If you are planning to work, study, or settle abroad, getting your documents attested or apostilled is a mandatory step. Bangalore, being India’s IT capital, sees thousands of professionals and students every year who need document attestation for international use. This guide explains the complete process, costs, and how to get it done efficiently in Bangalore.
Attestation vs Apostille: What’s the Difference?
This is the most common question — and the most important one to answer correctly, because using the wrong process will result in your documents being rejected abroad.
Document Attestation
Attestation is a multi-step verification process required for documents being used in countries that are NOT members of the Hague Apostille Convention. These are primarily Middle Eastern countries where many Bangalore professionals work.
Countries requiring attestation (not exhaustive):
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
- China
- Vietnam
Attestation chain (each step must happen in order):
- Notary attestation — Local notary public in Bangalore
- Home Department / HRD attestation — Karnataka state-level authentication
- MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) attestation — Central government authentication
- Embassy/Consulate attestation — The destination country’s embassy in India
Apostille
Apostille is a single-step certification issued by the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) for documents being used in countries that ARE members of the Hague Apostille Convention (signed in 1961). India became a member in 2005.
Countries accepting apostille (partial list):
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
- South Africa, New Zealand
- Most European Union countries
Apostille process:
- Notary attestation (if required)
- State-level authentication (HRD for educational, Home Department for personal documents)
- MEA Apostille — A single sticker/stamp that makes the document valid in all 125+ Hague Convention member countries
Quick Decision Guide
| Going to… | You need… |
|---|---|
| UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait | Embassy Attestation (full chain) |
| USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe | Apostille (MEA sticker) |
| Singapore, Japan, South Korea | Apostille |
| China, Vietnam | Embassy Attestation |
Types of Documents That Can Be Attested/Apostilled
Educational Documents
- Degree certificates (B.E., B.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, etc.)
- Diploma certificates
- Mark sheets / transcripts
- Transfer certificates
- Provisional certificates
- PhD thesis confirmation letters
Personal Documents
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Divorce decree
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Medical fitness certificates
- Affidavits and declarations
Commercial Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Company incorporation certificates
- Board resolutions
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Financial statements
- Trade license copies
- Export/Import documentation
Step-by-Step Attestation Process in Bangalore
Step 1: Notary Attestation
Where: Any licensed notary public in Bangalore Time: Same day (usually 30 minutes) Cost: ₹100–₹500 per document
The notary verifies your identity and attests that the document is genuine. You must carry the original document and a valid photo ID.
Step 2: State-Level Authentication
For Educational Documents — HRD Attestation:
- Where: Department of Higher Education, Bengaluru (or the university that issued the degree)
- Process: Submit originals with copies; the HRD verifies the document with the issuing university
- Time: 5–10 working days
- Cost: ₹500–₹1,000
For Personal Documents — Home Department:
- Where: Home Department, Government of Karnataka, Vidhana Soudha
- Process: Submit notarized documents for state-level verification
- Time: 3–7 working days
- Cost: ₹500–₹1,000
For Commercial Documents — Chamber of Commerce:
- Where: Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangalore
- Process: Verification of commercial document authenticity
- Time: 2–5 working days
Step 3: MEA Authentication (for Attestation) or MEA Apostille
Where: Ministry of External Affairs — Regional Passport Office, Bangalore or MEA office, New Delhi. Many agents and services process through authorized channels.
For Apostille:
- Submit state-authenticated documents to MEA
- MEA affixes a square-shaped apostille sticker on the back of the document
- Each apostille has a unique identification number verifiable online
- Time: 3–5 working days
- Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per document (government fees)
For Embassy Attestation (Step 3 is MEA Attestation):
- Submit state-authenticated documents to MEA for their attestation stamp
- Time: 3–5 working days
- Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per document
Step 4: Embassy Attestation (Only for Non-Hague Countries)
Where: The respective country’s embassy or consulate (most are in New Delhi; some have offices in Bangalore or Mumbai)
UAE Embassy Attestation:
- Location: Embassy of UAE, New Delhi (processing also possible through VFS Global centres)
- Time: 5–10 working days
- Cost: ₹3,000–₹8,000 per document (varies by document type)
Saudi Arabia Embassy Attestation:
- Location: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi
- Time: 7–15 working days
- Cost: ₹4,000–₹10,000 per document
Cost Breakdown for Attestation & Apostille in Bangalore (2026)
Apostille (for USA, UK, Europe, Australia, etc.)
| Step | Cost per Document |
|---|---|
| Notary attestation | ₹100–₹500 |
| State authentication (HRD/Home Dept) | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| MEA Apostille | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Total | ₹1,600–₹3,500 |
Embassy Attestation (for UAE, Saudi, Qatar, etc.)
| Step | Cost per Document |
|---|---|
| Notary attestation | ₹100–₹500 |
| State authentication | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| MEA attestation | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Embassy attestation | ₹3,000–₹10,000 |
| Total | ₹4,600–₹13,500 |
Note: These are government/embassy fees only. Service charges for professional assistance are additional. Sevantay provides transparent pricing with all costs disclosed upfront.
Processing Times
| Service Type | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille (complete process) | 7–12 working days | 3–5 working days |
| UAE Embassy Attestation | 12–20 working days | 7–10 working days |
| Saudi Embassy Attestation | 15–25 working days | 10–15 working days |
| Qatar Embassy Attestation | 12–20 working days | 7–12 working days |
Factors affecting timeline:
- Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
- Current backlog at MEA and embassy offices
- Whether original documents or copies are submitted
- Festival/holiday season delays
- Embassy-specific processing variations
Bangalore-Specific Information
Key Offices for Attestation in Bangalore
Regional Passport Office, Bangalore
- Address: Subbaiah Reddy Layout, Behind BMW Showroom, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore - 560027
- Handles MEA-related attestation and apostille
- Appointment may be required
Karnataka HRD Department
- For educational document authentication
- Contact through the Department of Higher Education website
Sub-Registrar Offices
- For notary attestation of documents
- Multiple locations across Bangalore
VFS Global Centre, Bangalore
- Handles attestation submissions for several embassies
- Address: Check VFS Global website for current Bangalore centre address
- Appointment booking available online
Important Tips for Bangalore Residents
- Start early: Begin the attestation process at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date or document submission deadline
- Keep multiple copies: Make color photocopies of all documents before starting the process
- Verify requirements: Different embassies have different requirements — confirm the exact process for your destination country before starting
- Original documents: Most attestation steps require original documents. Ensure they are in good condition without tears or damage
- Track your documents: When using services, always get acknowledgment receipts and tracking numbers
- Check validity: Some embassy attestations have expiry dates. UAE attestation, for example, is typically valid for 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get attestation done in Bangalore or do I need to go to Delhi?
Most of the attestation process can be initiated from Bangalore. Notary and state-level authentication happen locally. MEA apostille/attestation can be processed through the Regional Passport Office in Bangalore or through authorized service providers. Embassy attestation for some countries may require documents to be sent to Delhi, but services like Sevantay handle this logistics for you.
How many documents can be attested at once?
There is no limit on the number of documents. However, each document goes through the same multi-step process independently. Processing multiple documents simultaneously is more efficient and cost-effective.
What if my documents are in Kannada?
Documents in regional languages including Kannada can be attested. However, some embassies may require an English translation. The translation must be done by an authorized translator and the translated document also needs attestation.
Can photocopies be attested?
Original documents are required for the attestation process. However, “true copy” certification of photocopies can be done by a notary public. Some processes accept notarized true copies, but embassy attestation typically requires originals.
What happens if my attested document is lost?
You would need to start the entire attestation process again with the original document (or a duplicate obtained from the issuing authority). This is why keeping photocopies and digital scans of attested documents is critical.
Need Help? Get It Done in 2-5 Days
Sevantay professionals handle document attestation and apostille end-to-end in Bangalore — from notary to embassy. Pay only after completion. No advance payment, no hidden charges.
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Still confused about whether you need apostille or attestation? Read our detailed comparison: Apostille vs Attestation — What’s the Difference & When You Need Each.
Planning to study abroad? Check our complete checklist: Documents Required for Study Abroad Attestation (2026 Guide).
Related Guides
- Apostille vs Attestation — What’s the Difference & When You Need Each?
- Documents Required for Study Abroad Attestation (2026 Guide)
- Where to Get Documents Notarized in Bangalore (Near Me Guide)
Why Choose Sevantay for Attestation & Apostille?
The attestation process involves multiple government offices, strict document requirements, and careful handling of your original documents. Sevantay’s verified professionals in Bangalore provide:
- End-to-end handling: From notary to embassy — one point of contact for the entire chain
- Secure document handling: Your originals are tracked and insured throughout the process
- Embassy expertise: Our professionals know the exact requirements for each embassy
- Status updates: Regular progress updates via WhatsApp
- All countries covered: Apostille for Hague countries and embassy attestation for all others
Ready to get your documents attested? Request the service or WhatsApp us.