If you need to get an apostille for Indian documents for use in Lithuania, the process is fairly straightforward, as Lithuania is a member of the Hague Convention of 1961. Documents that are apostilled in India will be recognized in Lithuania for various purposes, such as legal, immigration, or business matters.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an apostille for Indian documents to be used in Lithuania:

1. Types of Documents You Can Apostille for Lithuania

You can get various types of documents apostilled for use in Lithuania. These include:

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Educational Documents (degrees, diplomas, transcripts, etc.)
• Notarized Documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.)
• Court Documents (court orders, 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)

Before applying for an apostille, certain documents may require state-level verification. Here’s how to check if this is necessary:

• Educational Documents:
• Verification by the State HRD Ministry or the concerned university is required for educational documents (degree certificates, diplomas, transcripts). This ensures that the documents are authentic before submitting them for apostille.
• HRD Ministry will verify the authenticity of the document, after which it can be submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for apostille.
• Notarized Documents:
• If your document is a notarized document (e.g., power of attorney, affidavit), it needs to be verified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or the concerned government authority before it can be apostilled.
• Public Documents:
• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court documents do not typically need state 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 apply for the apostille through the following methods:

• Direct Submission to MEA:
• If your documents are ready (either verified or not requiring state-level verification), you can directly submit them to the MEA for apostille.
• The MEA provides an online portal for submitting documents for apostille. This is especially convenient for documents that do not require state-level verification.
• State-Level Verification (if required):
• For documents such as educational certificates, you must first get them verified by the State HRD Ministry or the concerned state authority. Once verified, you can submit the documents to the MEA for apostille.
• Using Authorized Agencies:
• Several licensed agencies or PCCs (Public Certification Centres) can handle the apostille process on your behalf. These agencies guide you through the verification and apostille process for a service fee.

Step 3: Pay the Apostille Fee

• The apostille fee is usually ₹50 per document when applying directly through the MEA. If you’re using an agency, they will charge an additional service fee.
• The payment is usually made online through the MEA portal, or you may need to follow payment instructions provided by the agency handling the apostille.

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 require state verification are generally processed faster.
• Agencies may also provide expedited processing for an additional fee.

Step 5: Receive the Apostilled Document

• Once the document has been apostilled, the apostille sticker will be affixed to the document, confirming its authenticity.
• This apostilled document is now ready for use in Lithuania.

3. Using Apostilled Documents in Lithuania

Once your document is apostilled, it is legally valid in Lithuania, as Lithuania is a member of the Hague Convention. Apostilled documents can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Immigration: For visa or residence applications.
• Employment: For submitting educational qualifications or work-related documents.
• Business: For use in business transactions, including company incorporation or contract verification.
• Legal Proceedings: For using court documents, affidavits, powers of attorney, etc.

Translation Requirements

• If your document is in a language other than Lithuanian, you may need to have it translated into Lithuanian (especially for legal or official purposes).
• Translations must typically be done by an official translator or a sworn translator.
• English documents may not require translation, but it is always advisable to confirm with the Lithuanian authorities whether translation is necessary.

Check with Lithuanian Authorities

While apostilled documents are generally accepted in Lithuania, you may want to confirm with Lithuanian authorities (such as the Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate) if any additional steps are required for your specific purpose.

4. Contact Information for Apostille Queries in India

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
• Website for Apostille Services: MEA Apostille Portal
• The MEA provides online applications for apostille services, and you can track the status of your application through their portal.
• Authorized Agencies:
• You can search for authorized agencies or PCC (Public Certification Centres) that offer apostille services in India. These agencies can assist with the entire process, including document verification and apostille application, for a service fee.
• Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate in India:
• If you have any questions regarding the use of apostilled documents in Lithuania, you can contact the Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in India for guidance.
• Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi:
  • Address: 50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
  • Phone: +91 11 2611 3691
  • Website: www.india.mfa.lt

5. Summary of Key Steps

1. Document Verification: Ensure that your document is either verified by the State HRD Ministry or concerned state authority, or that it can be submitted directly to the MEA.
2. Submit Documents 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 in 2 to 10 business days.
5. Receive Apostilled Document: After the document is apostilled, you can use it for official or legal purposes in Lithuania.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your Indian documents are properly apostilled and ready for use in Lithuania for a variety of official, legal, or business purposes.