Attestation
Attestation done in the right order, the first time
Degree, experience and personal certificates need to be attested before many Gulf authorities and employers accept them. We guide you through every stage so you do not pay twice.
Attestation or apostille?
The route depends on your destination country. Choosing the wrong one means starting again.
For countries outside the Apostille Convention
Your document passes through several offices in India, then the embassy of the destination country, and sometimes a final step in that country. The UAE, for example, is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille alone is not accepted there.
For member countries only
A single stamp from the Ministry of External Affairs is accepted by countries that are members of the convention. Membership changes over time, so we confirm the current position for your destination before you start.
Documents we help you attest
What is needed depends on your authority and employer.
Education
- Degree or diploma certificate
- Mark sheets
- Internship completion certificate
Professional
- Council registration certificate
- Experience letters, where required
- Specialty or training certificates
Personal
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, for family visas
- Police clearance, where required
The usual attestation chain from India
This is the common order for documents going to the Gulf. It can change by document, state and destination.
Check the originals
We check names, dates and condition. University or board verification is done if needed.
State level
Notary with SDM, or the state HRD or Home Department, attests the document.
MEA attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs attests the document for use abroad.
Embassy attestation
The destination country's embassy in India attests it.
Final step abroad
Some countries add a last step in their country, such as MOFA in the UAE.
Good to know: Attestation usually takes a few weeks and varies by state, document and office. Some steps are done only after you receive an offer, so we tell you what to do now and what can wait. This way you do not spend money too early.
How we help
- Telling you which documents need attestation and in what order
- Checking your originals before anything is submitted
- Coordinating each stage through official channels
- Keeping a written list of every original you hand over
- Updating you on the status at each step
- Guidance if an office raises a query
Mistakes that cost time and money
- Attesting in the wrong order, then having to repeat
- Name or date mismatches between documents
- Attesting too early, before your job or authority confirms what is needed
- Using a damaged original or a photocopy
- Paying unofficial agents who offer shortcuts or fake stamps
- Assuming one country's route works for another
Fees
Government, embassy and other official charges are paid to the respective offices. Our service fee is separate. We share both in writing before you pay anything.
Fake attestation is a serious risk
Forged stamps or shortcuts can lead to rejection of your application, cancellation of a visa and even a ban. We only work through official channels.
Common questions
Should I attest my documents before I get a job offer?
Not always. It depends on your authority and employer. Some steps are needed only after an offer. We advise you on timing so you do not pay too early.
Is an apostille enough for the Gulf?
It depends on the destination country. The UAE, for example, does not accept an apostille in place of attestation. We confirm the correct route before you start.
Can I attest a scanned copy?
No. Attestation is done on original documents, or on documents that are properly notarised where the process allows it.
How long does attestation take?
It depends on the document, your state and the offices involved. It usually takes a few weeks. We give you a realistic estimate after checking your documents.
What happens to my original documents?
We note every original you hand over in writing and update you at each step until it is returned to you.
Not sure what to attest first?
Send us your profession and target country and we will list exactly what you need and in what order.
Independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government authority, embassy, DataFlow or Prometric. Attestation rules and international agreements can change, so we confirm the current route for your destination before you start. We do not guarantee jobs or approvals.