Apostille vs. Translation – Know the Right Order
- digital @btwimf.com
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
Table of Contents
One of the most common questions we hear at PEC Translation Services is: “Do I need to translate my document before getting it apostilled?”
The answer isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on the destination country’s rules and the requirements of the final receiving authority, not just the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
What apostille means
When translation is not needed
The golden rule for avoiding delays
1. What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official sticker or stamp issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. It verifies the signature and seal of a document, making it valid in Hague Convention countries.
Replaces lengthy embassy attestation for over 120 countries.
Authenticates the issuing authority, not the content of the document.
2. When Translation is NOT Required
You may proceed directly with apostille in these cases:
Your Original Document is in English
If your degree, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or similar document is already in English, the MEA generally apostilles it without requiring a translation.
The Destination Country is English-Speaking
Countries such as:
United States
United Kingdom
Ireland
Australia
New Zealand
… usually accept apostilled English documents without translation.
3. The Golden Rule
Always confirm with the final receiving authority—whether it’s a:
University
Embassy
Government office in your destination country
They have the final say on whether a translation is required. Skipping this step can result in costly delays or outright rejection.
FAQ's
1. What is the difference between apostille and translation?
An apostille certifies the authenticity of a document’s signature/seal, while translation converts the content into the required language.
2. Can I apostille a non-English document without translation?
It depends on your destination country’s requirements. Some may need a translation before apostille.
3. Should I translate before or after apostille?
Check with your receiving authority. In many cases, translation is done before apostille if the document is in a non-accepted language.
4. How long does apostille take in India?
Usually 2–4 working days, but urgent processing is available.
5. Does PEC handle both translation and apostille?
Yes, we offer end-to-end services to ensure the correct sequence without delays.
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