If you need to Apostille an Indian marriage certificate for use in the Netherlands, here’s a step-by-step guide. Since both India and the Netherlands are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, the Apostille process makes the marriage certificate valid in the Netherlands without requiring further legalization by the Dutch Embassy.
Steps to Apostille an Indian Marriage Certificate for Use in the Netherlands:
Obtain the Original Marriage Certificate:
Ensure you have the original marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages in India.
If you don’t have the original certificate, you will need to obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority in the district where your marriage was registered.
Get the Marriage Certificate Attested by the Home Department:
Before your marriage certificate can be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it must first be attested by the Home Department or General Administration Department (GAD) of the state where the certificate was issued.
Or
Attestation from SDM, New Delhi after that it will be submission in MEA.
Submit the Marriage Certificate for MEA Apostille:
After the state-level attestation, the next step is to submit the marriage certificate to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Apostille.
MEA does not accept individual applications directly; you must go through an authorized outsourcing agency. These agencies act as intermediaries to submit documents to the MEA.
Steps for Apostille through Outsourcing Agencies (like INFINITYGRO)
Contact MEA-approved Outsourcing Agency: Choose an agency that offers Apostille services.
Submit the Document: Submit your original attested marriage certificate, along with photocopies and a completed Apostille application form.
Receive Apostilled Document: After submission, the agency will forward the document to MEA for Apostille. Once done, the agency will return the Apostilled marriage certificate, either via courier or for in-person pickup.
Apostille Sticker:
The MEA will affix an Apostille sticker on the back of your marriage certificate.
This Apostille sticker will include a unique identification number (UID), which can be verified online by authorities in the Netherlands.
Translation (If Needed):
If your marriage certificate is in a language other than English, you may need to get it translated into Dutch.
Translation should be done by a certified translator, and the translation may also need to be Apostilled or certified for use in the Netherlands.
Use in the Netherlands:
Once the Indian marriage certificate is Apostilled, it is ready for use in the Netherlands without further legalization.
You can submit the Apostilled document to the relevant Dutch authorities (such as for residency permits, name change, or registration of marriage).
Documents Required:
- Original marriage certificate.
- Photocopies of the certificate.
- ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport).
- Passport-sized photos (some agencies may require this).
- Authorization letter (if you are using an agency on your behalf).
Additional charges by the outsourcing agency for handling, attestation, and courier services.
By completing this process, your marriage certificate will be Apostilled and legally recognized in the Netherlands for various purposes, including immigration, spouse visa applications, and registration of marriage in Dutch civil records.