Attestation vs Apostille: Key Differences You Must Know

Comparison chart explaining attestation vs apostille process for international document legalization.

Introduction

When planning international travel, higher education, overseas employment, or long-term settlement, one question often arises: What’s the difference between attestation vs apostille?

Though both processes legalize your documents for use abroad, they apply to different countries and follow different procedures. Choosing the wrong process can cause visa delays, rejection, or immigration trouble.

What Is Apostille?

Apostille is a simplified form of document legalization recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the sole authority that issues apostilles.

Features of Apostille:

• Issued only by MEA

• Contains a tamper-proof sticker with a unique ID

• Accepted by 100+ Hague Convention countries

When Is It Required?

Use apostille when your destination country is part of the Hague Convention.

Examples of Apostille-Accepting Countries:

Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Australia, Spain, New Zealand

What Is Attestation?

Attestation is a multi-level document authentication process required by countries not part of the Hague Convention. It includes validation at the state level, followed by MEA, and then embassy attestation.

Steps Involved in Attestation:

1. Notary Attestation

2. State HRD or Home Department

3. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

4. Embassy/Consulate of the destination country.

   
   

When Is It Required?

When your destination country does not accept apostille.

Examples of Attestation-Requiring Countries:

UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kuwait, China

Key Differences: Attestation vs Apostille

Feature	Apostille	Attestation
For Hague Convention	Yes	No
Legalization Authority	MEA only	State + MEA + Embassy
Stamp/Seal Type	Apostille sticker	Multiple stamps & seals
Accepted In	Hague Convention countries	Non-Hague countries (Gulf, Asia)
Turnaround Time	Faster	Slightly longer

Why This Distinction Matters

Choosing between attestation vs apostille is not just technical—it can impact your visa, university admission, or employment.

Applying the wrong process may result in:

• Delays in visa processing

• Application rejection

• Entry denial

• Legal complications abroad

How PEC Simplifies the Legalization Journey

• At PEC Attestation and Apostille Services, we guide you from start to finish:

• Determine whether attestation or apostille applies 

• Draft and notarize affidavits or declarations 

• Facilitate HRD/Home/MEA/Embassy attestation 

• Provide certified translations (if required) 

• Pickup & delivery available across major Indian cities 

• 10+ years of trusted experience

FAQs

1. How do I know whether I need attestation or apostille?

It depends on your destination country. PEC offers free guidance to determine the correct route.

2. Is apostille valid in the UAE or Saudi Arabia?

No. These are non-Hague Convention countries and require full embassy attestation.

3. Can PEC handle both apostille and attestation?

Yes, we are a trusted provider for both legalization processes.

📞 Contact PEC – Let’s Simplify the Process

📍 Pune & Mumbai Offices 

🌐 Website: www.pecattestation.com 

📞 Call: +91 020-48508000 

📧 Email: inquiry@pecattestation.com