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A Marriage Certificate Apostille is mandatory when an Indian marriage certificate needs to be used in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostille certification confirms that the document is authentic and legally valid for international use. Without apostille, foreign immigration authorities, embassies, or government departments may reject the marriage certificate, leading to delays in visa processing, residency approvals, or legal formalities. Why Apostille Is Required in These Countries Countries that are part of the Hague Convention have agreed to accept apostilled documents from other member nations without requiring additional embassy or consulate legalization. This simplifies international documentation and ensures faster verification. For applicants moving abroad for employment, immigration, or family reunification, an apostilled marriage certificate acts as official proof of marital status. Major Countries Where Apostille Is Mandatory Some of the most common countries that require marriage certificate apostille include the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium, and Austria. These countries require apostilled documents for spouse visas, dependent visas, permanent residency applications, and citizenship processes. European Union and Schengen Countries Most European Union and Schengen countries strictly require apostilled marriage certificates for long-term visas, family reunification, residence permits, and social benefits registration. Apostille ensures uniform legal acceptance across multiple countries without the need for repeated verification. This is especially important for couples relocating within Europe. Other Hague Convention Countries Apart from Europe and North America, several other Hague Convention countries require marriage certificate apostille. These include Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. Apostilled marriage certificates are commonly requested for immigration, employment-based relocation, and legal registration processes in these countries.