Legalizing documents in India involves a process to ensure that they are recognized as valid and authentic for use in the Netherlands. Here's a general guide on how to legalize documents in India:

Step 1: Get Pre-authentication (State-Level Attestation)

Your marriage certificate is a personal document, so it must first be authenticated by the State Home Department of the state where it was issued.

• For example, if the certificate is from Maharashtra, you must get it authenticated by the Home Department of Maharashtra.

• This step confirms the certificate is genuine.

📌 In some cases, MEA may accept documents without this if they are processed through approved agencies offering pre-verification services.

Step 2: Submit to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Apostille

Once authenticated, the certificate is sent to the MEA, which will issue the apostille sticker.

You cannot approach MEA directly—you must go through an authorized service provider.

Official MEA Apostille Partners (2024):

• VFS Global → https://www.vfsglobal.com/apostille/india

• Goodway Attestation

• BLS International

These agencies have drop-off centers in major cities.

Step 3: Documents You Need to Submit

• Original Marriage Certificate

• Photocopy of the certificate

• Copy of Passport (or Aadhaar) of at least one of the spouses

• Authorization letter (if someone else is submitting on your behalf)

• Application form (available at the agency or online)

Step 4: Timeline

• Standard: 3–5 working days

• Express: 1–2 working days, depending on agency and city

Helpful Links

• MEA Apostille Info: https://mea.gov.in/apostille.htm

• Hague Convention Country List: HCCH status table