Original DocumentDay 0
Ensure the document is the original, properly signed and issued by the relevant authority in India.
Live Support
Talk to DIDC directly for consultation, pickup guidance, and fast document coordination.
Countries outside the Hague Convention do not accept Apostille. A full attestation chain — state, MEA, and embassy — is required. DIDC manages this entire chain with correct sequencing and careful handling.
State / HRD → MEA Attestation → Embassy → Ready for use
Including Qatar, China Mainland, Malaysia, Nepal, Egypt, Nigeria, and more.
Step-by-Step Process
The sequence is non-negotiable. Each step must be completed before the next. DIDC manages every stage with careful tracking and responsible document handling.
Original DocumentDay 0
Ensure the document is the original, properly signed and issued by the relevant authority in India.
NotarizationDay 0–1
Documents are first notarized by a notary public to confirm authenticity of the signature and document.
State / HRD AttestationDay 1–4
Educational documents go to HRD or the state Education Department. Personal and commercial documents go to the state Home Department or GAD for attestation.
MEA AttestationDay 3–6
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) verifies the state-level attestation. For non-Hague countries, MEA provides attestation — not Apostille.
Embassy AttestationDay 5–10+
The destination country's embassy or high commission in India attests the MEA-stamped document. Each embassy has its own fees, timelines, and procedures.
Document ReadyDone
The fully attested document is accepted by the non-Hague destination country. DIDC returns it with careful packaging.
Apostille vs Embassy Attestation
| Factor | Apostille (Hague) | Embassy Attestation (Non-Hague) |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted In | 120+ Hague member countries | Specific non-Hague countries only |
| Stages Required | State Auth → MEA Apostille | State → MEA → Embassy |
| Embassy Visit | Not required | Required at destination country's embassy in India |
| Processing Time | Faster — typically 4 to 5 days | Longer — adds embassy turnaround time |
| Fees | Fixed MEA fee | MEA fee + embassy attestation fee (varies by country) |
| Sequence Flexibility | Fixed but fewer stages | Fixed and strictly sequential — no shortcuts |
| Common Countries | USA, UK, Germany, Australia, France | Qatar, China Mainland, Malaysia, Nepal, Egypt |
Country Directory
All countries below require the full embassy attestation chain. Click a country to visit its dedicated DIDC support page.
Middle East
Africa
Asia
Central Asia
Caribbean and Americas
Embassy Attestation FAQs
Countries that haven't signed the Hague Apostille Convention don't recognise the Apostille certificate. They require their own embassy or high commission in India to verify the document's authenticity and legitimacy. This gives the receiving country direct confirmation through its own diplomatic channel.
Embassy attestation adds at least one extra stage — the embassy itself — to the chain. Each embassy has different working hours, fees, and timelines. Some process in 2 days; others take 7 to 10 days depending on volume and document category. DIDC estimates the expected total timeline after consultation based on the specific embassy requirement.
No. The sequence is non-negotiable. State attestation must precede MEA attestation, and MEA attestation must precede the embassy stage. Documents submitted out of order are rejected by the receiving authority. DIDC manages the sequence carefully to avoid any rejection or delay.
Most countries with high documentation demand from India have an embassy or high commission in New Delhi, with some also having consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad. Some smaller nations may require alternate processing paths. DIDC verifies the correct processing location before starting any file.
For Gulf countries like Qatar, the most common documents are degree certificates, experience letters, birth certificates, and marriage certificates for employment and family visa purposes. For China, commercial documents and power of attorney are frequent. DIDC handles all categories including personal, educational, commercial, and legal documents.
Some embassies offer priority or express processing for an additional fee. DIDC can advise on whether that option is available for your specific country and document. For urgent cases, earlier submission and correct documentation from the start are the most reliable ways to reduce delays.
Ready to Start?
Incorrect sequencing or missing steps cause rejection. DIDC handles the complete non-Hague attestation chain with careful oversight, keeping you updated at each stage. Average turnaround is 4 to 5 business days (some attestations may need extra time based on the process involved) — though embassy timelines can vary.