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Document Translation Requirements in India

Official bodies in India generally require a certified translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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India requirements at a glance

Translation standardCertified translation
Who can translateProfessional translator or qualified individual
ApostilleRequired if the document will be used abroad
Accepted languagesEnglish or Hindi (depending on authority)
Responsible authorityMinistry of External Affairs (MEA)
Important: India does not regulate translators at national level. Translation validity depends on the receiving authority’s specific requirements.

Who can translate documents for use in India?

India has no system of court-sworn or licensed translators. Certified translations are typically prepared by professional translators or translation agencies.

What makes a translation official in India?

A certified translation must include:
  • A signed certificate of accuracy
  • The translator’s name and signature
  • The date of certification
  • Contact details (recommended)
    • Some authorities may require the certification to be executed on stamp paper or company letterhead.

    If notarisation is required

    Where required by a court, university, embassy, or foreign authority, the translator may need to swear an affidavit before a Notary Public under the Notaries Act, 1956. Notaries in India are appointed by the Central or State Governments. Official information and listings of appointed notaries are available via: Government of India – Notary Portal . Notarisation confirms the identity of the declarant, not the accuracy of the translation itself.

    How does India treat documents from abroad?

    Documents intended for use outside India must obtain an apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs under the Hague Apostille Convention.

    Legal basis

    Translation practices in India are governed by evidentiary and administrative procedures. Notaries operate under the Notaries Act, 1956. Apostilles and attestation are administered by the Ministry of External Affairs.

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    Which direction are your documents going?

    Translating Hindi documents for the U.S.?

    Indian birth certificates, diplomas, and transcripts submitted to USCIS, universities, or credential evaluators need a certified English translation — that is exactly what we do, with a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee.

    Certified Hindi translation services USCIS translation requirements

    Sending U.S. documents to India?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in India — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

    Popular certified translations

    The Hindi documents we translate most often — each with its own pricing and requirements page.

    Hindi birth certificate translationHindi marriage certificate translationHindi diploma translationHindi academic transcript translationHindi divorce decree translationHindi death certificate translation

    India translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does India require?

    India follows the certified translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: professional translator or qualified individual.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in India?

    Required if the document will be used abroad

    What languages do Indian authorities accept?

    Official authorities in India accept documents in: English or Hindi (depending on authority). Documents in any other language need a certified translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for India?

    If you are submitting Indian documents to U.S. authorities (USCIS, universities, credential evaluators), yes — our certified translations are accepted nationwide. For official use inside India, authorities generally expect a certified translation; check the official guidelines linked on this page. We can also advise on apostille requirements for U.S.-issued documents.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    AustraliaChinaIndonesiaMalaysiaNew ZealandSingaporeView all countries on the map

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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