If you need to get an apostille for Indian documents to be used in Georgia (the country), the process is quite straightforward, as Georgia is a member of the Hague Convention of 1961. This means that an apostille obtained in India will be legally recognized in Georgia for various purposes, such as immigration, legal, business, or educational purposes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an apostille for Indian documents for use in Georgia:

1. Types of Documents You Can Apostille for Georgia

You can apostille a variety of documents for use in Georgia, including:

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Educational Documents (degree certificates, mark sheets, diplomas, etc.)
• Notarized Documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts, etc.)
• Court Documents (court orders, legal judgments, etc.)
• Business Documents (company incorporation documents, contracts, etc.)

2. Steps to Get an Apostille for Indian Documents

Step 1: Verify the Document (If Required)

Some documents require state-level verification before they can be apostilled. The process depends on the type of document:

• Educational Documents:
• Documents like degree certificates, mark sheets, and transcripts need to be verified by the State HRD Ministry or the concerned university before being submitted for apostille.
• Once state verification is done, you can submit the documents to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for apostille.
• Notarized Documents:
• Documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and contracts need to be verified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or the appropriate government authority before they can be apostilled.
• Public Documents:
• Public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court orders do not require state-level verification and can be submitted directly to the MEA for apostille.

Step 2: Apply for Apostille through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

The apostille process for Indian documents is managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). You can submit documents for apostille in the following ways:

• Direct Submission to MEA:
• If your document is a public document (e.g., birth or marriage certificate) or has already been state-verified (in the case of educational documents), you can directly submit it to the MEA for apostille.
• State-Level Verification (if required):
• Educational documents must first be verified by the State HRD Ministry or concerned university. Once they are verified, they can be submitted to the MEA for apostille.
• Using Authorized Agencies:
• There are authorized agencies in India that can help with the apostille process. These agencies offer services for document verification (if required) and submission to the MEA for apostille.

Step 3: Pay the Apostille Fee

• The apostille fee is typically ₹50 per document when applying directly through the MEA.
• If you are using an agency, there may be additional service fees for handling the apostille process.
• Payments can be made online through the MEA portal or according to the instructions provided by the agency.

Step 4: Processing Time

• The apostille process typically takes 2 to 10 business days depending on whether the document requires state verification.
• Documents that do not need state verification (like public documents) will usually be processed faster.
• Some agencies offer expedited services for an additional fee.

Step 5: Receive the Apostilled Document

Once the apostille process is completed, the apostille sticker will be affixed to the document, certifying its authenticity. The apostilled document is now ready to be used in Georgia for legal, administrative, or business purposes.

3. Using Apostilled Documents in Georgia

Once your document is apostilled, it is recognized in Georgia for official purposes due to both India and Georgia being part of the Hague Convention. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Translation Requirements

• If your document is in English: English documents are often accepted in Georgia, especially for general administrative purposes. However, it is advisable to have your document translated into Georgian for legal or official use, particularly in legal matters or for government services.
• If your document is in any other language: If your document is in a language other than English or Georgian, it may need to be translated into Georgian by an official translator in Georgia.

Purpose of Apostilled Documents in Georgia

Apostilled documents can be used in Georgia for several purposes, such as:

• Immigration: For visa applications, residence permits, or work visas.
• Employment: To validate your educational qualifications or to apply for a job or work permit.
• Legal Matters: For legal proceedings, affidavits, powers of attorney, or other legal matters.
• Business: For business registration, company formation, or corporate matters.

Check with Georgian Authorities

While apostilled documents are generally accepted in Georgia, you should check with the Georgian Embassy or Consulate or the relevant Georgian authorities for any specific requirements or further clarification, particularly concerning translations or additional certifications.

4. Contact Information for Apostille Queries in India

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
• Website for Apostille Services: MEA Apostille Portal
• You can apply for apostille directly through the online portal or visit your Regional Passport Office (RPO) for in-person submission.
• Authorized Agencies:
• Many authorized agencies in India specialize in apostille services. They can handle both document verification and apostille submission to the MEA, often offering expedited services.
• Georgian Embassy in India:
• If you have any questions regarding the use of apostilled documents in Georgia, or if you need additional guidance, you can contact the Georgian Embassy or Consulate in India.
• Embassy of Georgia in India:
  • Address: 50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
  • Phone: +91 11 2412 3202
  • Email: info@georgiaembassy.in
  • Website: Georgian Embassy in India

5. Summary of Key Steps

1. Document Verification: Make sure that your document is either verified by the State HRD Ministry (for educational documents) or can be submitted directly to the MEA for apostille.
2. Submit for Apostille: Apply for apostille through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), either online or through authorized agencies.
3. Pay Fees: Pay the apostille fee and any additional service charges if using an agency.
4. Processing: Wait for the apostille process to be completed (typically within 2 to 10 business days).
5. Receive Apostilled Document: Once apostilled, your document is ready for use in Georgia.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Indian documents are properly apostilled and ready for use in Georgia for any legal, business, or personal matters.