Short answer: an apostille (from India’s MEA) is accepted directly by Hague Convention countries — it’s the last step. Embassy attestation is for countries outside the convention: MEA attests first, then that country’s embassy attests. Which one you need depends only on the destination.
Two routes, one purpose: getting your Indian document accepted abroad. Here’s how they differ in steps, time and countries.
Side by side
Which countries use which?
Saudi Arabia (since December 2022), China (since November 2023), Oman, Bahrain, the Philippines, Japan and most of Europe are apostille countries. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Thailand, Egypt and Malaysia are not. Germany is a special case: it objected to India’s accession, so Indian apostilles are not accepted there.
Documents going abroad?
We handle MEA apostille for 120+ Hague countries (Saudi Arabia, China, Europe, USA) and embassy attestation for the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and more — state, MEA and embassy stages done for you, with pan-India courier pickup.
Why it matters
Getting an apostille for a non-Hague country — or doing embassy attestation for a Hague country — wastes time and money. Always check the destination first. Our country pages list the route for each country.
Next steps
- Hague country → MEA apostille
- Non-Hague country → MEA attestation + embassy attestation
Not sure which attestation your form needs? Send a photo of it on WhatsApp or call +91 93109 70010 — we tell you the exact process before you spend any money.
Frequently asked questions
Is apostille better than embassy attestation?
Neither is better — each is used for different countries. An apostille is simpler where it’s accepted.
Can I get an apostille instead of UAE embassy attestation?
No. The UAE is not a Hague member.
Is Saudi Arabia apostille or embassy?
Apostille, since December 2022.
SK Document Centre has helped people in Delhi NCR with attestation, affidavits, apostille and embassy legalisation for over a decade. Questions about your documents? WhatsApp us.
