an Indian document wants it apostilled first. This post explains why, which European countries take the Indian apostille, the one major exception, and how degrees, certificates and company papers get the apostille in Delhi.
Quick answer: why Europe wants the apostille
Apostille for European countries is needed because a European office has no way of checking an Indian official’s signature or seal itself. Under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) certifies that signature once, and every other party to the Convention accepts that certificate without an embassy stamp. Nearly every European state is a party, and the Convention has applied to India since 14 July 2005.
INFINITYGRO arranges the apostille on personal and educational documents for Rs 1,000–1,500 per document, all-inclusive, usually in 2–3 working days in Delhi.
What the apostille does for a European office
Before the Convention, a document had to be legalised by the foreign ministry and then by the destination country’s embassy. The apostille replaces that chain with one certificate from the issuing country.
One stamp
The MEA apostille is the last step on the Indian side for a Convention country. No European embassy in New Delhi needs to see the document.
Signature, not content
The apostille confirms who signed the document and in what capacity. It does not certify that the content is true.
Checkable
Each apostille has a unique number, so the receiving office can confirm it was issued.
European countries that take the Indian apostille, including Germany
The HCCH status table lists these, among others, as parties. For Indian documents, apostille for European countries like these means the MEA apostille and nothing more.
For any country not shown, check the HCCH status table or ask us.
Does the EU’s own document rule remove the apostille?
Not for Indian documents. The EU’s Public Documents Regulation lets a public document issued in one EU country be accepted in another EU country without an apostille. It deals with documents issued by EU countries, so an Indian degree or birth certificate still needs the MEA apostille for each European country that is a Convention party. In short, apostille for European countries is still done in India.
Apostille for Europe from India, by document
| Degree, diploma, marksheet | Notary and SDM in Delhi, then MEA apostille |
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage, PCC | Notary and SDM in Delhi, then MEA apostille |
| Affidavits, experience letters | Notarised, SDM authentication, then MEA apostille |
| Company documents | Chamber of Commerce, then MEA; quoted in writing |
We also offer the online apostille (e-Sanad / QR apostille service). Done through INFINITYGRO it is usually ready in 2–3 working days; send the document and a copy of your passport, because the passport number is entered online.
Language rules differ. The Netherlands IND accepts documents in Dutch, English, French or German; Norway’s UDI accepts Norwegian or English. Elsewhere, ask the receiving office. INFINITYGRO translates into any language.
Apostille for European countries: cost and time
| MEA apostille, personal or educational document | Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per document, all-inclusive: notary, SDM attestation, the Rs 50 MEA fee and our service |
|---|---|
| Usual time | 2–3 working days in Delhi after the document reaches us |
| Courier | Extra, both ways |
| Translation | Quoted by language and page |
Commercial documents go through the Chamber of Commerce and the MEA and are quoted in writing after we see them. There is no European embassy fee for Convention countries.
Why European Countries Ask for an Apostille on Indian Documents: real sample
A real document from our files, with personal details hidden. Check the stamps on your own document against it.
FAQs: Why European Countries Ask for an Apostille on Indian Documents
Why do European countries ask for an apostille?
Because a European office cannot verify an Indian official’s signature on its own. The apostille is the MEA’s certificate confirming that signature, and under the Hague Convention every party accepts it without embassy legalisation.
Does Germany accept the Indian apostille?
Yes, in our experience. Our clients use the MEA apostille for Germany, and German offices have not asked for German Embassy legalisation. Occasionally a German authority may verify a document through the German mission.
Is apostille for European countries the same for every EU state?
The Indian side is the same: one MEA apostille. What differs is translation and how recent a document must be. Each receiving office sets those rules, so follow its checklist and send it to us with the documents.
Do I need the embassy of the European country to stamp my document?
No, not for Convention countries. The MEA apostille is the final step in India. Embassies such as the Netherlands, France or Italy do not add their own legalisation on top of it for Indian documents.
How much does apostille for European countries cost?
For personal and educational documents, Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per document, all-inclusive of notary, SDM, the Rs 50 MEA fee and our service. Courier is extra. Commercial documents are quoted in writing.
How long does it take?
Usually 2–3 working days in Delhi once the original reaches us, plus courier time. The online QR apostille through INFINITYGRO is also usually ready in 2–3 working days when you send the document and a passport copy.
Does the UK count as a European apostille country after Brexit?
Yes. The UK is a party to the Apostille Convention in its own right, so leaving the EU did not change anything for Indian documents. A UK university, employer or office accepts the MEA apostille without an embassy stamp.
Do I need a translation for Europe?
It depends on the country and office. The Netherlands IND accepts Dutch, English, French or German, and Norway’s UDI accepts Norwegian or English. Other offices may want their own language. INFINITYGRO translates into any language.
Official sources
Get your documents apostilled for Europe
WhatsApp a photo of your document and the country it is for. We confirm the route, time and total in writing before you send anything.
Office: C – 5 A/2 New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – 110096 · Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM · office drop-off or courier, no home pickup
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Disclaimer: INFINITYGRO is a private document facilitation service, not a government office or embassy. Apostilles and attestations are issued only by the Ministry of External Affairs and the embassies concerned; we do not issue, correct or verify certificates. Rules and fees can change, so check the requirements of the authority that will receive your document.
Last reviewed: October 2026