Apostille vs. embassy attestation are two different processes, used to verify the authenticity of documents for international use.
Both these processes are crucial when you need to use official documents in a foreign country, as they ensure that the documents are recognized as legally valid and legitimate.
In this article, we have described what is meant by Apostille and attestation and the main difference between Apostille and attestation. So let’s dive into the guide and read about the key differences which will help you if you want to go abroad!
What does Apostille mean?
An Apostille is a process of legalization that acknowledges whether the relevant authority issues the official seals, stamps, and signatures on a document. They investigate documents including marriage certificates, birth certificates, educational certificates, court orders, and other public documents issued in another country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is authorized to provide Attestation of the documents that can be used in The Hague Apostille Convention Countries.
Apostille stamp is a square molded computerized sticker stamp, pasted on the opposite of the report by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
What is meant by Embassy Attestation?
Embassy attestation is the process to authenticate the legal document in one country so that it will be accepted in another country. To determine whether a document is genuine or not, this is required as it is often difficult for the relevant authority such as an employer or the government.
MEA attestation this process is done and helps foreign authorities to guarantee that the documents issued from your home country which are used for getting an employment visa, residential visa, for higher studies, for starting a new business in foreign country.
Difference between Apostille and Embassy Attestation:
The Apostille and embassy attestation are two different processes, both processes used for authenticating and legalizing the documents used internationally. The Main difference between Apostille vs. embassy attestation is the types of documents, the legalization and authority which are involved and in which country those documents are accepted. The difference between Apostille vs. embassy attestation is as shown in following table:
Apostille
- Process is made according to the Hague Convention Treaty in 1961
- This process is introduced to avoid diplomatic legalization for authentication of documents
- This certificate is issued separately. Apostille process confirm the authenticity of the documents and certificates.
- The process has been specifically formulated with numbered fields. So the Apostille can be understood by the receiving country irrespective of the language used.
- Apostille can be received quickly, within a few days, depending on the country where the document was issued.
- Apostille commonly used in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. If the country is not a member, then Attestation is required.
Embassy Attestation
- Process is made according to federal laws in the UAE
- Embassy involvement is important to affirm the authentication of the documents
- This process is done on the original certificate. You should submit all those certificates and documents which require attestation, to relevant departments
- Attestation is done on the certificate directly. This process can be checked with the sign and seal of the attesting authority. Language is not a barrier.
- Attestation can take longer time than Apostille, as it involves additional steps, such as authentication by the embassy or consulate.
- Attestation commonly used in various fields to assure stakeholders that the information provided is reliable and trustworthy
Conclusion
In Conclusion, the key difference between Apostille vs. embassy attestation is like, Apostille is a simple and standard process of document legalization and this is primarily used for documents used in member countries of The Hague Convention.
Whereas, Embassy attestation is the complex and multi-step method used for documents that do not accept Apostille and also for documents that fall outside the scope of the convention.
The choice of Apostille vs. embassy attestation varies on the specific need of the country where you are going to use the document.