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Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map

Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.

Simple World Map Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Translation Standard

Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
Not mapped yet

India

Certified translation standard

Requirements Summary

Apostille required
Required if the document will be used abroad
Who can translate
Professional translator or qualified individual
Accepted languages
English or Hindi (depending on authority)
Legalization agency
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Official guidelines
Ministry of External Affairs – Apostille & Attestation
Important: India does not regulate translators at national level. Translation validity depends on the receiving authority’s specific requirements.
Get Certified Translation QuoteOfficial Apostille Information (MEA)

Detailed Guidelines

Who can translate

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

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.

    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.