Guide
Apostille of Indian documents for use in the UK
How NRIs in the UK get Indian degree, birth, marriage and other documents apostilled: steps, timelines, cost and when you need it.
Updated 30 October 2026
Indian documents used in the UK are authenticated with an MEA apostille after state or university verification. Ask the employer, university, registry office or court what they need first: many UK checks only want copies or a direct verification.
When you need it in the UK
An apostille is commonly asked for by UK courts, registry offices for marriage, some employers and professional bodies. Qualification checks (for example through Ecctis) and many universities work from copies or direct verification instead.
Step by step
- Confirm in writing which document the body in the UK wants, and whether it wants an apostille, a translation or both.
- Send clear scans first, so names and document types can be checked.
- Send the originals to India, or authorise someone there to collect them from your university or the issuing office.
- State or university verification, then the MEA apostille.
- Courier the apostilled documents to you in the UK.
Time and cost
Usually 2 to 4 weeks door to door, longer if the university must verify first. Official fees are paid at actuals; SafeNRI's fee starts at ₹1,999 per document. See how long MEA apostille takes.
If you need help
SafeNRI checks which route your destination needs, handles state verification, the MEA step and courier, and shares receipts for every official fee. See Apostille and attestation and Education document attestation and apostille. SafeNRI is an independent private service, not affiliated with any government department, university or board. You can also apply yourself; our fee is for assisting and representing you, and official fees are charged at actuals with receipts.