Countries That Accept Apostille (Hague Convention Members)
The Hague Apostille Convention (1961) simplifies document legalization. For marriage abroad in these countries, your Indian Single-Status Certificate needs only MEA Apostille (a sticker from Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi) — no Embassy legalization required.
Countries That Accept Apostille Certification
Hague Convention Member Countries – Accepted for Single Status Certificate, Bachelorhood Certificate, and All Indian Apostille Documents
The Apostille attestation is recognized by countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961. Documents apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India are valid in all member countries without requiring additional embassy attestation.
Below is the list of major countries that accept Apostille certificates, including Single Status Certificates for marriage abroad, visa processing, immigration, and legal documentation.
Your Listed Countries – All Accept Apostille
| Country | Member Since | Notes for Marriage/Single-Status Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 2006 | Apostille only |
| Switzerland | 1973 | Apostille only |
| Austria | 1968 | Apostille only |
| Belgium | 1971 | Apostille only |
| Brazil | 2016 | Apostille only |
| Norway | 1983 | Apostille only |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 1965 | Apostille only |
| Czech Republic | 1999 | Apostille only |
| France | 1965 | Apostille only |
| Germany | 1966 | Apostille only |
| Turkey | 1985 | Apostille only |
| Mexico | 1995 | Apostille only |
| Portugal | 1969 | Apostille only |
| United States (USA) | 1981 | Apostille only (issued by state or US Dept of State) |
| Russia | 1992 | Apostille only |
| Netherlands | 1965 | Apostille only |
| South Africa | 1995 | Apostille only |
| South Korea | 2007 | Apostille only |
| Spain | 1978 | Apostille only |
| Saudi Arabia | 2022 | Apostille only (since 7 Dec 2022) |
Additional Hague Member Countries (And Many Others!)
More than 120+ countries globally accept Apostille, including:
Poland, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Japan, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Luxembourg, Iceland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Malta, Cyprus, and others.
All the above countries are full members → Only MEA Apostille required on your Single-Status Certificate.
Benefits for You (NRI/Indian Clients)
- Faster process: 7–15 days (instead of 4–6 weeks with Embassy)
- Lower cost: No Embassy fees
- 100% remote: No need to visit India
- We handle SDM → State → MEA Apostille → Courier abroad
These countries accept apostilled documents for purposes such as:
- Marriage registration
- Visa applications
- Immigration procedures
- Academic admissions
- Employment verification
- Business and legal contracts
Note: While apostille is sufficient for most purposes, some countries may still request additional consular verification depending on the document type or local regulations
Apostille vs. Attestation
- Apostille: Accepted by Hague Convention countries. Issued by MEA in India.
- Attestation: Required for non-Hague countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Kuwait). Involves embassy/legalization steps.
Why This Is Important for NRIs and Foreign Citizens
If your marriage, visa, or immigration procedure is taking place in any of the above countries, you must obtain an Apostilled Single Status Certificate from India.
Legal Light Consulting helps with:
✔ Preparing the Single Status Affidavit
✔ SDM / Court Certification
✔ State Home Department Attestation
✔ MEA Apostille
✔ Courier Delivery to Any Country
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Single-Status / Bachelorhood Certificate Services Legal Light Consulting – LLC Lawyer
Do I have to visit your office for a Single-Status Certificate?
No. Legal Light Consulting offers complete online and remote assistance. You can initiate the process digitally, and our team will handle drafting, filing, attestation, and delivery—without requiring a physical visit.
Which stamp will appear on a Single-Status Certificate?
The certificate may carry one or more of the following stamps, depending on the destination country’s requirements:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Court seal
- State Home Department counter-attestation
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation or apostille
- Embassy or Consulate legalization (if required)
Can I obtain a Single-Status Certificate if I was previously married?
Yes, provided you are now legally divorced or widowed. You must submit supporting documents such as:
- Divorce decree (final and certified)
- Death certificate of spouse (if applicable) Our team ensures proper affidavit drafting and verification for such cases.
What are the different names of Bachelorhood Certificate in India?
The certificate is known by various names, including:
- Single-Status Certificate
- Bachelorhood Certificate
- Certificate of No Impediment
- Unmarried Certificate
- Certificate of Eligibility to Marry
- Affidavit of Singleness
What is the validity of a Single-Status Certificate in India?
Most countries accept certificates issued within the last 3 to 6 months. However, validity depends on the destination country’s regulations. We recommend obtaining a fresh certificate close to your marriage or visa application date.
Can the certificate be delivered to my address abroad?
Absolutely. Legal Light Consulting provides secure international courier delivery to your address abroad, embassy, or consulate—ensuring timely and safe receipt of your attested certificate.
Countries That Do NOT Accept Apostille (Require Full Embassy Legalization)
UAE ▪ Qatar ▪ Kuwait ▪ Oman ▪ Egypt ▪ Thailand ▪ Vietnam ▪ China (only Hong Kong/Macao accept) ▪ Canada (joined 2024, but some provinces still transitioning)
Need Help?
Tell us your marriage destination country — we will confirm the exact requirement instantly!
📱 WhatsApp/Call: +91-9999641341 📧 info@legallightconsulting.com 🌐 www.legallightconsulting.com
Legal Light Consulting – LLC Lawyer “Apostille or Attestation — We Know Exactly What Your Country Needs.”
Why This Matters for Legal Light Consulting
Understanding this distinction is crucial for your service:
-
For Apostille Countries: Your process ends after securing the MEA Apostille in New Delhi. This is generally faster and simpler.
-
For Non-Apostille Countries (like Saudi Arabia): Your service must include the critical final step of Embassy Attestation after the MEA attestation, which adds time and complexity.
Pro Tip for your clients: Always state the destination country upfront. This allows you to immediately advise on the correct process (Apostille vs. Attestation), set accurate timelines, and provide a correct fee estimate.
Disclaimer: International regulations can change. While this information is accurate as of the last update, Legal Light Consulting always verifies the current requirements with the respective authorities for each case to ensure document validity.
