MEA ApostilleApostille for Italy
The Apostille Convention has been in force for Italy since 11 February 1978 and has covered Indian public documents used there since India's accession took effect on 14 July 2005.
Many Indian students now apply to Italian universities, and Italy also receives workers, families joining relatives and businesses dealing with Italian partners and notaries. Because the Apostille Convention applies between India and Italy, an MEA Apostille takes the place of legalisation by the Italian Embassy.
Students: Apostille, translation and recognition
Admission to an Italian degree programme usually involves showing that your Indian qualification is comparable. Universities may ask for one of two documents:
- A Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore), issued by the Italian embassy or consulate covering the place where you studied. The mission typically wants your degree certificate, or Class XII marksheets for a bachelor's programme, apostilled and translated into Italian first.
- A CIMEA statement of comparability, which many universities accept as an alternative.
Your transcript may need the same treatment. Requirements differ between institutions, so ask your university which route it accepts before you start.
Translations for Italian offices
Italian authorities generally expect an Italian translation that is either certified as conforming by an Italian consulate or sworn (asseverata) in Italy. Our document translation service can prepare the translation where the authority accepts one made in India.
Work, family and business
Workers joining an Italian employer, and relatives applying for family reunification, often need an apostilled marriage certificate or birth certificate. Italian notaries handling property or company matters commonly ask for an apostilled power of attorney with an Italian translation.
Before the MEA, personal certificates are authenticated by the Home Department or GAD of the issuing state, and academic records by the State Education Department. Use the Service Finder or request a quote to plan the route.
Route for Indian documents going to Italy
- 1
Ask what Italy needs
Check with the university, consulate, comune or notary whether it wants an Apostille, a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement, and how translations must be certified.
- 2
Verification and notarisation
Arrange university or board verification for academic records, and notarisation for powers of attorney, affidavits and copies.
- 3
State or Chamber authentication
Degrees and marksheets are authenticated by the State Education Department; civil certificates and notarised powers of attorney by the Home Department or GAD.
- 4
MEA Apostille
The MEA affixes its Apostille, which is usually needed before an Italian translation is certified or a Declaration of Value is requested.
- 5
Italian translation
An Italian translation is prepared and certified in the way the receiving authority specifies, such as consular certification or a sworn translation in Italy.
- 6
Declaration of Value, if requested
Where the university requires one, students apply to the Italian mission with their apostilled and translated documents.
Documents commonly prepared for Italy
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement?
It depends on your university. Some ask for a Declaration of Value from the Italian mission, while many accept a CIMEA statement of comparability instead. Check the admissions guidance for your programme before arranging an Apostille and translation.
Does the Italian consulate have to certify my translation?
Not always. Italian authorities generally accept a translation certified as conforming by an Italian consulate, or one sworn in Italy. The office receiving your documents decides, so ask which it prefers.
Can I sign a power of attorney in India for an Italian notary?
Often, yes. A power of attorney signed and notarised in India can be authenticated, apostilled by the MEA and translated into Italian. The notary may have specific wording requirements, so ask for a draft first.
Not sure which route your document needs?
Tell us the document and the destination country. We will confirm the route, the documents we need from you and a quotation — before you send anything.