MEA attestation refers to the authentication and verification of documents by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. It serves as proof that a document issued in India is genuine and authentic for use in foreign countries.

The MEA attestation is a mandatory step in the document legalization process when a document is intended for use abroad. It is typically the final government attestation within India before the document is submitted for embassy attestation (if required) or apostille. 

Purpose of MEA Attestation

• To verify the authenticity of educational, personal, and commercial documents for international use.
• Required for immigration, student visas, work permits, business setup, and legal processes in foreign countries.
• Ensures that foreign authorities recognize and accept documents issued in India.
• Prevents usage of forged or counterfeit documents by attaching a government stamp or apostille.

Types of Documents Covered

• Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas, mark sheets)
• Personal documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
• Commercial documents (invoices, powers of attorney, business certificates)
• Other legal documents

Process of MEA Attestation

1. State Level Attestation: Documents must first be attested by appointed authorities at the state level, such as the Home Department, Human Resource Department (HRD), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or Chamber of Commerce, depending on the document type.
2. Submission to MEA: After state level attestation, the documents are submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs for final authentication.
3. MEA Attestation: The MEA verifies the document with an official stamp or Apostille sticker. Apostille applies to documents intended for countries part of the Hague convention.
4. Embassy Attestation (if necessary): For countries not part of the Apostille convention, embassy attestation is also required.

Differences Between Apostille and MEA Attestation

• Apostille: Used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifies attestation with a standardized certificate.
• MEA Attestation: Standard attestation process involving MEA stamp for non-Hague convention countries.

Importance of MEA Attestation

• Adds international legitimacy and authenticity to Indian documents.
• Facilitates visa approvals, admissions, legal cases, and business transactions overseas.
• Protects applicants and holders by ensuring documents are accepted by foreign governments.

Timelines and Fees

• MEA attestation usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the type and number of documents and processing mode.
• Fees vary by document type, processing speed, and government charges. Apostille requires a nominal fee.

Online MEA Attestation

The Ministry of External Affairs offers e-SANAD services online enabling contactless, faceless, paperless attestation and verification of documents, enhancing efficiency and transparency.