Commercial Agreement Apostille & Attestation
Notarisation, Apostille, embassy attestation and translation for agency, distribution and other commercial contracts signed in India for use abroad.
Which agreements are legalised
Agency, distribution, franchise, supply, manufacturing and service agreements, joint venture agreements and memoranda of understanding are often legalised when one party, or the authority that must accept the contract, is abroad. The trigger is usually registration or enforcement: before an authority records a contract or acts on it, it wants to know the document is genuine and properly signed.
Where it comes up
Gulf commercial agency registration is a frequent reason. Countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman have commercial agency rules under which an agency or distribution agreement may need to be registered with the relevant ministry, typically legalised and accompanied by an Arabic translation. Other reasons include product registration through a local distributor, appointing a local agent for tenders, and filing a contract in court or arbitration.
Execution comes first
Many problems arise before legalisation even starts. Before signing in India, check:
- Stamp duty: pay the duty due under the applicable state stamp law, through stamp paper, e-stamping or franking.
- Authority: the signatory should be authorised, typically by a board resolution, which may itself be requested.
- Signatures and witnesses: sign and initial pages as the agreement requires, with witnesses where needed.
- Two countries: if the other party signs abroad, its signature is generally authenticated where it was made. Agree the signing sequence before execution.
The contract terms are a matter for you and your legal advisers; the steps here concern how the signed document is authenticated.
Typical route
The signatures are notarised, the agreement is attested by a Chamber of Commerce and it is then submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): for an MEA Apostille for countries where the Apostille Convention applies with India such as Spain, Italy or South Africa, or for MEA attestation followed by embassy attestation where the Convention does not apply with India.
Language
Many Gulf contracts are bilingual, with English and Arabic side by side and a clause stating which text prevails. Some destinations accept a translation made in India; others want one by a translator they recognise locally. Confirm this before ordering document translation.
Request a quote with the executed agreement and the receiving authority's checklist.
Common reasons it is needed abroad
- Commercial agency registration in Gulf countries
- Appointing a distributor for product registration
- Appointing a local agent for tenders
- Joint ventures and supply contracts
- Court or arbitration filings abroad
What we need from you
- Executed agreement with stamp duty paid as applicable
- Board resolution authorising the signatory, if requested
- Identity documents of the signatories, for notarisation
- Receiving authority's checklist
- Translation language, if required
Which route for your destination?
MEA Apostille is usually enough
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Ireland
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium
Switzerland
Portugal
Sweden
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Bahrain
Vietnam
South Africa
Mauritius
Philippines
Indonesia
United Arab Emirates
Qatar
Kuwait
Egypt
Iraq
Jordan
China
Thailand
GermanyFrequently asked questions
Does an agreement need stamp duty before notarisation?
Generally, yes. Agreements executed in India attract stamp duty under the applicable state law, and notaries and authorities may decline unstamped or under-stamped documents. The amount depends on the state and the type of agreement.
The foreign party will sign abroad. How is that handled?
Each signature is generally authenticated where it was made: the Indian signature in India and the foreign signature under the rules of the other country. Agree the signing sequence and the receiving authority's requirements before execution.
Can you translate the agreement into Arabic?
Yes. We arrange professional translation with a translator's declaration where applicable. Some authorities insist on a locally recognised translator, so confirm before ordering.
Will you check the legal terms of our agreement?
Contract terms are a matter for you and your legal advisers. Our role is the authentication, legalisation and translation of the signed document.
Related documents
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.