# Apostille or Notarisation for Company Registration in India

> Source: https://krystal7.com/insights/apostille-notarisation-documents-india-company-registration
> Publisher: Krystal7 Consultants (Krystal7 Innovations Private Limited), Gurugram, India
> Author: CA Nandini
> Published: 24 Oct 2026; updated 25 Oct 2026
> Summary: Apostille for company registration in India: rule 13(5) routes, a 13 country table, the German and UAE exceptions, and a document checklist.

*Written by CA Nandini, Krystal7 Consultants. Last updated 26 October 2026.*

## AI Overview Summary

- Rule 13(5) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 asks for notarisation in a Commonwealth country, notarisation and apostille in a Hague Convention country, and Indian consular authentication elsewhere.
- India has been a party to the Apostille Convention since 14 Jul 2005. The HCCH status table, updated 30 Jun 2026, lists 130 contracting parties.
- Germany objected to India's accession on 21 Apr 2005 and the HCCH record shows no withdrawal, so the Convention does not apply between the two countries. India objected to China's accession on 8 Sep 2023.
- The UAE is not a party to the Convention. Documents signed there go through UAE MOFA attestation and then the Indian mission.
- Rule 16 limits MCA residence proof to two months old. A foreign corporate subscriber's board resolution must state the shares subscribed and the authorised representative.

**A founder who signs Indian incorporation documents outside India attests them under rule 13(5) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. In a Commonwealth country, a local notary is enough. In a Hague Apostille Convention country, the documents are notarised and then apostilled. Elsewhere, an Indian diplomatic or consular officer authenticates the notary's certificate. Two exceptions shape real filings: Germany objected to India joining the Convention, and the UAE is not a party.**

This page is for foreign founders, parent company secretaries and the advisers who collect their documents. It covers which documents need attestation, the rule behind it and India's position under the Apostille Convention. It then gives a route table for 13 countries and covers translations, document age, timing and cost. It ends with a document checklist for individual and corporate subscribers.

## Which documents does a foreign founder need to legalise?

Any document a foreign subscriber signs or issues outside India for the incorporation needs attestation. MCA's SPICe+ FAQs list them (FAQ 28):

1. Proof of identity.
2. The certificate of incorporation of a foreign body corporate, where one subscribes.
3. The memorandum of association (MoA).
4. The articles of association (AoA).
5. Any other document executed outside India, such as the parent's board resolution.

MCA's FAQ 28 ties the route to the country where the subscriber resides. For a body corporate subscriber, it looks at the country of its registered office. The same FAQ says the place of execution decides whether a document is notarised, apostilled or consularised. Where a founder will sign outside the home country, settle the route before the notary appointment.

Rule 16 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 sets the particulars each subscriber files. A foreign national gives a passport as proof of identity and a residence proof, such as a bank statement or a utility bill. A body corporate subscriber gives its registration number, name, registered office and email, a certified board resolution authorising the subscription, and its certificate of incorporation. MCA's FAQs add that the board resolution must state the shares subscribed and name the authorised representative (FAQs 62 and 79).

| Document | Individual foreign subscriber | Foreign corporate subscriber |
|---|---|---|
| Passport as identity proof | The subscriber's own | The authorised signatory's |
| Residence proof | The subscriber's own, not older than two months | The authorised signatory's |
| Certificate of incorporation | Not applicable | Yes, attested |
| Board resolution with shares and authorised representative | Not applicable | Yes, attested |
| Memorandum and articles signed on paper | Signed by the subscriber | Signed by the authorised representative |

Sources: rules 13(5) and 16, Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014; MCA SPICe+ FAQs 28, 41, 62 and 79; read 26 Oct 2026.

## What does rule 13(5) of the Incorporation Rules require?

Rule 13(5) covers a subscriber who is a foreign national. Where that person lives outside India, the signatures, address and proof of identity are attested in one of three ways. Clause (d) covers a foreign national who visits India to sign.

| Where the subscriber resides or signs | Attestation under rule 13(5) | MCA FAQ 28 wording |
|---|---|---|
| (a) A Commonwealth country | Notarised before a notary public of that country | A notary public of that country attests |
| (b) A party to the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961 | Notarised and apostilled under the Convention | Notarised, then apostilled |
| (c) Outside the Commonwealth and not a Hague party | Notarised, then authenticated by an Indian diplomatic or consular officer | Authenticated by the Indian Embassy in the country of residence |
| (d) India, on a visit | Allowed only with a valid business visa | MCA FAQ 79 lists a missing business visa or OCI with arrival stamps as a rejection ground |

Sources: Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, G.S.R. 250(E) of 31 Mar 2014, rule 13(5); MCA SPICe+ FAQs 28 and 79; read 26 Oct 2026.

Clause (d) links to the DSC rules. A foreign national can sign the electronic MoA and AoA only with a DIN, a DSC and a valid business visa (FAQ 43). Without that, SPICe+ carries apostilled paper copies of the MoA and AoA (FAQ 44). Our [memorandum and articles guide for a foreign subsidiary](/insights/memorandum-and-articles-of-association-foreign-subsidiary) covers the drafting, and our [SPICe+ guide](/insights/spice-incorporation-spice-plus-guide-2026) covers the filing.

## Does India accept apostilled documents?

Yes, from other parties to the Convention, with the exceptions below. The Hague Convention of 5 Oct 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents is the Apostille Convention. It replaces the consular chain with one certificate. Article 3 makes the apostille the only formality a party may require to certify a signature, the signer's capacity and any seal.

India acceded on 26 Oct 2004, and the Convention entered into force for India on 14 Jul 2005. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is India's competent authority. The HCCH status table, last updated 30 Jun 2026, lists 130 contracting parties.

A founder's signed MoA is a private document. Article 1 covers notarial acts and official certificates placed on privately signed documents. So the notary's certificate is what the apostille certifies.

### Objections can switch the Convention off

Article 12 lets an existing party object to a new accession within six months. The Convention then does not apply between the two states. Five states objected to India's accession within the deadline in 2005.

| State | Objection to India's accession | Status on the HCCH record |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 20 Apr 2005 | Withdrawn on 9 Jan 2008 |
| Germany | 21 Apr 2005 | No withdrawal recorded |
| Finland | 2 May 2005 | Withdrawn on 5 Oct 2009 |
| Netherlands | 13 May 2005 | Withdrawn on 16 Sep 2008 |
| Spain | 13 May 2005 | Withdrawn on 12 Feb 2008 |

Source: HCCH, Apostille Convention status table and India accession notifications, read 26 Oct 2026. Portugal's objection of 25 May 2005 came after the deadline, and the HCCH notes it has no legal consequences.

India has objected too. On 8 Sep 2023, India objected to the accession of the People's Republic of China. So a mainland Chinese apostille does not carry the Convention's effect in India.

## Which route applies in each country?

The table covers the countries we see most. The Hague date is the entry into force for that country. The route column applies rule 13(5) as written, and the last column adds what we have seen on our filings.

| Country | Apostille Convention in force | Commonwealth member | Route under rule 13(5) | Who issues the apostille or attestation | Our note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 15 Oct 1981 | No | Notarise and apostille | The state's competent authority, generally the Secretary of State; federal documents go to the US Department of State | Apostille from the state where the document is notarised |
| United Kingdom | 24 Jan 1965 | Yes | Notarise | FCDO Legalisation Office, if an apostille is wanted | Notarisation has worked on our filings |
| Canada | 11 Jan 2024 | Yes | Notarise | Global Affairs Canada, or the competent authority in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario or Quebec | Notarisation has worked on our filings |
| Australia | 16 Mar 1995 | Yes | Notarise | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Notarisation has worked on our filings |
| Singapore | 16 Sep 2021 | Yes | Notarise | Singapore Academy of Law | Notarisation has worked on our filings |
| United Arab Emirates | Not a party | No | Notarise, then Indian consular authentication | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the Indian mission | MOFA attestation plus consularisation |
| Germany | 13 Feb 1966 | No | Not settled by the rule | Not usable for India | German apostille has not worked for incorporation; route planned per case |
| Netherlands | 8 Oct 1965 (with India from 16 Sep 2008) | No | Notarise and apostille | The district courts (rechtbanken) | Apostille route |
| France | 24 Jan 1965 | No | Notarise and apostille | Regional councils of notaries, for documents signed in mainland France | Apostille route |
| Japan | 27 Jul 1970 | No | Notarise and apostille | Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo | Apostille route, with an English translation |
| South Korea | 14 Jul 2007 | No | Notarise and apostille | Ministry of Foreign Affairs for administrative documents; Ministry of Justice for notarial acts | Apostille route, with an English translation |
| Hong Kong | 25 Apr 1965, continued from 1 Jul 1997 | No | Notarise and apostille | Registrar of the High Court | Confirm the route before signing |
| Mainland China | 7 Nov 2023, but India objected | No | Not settled by the rule | Not usable for India | Press Note 3 approval adds about 6 months |

Sources: HCCH status table (updated 30 Jun 2026) and competent authority entries; Commonwealth Secretariat member list; UAE MOFA attestation service; Krystal7 filing records; read 26 Oct 2026.

### Apostilles in the United States

The US has been a party since 15 Oct 1981. Public documents from a US state are apostilled by that state's competent authority, generally the Secretary of State's office. The US Department of State's Office of Authentications issues apostilles for documents of federal agencies.

A founder in California who signs before a California notary needs a California apostille. A Delaware corporation's certificate of incorporation is a Delaware document, so its apostille comes from Delaware. Our [US subsidiary guide](/insights/how-to-set-up-a-subsidiary-in-india-us-guide) walks through a US parent's full pack.

### Notarisation in Commonwealth countries

The UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore are both Commonwealth members and Hague parties. Rule 13(5)(a) asks only for notarisation in a Commonwealth country. For Commonwealth countries, apostille is not mandatory on our filings, and simple notarisation has worked.

Canada joined the Convention late. It acceded on 12 May 2023, and the Convention entered into force for Canada on 11 Jan 2024. Canadian founders can now apostille, but a Canadian notarisation already meets rule 13(5)(a). Our [Canada company registration guide](/insights/company-registration-in-india-from-canada) and our [UK subsidiary guide](/insights/uk-company-setting-up-subsidiary-in-india) cover the rest of the process. Singapore founders can start with our [Singapore guide](/insights/register-company-in-india-from-singapore).

### Attestation for documents signed in the UAE

The UAE does not appear in the HCCH status table, so it is not a party. A document signed in the UAE follows rule 13(5)(c). On our filings, the UAE route is MOFA attestation plus consularisation by the Indian mission.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs runs attestation online through UAE PASS. Its site says digital attestation completes within 2 hours during official working hours, and the courier route takes 1 to 3 business days. Our [UAE company registration guide](/insights/company-registration-in-india-from-united-arab-emirates) covers the rest of the UAE pack.

### Germany and its objection to India

Germany has been a party since 13 Feb 1966. On 21 Apr 2005, Germany objected to India's accession under Article 12(2), and the HCCH record shows no withdrawal. Under Article 12, the Convention does not apply between India and a state that objected.

That record matches our experience. A German apostille has not worked for incorporation on our filings. Rule 13(5) does not spell out this case, so we plan the German route with the founder before anything is signed. Our [German company registration guide](/insights/register-a-company-in-india-from-germany) covers the other German points.

### Hong Kong and mainland China

The Convention has applied to Hong Kong since 25 Apr 1965. China declared that it continues to apply to the Hong Kong SAR from 1 Jul 1997, and repeated this in 2023. The Registrar of the High Court issues Hong Kong apostilles, and the Judiciary charges HK$125 per apostille application.

India's objection of 8 Sep 2023 is to China's accession. The HCCH record does not say whether it reaches Hong Kong, which has its own continuing application. Ask us to confirm the Hong Kong route before the founder signs.

Mainland China is a separate case. India's objection means the Convention does not apply between India and China. China also shares a land border with India, so an investment needs Press Note 3 approval. On our filings, that approval adds about 6 months, and MHA clears directorship and shareholding separately. Our [Press Note 3 guide](/insights/press-note-3-fdi-land-border-countries) covers it.

### Netherlands, France, Japan and South Korea

The Netherlands objected to India's accession in 2005 and withdrew the objection on 16 Sep 2008. The Convention has applied between the two countries since that date. The Dutch district courts (rechtbanken) issue apostilles, and the HCCH entry, updated 17 Mar 2025, lists a fee of €22 per apostille.

France has been a party since 24 Jan 1965. For documents signed in mainland France, the regional councils of notaries issue apostilles, according to the HCCH entry updated 28 May 2025. The French Ministry of Justice is the central contact for difficulties, but it does not issue apostilles.

Japan has been a party since 27 Jul 1970, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo issues apostilles. The HCCH entry lists no charge. South Korea has been a party since 14 Jul 2007. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles administrative documents, and its Ministry of Justice handles notarial acts. Japanese founders can read our [Japan company registration guide](/insights/register-a-company-in-india-from-japan).

## Do foreign language documents need an English translation?

Plan one for any document not in English. MCA's SPICe+ FAQs ask for an English translation of a utility bill in a vernacular language (FAQ 57). Treat every foreign language attachment the same way.

Ask the notary to attest the translation together with the original. The apostille or consular stamp then covers the translator's certificate too. Expect this step for any document issued in Japanese, Korean, French, German or Dutch.

Before paying a translator, ask the bank or registry whether it issues an English or bilingual version.

## How recent must the address proof be?

Rule 16 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 accepts a bank statement, electricity bill or telephone bill as residence proof. A proviso says these must not be more than two months old. MCA's SPICe+ FAQs list an old address proof as a ground for rejection (FAQ 61).

| Document | Age limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Residence proof for MCA (bank statement, electricity bill, telephone or mobile bill) | Not more than two months old | Rule 16, Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014; MCA SPICe+ FAQ 61 |
| Utility bill as address proof for a DSC | Issued within three months | CCA Identity Verification Guidelines, section 2.6 |
| Bank statement as proof that an organisation exists, for an organisation DSC | Transactions less than 3 months old | CCA Identity Verification Guidelines, Annexure I |

Sources: Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014; MCA SPICe+ FAQs; CCA Identity Verification Guidelines; read 26 Oct 2026.

To be safe, count the two months to the filing date, not to the notary date. A bill dated six weeks before the notary appointment can be stale by the time SPICe+ goes in. Ask for the latest statement the week the founder signs.

## How long does attestation take, and what does it cost?

On our filings, apostille and notarisation take the client about 4 to 5 business days. We file the application within 24 working hours of receiving the attested documents. Approval takes a further 96 to 120 hours.

Official processing times vary by authority.

| Authority | Published processing time | Published fee |
|---|---|---|
| UK FCDO Legalisation Office, paper apostille | Usually up to 25 working days, plus postage | £45 per document, plus courier or postage |
| UK FCDO, electronic apostille | Up to 2 working days | £35 per document |
| Hong Kong High Court Registry | Normally two working days for applications in Hong Kong | HK$125 per apostille application |
| UAE MOFA, digital attestation | Within 2 hours during official working hours | Shown before payment |
| Netherlands district courts | Not stated | €22 per apostille (HCCH entry updated 17 Mar 2025) |
| Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Not stated | No charge (HCCH entry) |

Sources: GOV.UK, Get your document legalised; Hong Kong Judiciary, Apostille Service; UAE MOFA attestation service; HCCH competent authority entries; read 26 Oct 2026.

A UK founder can skip the FCDO step. Rule 13(5)(a) accepts a UK notarisation, and simple notarisation has worked on our filings.

The total cost depends on these drivers:

1. The number of documents and signatories.
2. The route: notarisation alone, apostille, or a consular chain.
3. Notary fees, which the notary sets.
4. Certified copies from the parent's company registry.
5. Translations and the translator's attestation.
6. Courier between the notary, the authority and the founder.
7. Urgent service, where the authority offers it.

Our fixed fee for an India subsidiary of a foreign parent is USD 1,200 to USD 1,700 (Krystal7 pricing page, Oct 2026). The band includes the country document checklist. Government fees are passed on at cost, with no markup, as separate lines.

## Document checklist for individual and corporate subscribers

Use this table to build the pack. Every attested item follows the route for its place of signing.

| Item | Individual foreign subscriber or director | Foreign corporate subscriber | Attestation needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Yes | The authorised signatory's | Yes |
| Residence proof not more than two months old | Yes | The authorised signatory's | Yes |
| Certificate of incorporation of the parent | No | Yes | Yes |
| Board resolution stating the shares subscribed and the authorised representative | No | Yes | Yes |
| Registration number, registered office and email of the parent | No | Yes, as particulars in SPICe+ | Not stated |
| Memorandum and articles signed on paper | Yes, where not signing electronically | Signed by the authorised representative | Yes |
| PAN undertaking | As MCA FAQ 79 requires | As MCA FAQ 79 requires | Not stated |
| Business visa or OCI with arrival stamps | Only if signing in India | Only if the signatory signs in India | Copy with the arrival stamps |
| English translation of any foreign language document | Where needed | Where needed | With the original |

Sources: rules 13(5) and 16, Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014; MCA SPICe+ FAQs 28, 41, 43, 44, 57, 61, 62 and 79; read 26 Oct 2026.

For related lists, see our [checklists hub](/resources/checklists).

## Worked example

A US parent sets up a wholly owned subsidiary in Delhi with ₹15 lakh authorised capital. We assume:

1. The parent is a Delaware corporation. Its authorised signatory signs in California.
2. A director who lives in Singapore holds one share as the parent's nominee.
3. An Indian resident director signs SPICe+ with a DSC.

| Signer or document | Where executed | Route | Our note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent's certificate of incorporation | Delaware | Apostille from Delaware | A Delaware document, so a Delaware apostille |
| Board resolution and signatory's passport and address proof | California | California notary, then California apostille | The state of the notary issues the apostille |
| MoA and AoA signed by the parent's signatory | California | California notary, then California apostille | Wet ink signatures |
| Singapore director's passport, address proof and MoA and AoA signature | Singapore | Singapore notary | Commonwealth: notarisation has worked on our filings |

Sources: rule 13(5); MCA SPICe+ FAQs 28 and 44; HCCH United States entry; read 26 Oct 2026.

The Indian government fees come from a real SPICe+ challan we paid for a Delhi company with ₹15 lakh authorised capital on 15 Oct 2026.

| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | ₹1,000 |
| MCA registration fee for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh | Nil |
| Fee for SPICE + Part B (₹143 for PAN and TAN) | ₹143 |
| Stamp duty on the MoA | ₹200 |
| Stamp duty on the AoA, at 0.15% | ₹2,250 |
| Stamp duty on linked forms | ₹10 |
| Total Indian government fees | ₹3,603 |

Sources: Krystal7 SPICe+ challan, Delhi, paid 15 Oct 2026; Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014 (registration fee nil up to ₹15 lakh from 18 Mar 2019).

A Haryana company with the same capital paid ₹195 in stamp duty on our 14 Aug 2026 challan, against ₹2,460 in Delhi. Stamp duty is a state levy, so the registered office state moves this line. Notary and apostille charges in California and Singapore come on top and are set by those offices.

The timeline on our filings runs like this. Name reservation takes 48 working hours, and drafting takes 36 working hours after the documents arrive. Attestation takes the client about 4 to 5 business days. We file within 24 working hours of receiving the attested set, and approval takes a further 96 to 120 hours. After incorporation, the bank account takes about 30 calendar days, and GST about 48 hours after that.

## Common mistakes

1. **Apostilling a German document for India.** Fix: Germany's 2005 objection is still on the HCCH record. A German apostille has not worked for incorporation on our filings, so plan the German route before signing.
2. **Asking a UAE office for an apostille.** Fix: the UAE is not a party to the Convention. Use MOFA attestation plus consularisation by the Indian mission.
3. **Choosing the route by nationality.** Fix: MCA looks at residence and the place of execution (FAQ 28). For a body corporate, it looks at the registered office country.
4. **Sending an address proof older than two months.** Fix: rule 16 sets two months, so count them to the filing date to be safe. Get the latest statement the week the founder signs.
5. **A board resolution without share details or a named signatory.** Fix: state the number of shares and name the authorised representative (MCA FAQs 62 and 79).
6. **Copying and pasting signatures into attachments.** Fix: sign in wet ink before the notary. MCA FAQ 62 warns that pasted signatures can lead to action under sections 447 and 448 of the Companies Act, 2013.
7. **Signing the electronic MoA without a business visa.** Fix: a foreign national needs a DIN, a DSC and a valid business visa to sign electronically (FAQ 43). Otherwise use apostilled paper copies.
8. **Skipping the translation.** Fix: attest an English translation together with any foreign language document.
9. **Waiting weeks for an apostille a Commonwealth founder does not need.** Fix: rule 13(5)(a) asks only for notarisation in a Commonwealth country. Simple notarisation has worked on our filings.
10. **Relying on a mainland Chinese apostille.** Fix: India objected to China's accession on 8 Sep 2023. Plan for Press Note 3 approval as well.
11. **Uploading illegible scans.** Fix: scan every page in colour, including each apostille or attestation page. MCA FAQ 62 lists illegible attachments as a rejection ground.

## Checklist for apostille and notarisation

1. List every person and entity that signs, and where each one will sign.
2. Pick the route for each place of signing from rule 13(5) and the country table.
3. Check the exceptions: Germany, the UAE and mainland China.
4. Collect each signer's passport and a residence proof not more than two months old.
5. For a corporate parent, get a certified certificate of incorporation from its registry.
6. Pass a board resolution that states the shares subscribed and names the authorised representative.
7. Arrange English translations for any document not in English.
8. Sign the MoA, AoA and resolution in wet ink before the notary.
9. Obtain the apostille or the consular authentication, as the route requires.
10. Scan the full attested set in colour and send it for filing.
11. Diary the two month limit on the residence proof against the planned filing date.

If you want us to plan the document route for your founders and parent company, see our [foreign subsidiary registration service](/services/foreign-subsidiary.html).

## Key terms

- **Apostille**: An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961 that authenticates the signature, seal or stamp on a public document from one member country for use in another. India joined in 2005, so a valid apostille replaces attestation by an Indian embassy, except where India or the other country has objected to the Convention applying between them. (https://krystal7.com/glossary#apostille)
- **Notarisation**: Certification by a notary public of a signature, copy or document, usually the first step before an apostille or consular legalisation for private papers such as board resolutions. Under the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, a foreign subscriber's signature and identity proof are notarised abroad; for a subscriber in a Commonwealth country, notarisation alone is enough. (https://krystal7.com/glossary#notarisation)
- **Consular legalisation**: The certification chain used when the apostille route is not available between the issuing country and India: notarisation or local certification, authentication by that country's authorities, then attestation by an Indian embassy or consulate. Under the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, a foreign subscriber in a country outside both the Commonwealth and the Hague Convention follows this route. (https://krystal7.com/glossary#consular-legalisation)
- **Hague Apostille Convention**: The Hague Convention of 5 Oct 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, which India joined in 2005. Between member states, an apostille from the issuing country replaces embassy legalisation. The Convention does not apply between two states where one objected to the other's accession, so check the HCCH status table for each pair. (https://krystal7.com/glossary#hague-apostille-convention)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does India accept apostilled documents for company registration?
Yes, from other parties to the Apostille Convention, subject to objections. India has been a party since 14 Jul 2005, and rule 13(5)(b) accepts notarised and apostilled documents from Hague countries. Germany's 2005 objection and India's 2023 objection to China are the exceptions to watch.

### Is notarisation enough for founders in the UK, Canada, Australia or Singapore?
Under rule 13(5)(a), yes. All four are Commonwealth members, and the rule asks only for notarisation before a local notary public. For Commonwealth countries, apostille is not mandatory on our filings, and simple notarisation has worked.

### Why does a German apostille not work for an Indian company?
Germany objected to India's accession on 21 Apr 2005, and the HCCH record shows no withdrawal. Under Article 12, the Convention then does not apply between the two countries. A German apostille has not worked for incorporation on our filings, so we plan the route per case.

### Can a UAE document be apostilled for India?
No. The UAE is not a party to the Apostille Convention. On our filings, the UAE route is MOFA attestation plus consularisation by the Indian mission, under rule 13(5)(c).

### Does nationality or place of signing decide the route?
Not nationality. MCA's SPICe+ FAQ 28 links the route to the country of residence, or to the registered office country for a body corporate. It also says the place of execution determines whether a document is notarised, apostilled or consularised. If a founder will sign away from home, settle the route before the notary appointment.

### When did Canada join the Apostille Convention?
Canada acceded on 12 May 2023, and the Convention entered into force for Canada on 11 Jan 2024. Canada is also a Commonwealth member, so a Canadian notarisation meets rule 13(5)(a).

### Who issues an apostille in the United States?
The state, for state documents. The HCCH entry says US state documents are apostilled by each state's competent authority, generally the Secretary of State. The US Department of State issues apostilles for documents of federal agencies.

### How recent must a foreign founder's address proof be?
Not more than two months old for MCA. Rule 16 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 sets this limit for a bank statement, electricity bill or telephone bill. MCA's SPICe+ FAQ 61 lists an old address proof as a rejection ground.

### Do Japanese, Korean or German documents need a translation?
Plan an English translation for any document not in English. MCA's SPICe+ FAQ 57 asks for an English translation of a vernacular utility bill. Have the notary attest the translation with the original, so the apostille covers both.

### How long does the apostille or notarisation step take?
About 4 to 5 business days on the client side, on our filings. We file within 24 working hours of receiving the attested documents. Official times differ. The UK FCDO quotes up to 25 working days for a paper apostille and up to 2 for an electronic one.

### Can a Hong Kong apostille be used for an Indian company?
The Convention has applied to Hong Kong since 25 Apr 1965, and China declared it continues to apply there. India objected to China's accession in 2023, and the HCCH record does not say whether that reaches Hong Kong. Ask us to confirm the route before the founder signs.

### Can a foreign founder sign in India to avoid attestation abroad?
Yes, with a valid business visa under rule 13(5)(d). To sign the electronic MoA and AoA, the founder also needs a DIN and a DSC (MCA FAQ 43). MCA FAQ 79 lists a missing business visa or OCI with arrival stamps as a rejection ground.

### What does an apostille cost?
Each authority sets its own fee. The UK FCDO charges £45 per paper apostille and £35 per electronic apostille, and the Hong Kong Judiciary charges HK$125 per application. Notary, translation and courier costs sit on top.

## Sources

- Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, G.S.R. 250(E), 31 Mar 2014, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/NCARules_Chapter2.pdf
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs, FAQs on Incorporation and Allied Matters (SPICe+), read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/SpicePlusFAQS_20112020.pdf
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, full text, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/full-text/?cid=41
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, Apostille Convention status table, updated 30 Jun 2026, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, India accession and objections, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/notifications/?csid=929&disp=type
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, China accession and India's objection, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/notifications/?csid=914&disp=type
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, China declarations on Hong Kong and Macao, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/notifications/?csid=914&disp=resdn
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, India, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=643
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, United States, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=353
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, United Kingdom, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=352
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authorities, Canada, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=1199
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, Australia, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=307
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, Singapore, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=1156
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, Germany, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=322
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authorities, Netherlands, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=335
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authorities, France, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=321
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authority, Japan, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=328
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authorities, Republic of Korea, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=706
- Hague Conference on Private International Law, competent authorities, China (Hong Kong SAR), read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.hcch.net/en/states/authorities/details3/?aid=633
- GOV.UK, Get your document legalised, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised
- US Department of State, Requesting authentication services, read 26 Oct 2026, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/internl-judicial-asst/authentications-and-apostilles/requesting-authentication-services.html
- Hong Kong Judiciary, Apostille Service, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/apostille.html
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attestation services, read 26 Oct 2026, https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/services/attestation
- Commonwealth Secretariat, Our member countries, read 26 Oct 2026, https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries
- Controller of Certifying Authorities, Identity Verification Guidelines (CCA-IVG), read 26 Oct 2026, https://cca.gov.in/sites/files/pdf/guidelines/CCA-IVG.pdf

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