Starting an international journey as a married couple, whether for education, employment, business operations or permanent residency, necessitates an important procedure known as the “marriage certificate attestation”.
It is a very important authentication process through which the authenticity and legitimacy of a marriage certificate are confirmed, making it suitable for use overseas.
The process of marriage certificate attestation may come across as lengthy and complicated, however, the candidates need not worry.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss everything there is to know about marriage certificate attestation, including its meaning and importance and how to get marriage certificate attestation in Chennai.
What is a Marriage Certificate Attestation?
Marriage certificate attestation is a process of verifying the legitimacy and authenticity of the certificate by various concerned government authorities so the said certificate can be submitted to overseas authorities for official uses.
In short, attestation ensures that the certificate is valid legally for use in other countries for official purposes.
If married couples wish to move abroad for education, employment, etc and want to bring along their spouse, they need to prove that they are legally married in their home country.
This can be done through an attested marriage certificate. Attestation also helps the authorities in the destination country accept the certificate as valid because they know it has been verified thoroughly.
Uses of Marriage Certificate Attestation in Chennai
An attestation of the marriage certificate is needed for a variety of reasons depending on the reason for the candidate’s move abroad. Listed below are some of the most important uses of marriage certificate attestation in Chennai;
- Residence Visa/Family Visa for Spouse – Submitting an attested copy of the marriage certificate along with other relevant documents is a requirement for the visa application process, especially for a residence visa or family visa for a spouse.
- Migration and Residency – Marriage certificate attestation can provide significant advantages in the immigration process, especially for those who wish to settle abroad with their spouse.
- Educational purposes – When married candidates apply to universities abroad, they may need to provide an attested copy of a marriage certificate as a part of their university application procedure.
- Adding the Name of the Spouse to the Passport – Attested copies of a marriage certificate prove useful for adding the spouse’s name to the passport.
- To File for Divorce – Ironically, to file for a divorce in a foreign country, candidates need an attested copy of their marriage certificate.
- Medical Facilities for the Spouse Overseas – In many foreign countries, candidates need an attested marriage certificate so their spouse can share the same medical facilities.
Process of Marriage Certificate Attestation in Chennai
It is a multi-step process involving various government authorities, however, candidates need not worry, as they can approach Superb Enterprises for a hassle-free and quick attestation service.
Here is how to get marriage certificate attestation in Chennai;
- Collect the documents – The first step in the attestation process is to gather the original marriage certificate and other relevant documents as needed, depending on the destination country.
- Ensure the Document’s Accuracy – Once all the documents are ready, it is important to verify their accuracy and ensure that there are no discrepancies as that will lead to delay in the process and could even end up being the reason for rejection of the application.
- Turn Over Your documents – The next step is to submit the documents to the expert service provider, like Superb Enterprises and pay the prescribed fee.
- Collect the documents – Once the documents have been submitted, they undergo the required steps of verification. Upon completion of the verification process, the candidates can collect their attested marriage certificate.
Steps of Marriage Certificate Attestation in Chennai
Once the documents are submitted to Superb Enterprises, they undergo the following steps to be attested for overseas use.
- State Home Department Attestation – All personal documents, including the marriage certificate, are submitted to the home department of the issuing state for state-level verification. The documents are then sent to the MEA, New Delhi.
- MEA-Attestation – The Ministry of External Affairs further scrutinises the documents and places an attestation stamp based on the previous verification.
- Embassy Attestation – Finally, the marriage certificate makes it to the destination country’s embassy for the ultimate stamp of approval. Once these steps are completed, the marriage certificate becomes suitable for use overseas.
Tips for a Smooth Marriage Certificate Attestation in Chennai
Marriage certificate attestation can be a complicated process, and the candidates might make mistakes. Here are some important tips to ensure a smooth attestation experience;
- Ensure Your Certificate Is in Good Condition – The certificate needs to be in good condition with clear text, signatures and the official seal visible.
- Start the Procedure Early – Attestation is a multi-step procedure with different government authorities involved, so the time taken to complete the procedure is also lengthy. Starting the procedure early will help avoid any last-minute issues.
- Choose a Professional Attestation Service Provider – Marriage certificate attestation in Chennai is a complicated procedure, so it is advisable to hire a professional agency like Superb Enterprises to save on time and effort.
- Avoid Errors in Documents – Any mistakes in names, dates, or details on the certificate can lead to rejection. Verify all information before submitting.
- Research Requirements – Each country has different requirements when it comes to document attestation. Research the requirements so there is no issue during the attestation procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is marriage certificate attestation necessary?
Yes, the certificate must be attested if it is to be used overseas for official purposes, such as visa processing, residency permits, spousal sponsorship, and legal purposes.
2. Where can I get a Marriage Certificate attestation in Chennai?
You can approach an MEA-authorised agency such as Superb Enterprises for all your attestation requirements in Chennai.
3. How long does the attestation process take?
The time taken to complete the Marriage certificate attestation in Chennai depends on several factors, such as the destination country, the workload of different offices and so on. Typically, it takes from a few days to a few weeks.
4. What documents are required for Marriage Certificate Attestation in Chennai?
The documents needed are as follows;
- Original marriage certificate
- Passport copies of both spouses (self-attested)
- Address proof
- Authorisation letter (if applicable)
- Additional documents (may vary depending on the issuing authority and destination country)
5. Is translation necessary for attestation?
The requirement for document translation depends on the destination country. If the documents are in regional languages, then it will need to be translated to English or an acceptable language in the destination country.
