How Indian documents are legalised for Germany
Because neither an apostille nor embassy legalisation is available, the route depends on what the German authority asks for. In practice it usually asks for one of: the original document with a certified German translation, or a verification of the document arranged through the German mission in India. Tell us who is asking and we will confirm the right steps — sometimes MEA attestation is still requested for other purposes.
Sources: HCCH Apostille Convention status table · MEA list of designated signing authorities (Aug 2024).
Who authenticates documents in India
The first step is always done in the state where the document was issued, by the office MEA designates. A few examples:
| State | Educational documents | Personal documents |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | The Higher & Technical Education Department (medical degrees: Medical Education & Drugs Department; ITI/skill certificates: Skill Development Department), Mantralaya, Mumbai | The Home Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai |
| Gujarat | The General Administration Department (Protocol), Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar | The General Administration Department (Protocol), Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar |
| Karnataka | The Regional Commissioners (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi divisions) | The Home Department (Passport & Foreigners), Bengaluru, or the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru |
| Kerala | The Certificate Authentication Centres of the General Education Department (Norka Roots — Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode) | The Home Department, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Tamil Nadu | The Public (Protocol) Department, Secretariat, Chennai | The Public (Foreigners-III) Department, Secretariat, Chennai |
| Delhi | The Regional Directorates of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi | The Home (Passport) Department, Delhi Secretariat, or a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) |
Commercial documents are authenticated by a recognised Chamber of Commerce in every state.
Documents we handle for Germany
Degree certificate — work visas, higher studies, professional registration and immigration
Diploma certificate — skilled-worker visas, job applications and further studies
Mark sheets (10th and 12th) — student visas, dependant visas and admission to schools or colleges abroad
Birth certificate — family and dependant visas, citizenship and residence applications, school admission and marriage abroad
Marriage certificate — spouse and family visas, residence permits and name changes abroad
Death certificate — insurance and pension claims, inheritance and property matters, and closing accounts abroad
Divorce decree — remarriage abroad, visa and immigration applications, and changes to civil records
Police clearance certificate (PCC) — work and residence visas, permanent residence and citizenship applications
Affidavit — name-change, single-status and support declarations, and visa or court requirements abroad
Power of attorney — property, bank and court matters abroad handled by someone on your behalf
Commercial documents — exports, tenders, opening branches or bank accounts abroad, and registering agents or distributors
Translation
Many authorities in Germany ask for a certified translation of documents not in their official language. Check the requirement with the receiving office before you start, so the translation is done on the right copy.
Fees
MEA's own fee is ₹50 per apostille; normal attestation by MEA is free (the authorised MEA agencies add a small service charge per document). Our service charge depends on the document — ask for a quote.
We collect documents free of charge from your home or office anywhere in India (pickup is not available from villages), and you can follow each stage online on our process status and return courier pages.
Frequently asked questions
Does Germany accept an Indian apostille?
Germany objected to India joining the Apostille Convention and has not withdrawn the objection, so the Convention does not apply between Germany and India. German missions in India do not legalise Indian documents either; where a German authority needs to know an Indian document is genuine, it can ask the German mission to have the document verified.
Where is the first step done?
In the state where the document was issued — for example a degree from a Gujarat university goes to GAD (Protocol), Gandhinagar, whatever state you live in now.
Do I have to visit any office?
No. We collect your documents, submit them at each stage and courier them back to you.