Degree Apostille for Europe: Step-by-Step Process (2026 Updated Guide)

December 27, 2025December 27, 2025| ANR Overseas ServicesDegree Apostille for Europe: Step-by-Step Process (2026 Updated Guide)| 0 Comment| 7:52 am
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If you are planning to study, work, or settle in a European country, getting your educational certificate apostille or degree apostille for Europe is a mandatory legal requirement. European nations that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention accept documents only after they are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.

In this blog, ANR Overseas explains the step-by-step process of degree apostille for Europe, required documents, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid—updated for 2025 regulations.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Degree Apostille?
  2. Why Degree Apostille for Europe Is Required?
  3. European Countries That Accept Apostille.
  4. Step-by-Step Degree Apostille Process in India
    • Document Verification
    • State-Level Authentication (If Required)
    • MEA Apostille
  5. Documents Required for Degree Apostille for Europe.
  6. How Long Does a Degree Apostille Take in India?
  7. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Degree Apostille for Europe.
  8. Apostille vs Embassy Attestation: Key Differences
  9. Why Choose ANR Overseas for Degree Apostille for Europe?
  10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is a Degree Apostille?

Degree Apostille is a legal authentication process that verifies the authenticity of an educational certificate for use in Hague Convention countries. Once apostilled, your degree becomes legally valid in European countries without embassy attestation.

The apostille is a pink square MEA sticker containing a QR code and official details.

Why Degree Apostille for Europe Is Required?

European institutions require apostilled degrees for:

  • Higher education admissions
  • Employment & work visas
  • Professional licensing
  • Immigration & PR applications
  • Skill recognition and equivalency

Without an apostille, your degree will not be accepted by European authorities.

European and other Countries Accepting Apostille

Some popular European & other countries requiring degree apostille include:

(All are Hague Convention members.)

Step-by-Step Process for Degree Apostille for Europe in India

Step 1: Document Verification (University / Board Level)

Your original degree certificate is first verified for authenticity.
This step ensures that the document is genuine and issued by a recognized institution.

Incorrect or fake documents are rejected at this stage.

Step 2: State-Level Authentication

Some countries require state-level verification before the MEA apostille.
After Degree verification from University it will be sent to State HRD office for Attestation.

ANR Overseas evaluates whether this step is mandatory for your case.

Step 3: MEA Apostille (Final & Mandatory Step)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) places the apostille sticker on the back of your degree certificate.

✔ This step makes your document legally valid across Europe
✔ No embassy attestation is required after apostille

Documents Required for Degree Apostille

You will need:

  • Original degree certificate
  • Passport copy

For some European countries, additional translations may be required.

👉 Related Service: Language Translation Services

How Long Does the Apostille Degree Take?

TypeEstimated Time
Normal Process2–3 working days
With Verification10–15 working days
Urgent CasesSubject to feasibility

Timelines vary based on state and university response.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Degree Apostille

❌ Submitting laminated certificates
❌ Using incomplete or damaged documents
❌ Choosing agents without MEA knowledge
❌ Assuming embassy attestation is required
❌ Not checking country-specific requirements

These mistakes often cause delays or rejections.

Apostille vs Embassy Attestation: What’s the Difference?

ApostilleEmbassy Attestation
For European & Hague countriesFor GCC & non-Hague countries
Issued by MEA onlyInvolves embassy & MOFA
Faster processLonger & multi-step
No embassy visit requiredEmbassy mandatory

Why Choose ANR Overseas for Degree Apostille?

ANR Overseas offers:

  • End-to-end apostille handling
  • University & state verification expertise
  • Secure handling of original documents
  • Transparent pricing
  • Dedicated customer support
  • Experience with European requirements

We ensure first-time approval with zero stress.

FAQs – Degree Apostille for Europe

Is the apostille mandatory for all European countries?

Yes, if the country is part of the Hague Convention, an apostille is mandatory.

Do I need embassy attestation after the apostille?

No. Apostille eliminates the need for embassy attestation.

Can I apostille a photocopy of my degree?

No. Apostille is done only on the original degree certificate.

Is the apostille valid permanently?

Yes, the apostille does not expire. However, some institutions may have validity preferences.

Can ANR Overseas handle apostille from any Indian state?

Yes, we handle degree apostille across all Indian states.