Documents from Kuwait for use in India are authenticated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice or the issuing authority, attested by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Embassy of India in Kuwait, unless an Indian national signs directly before the Embassy. Indian documents needed in Kuwait are attested by the state authority and the Ministry of External Affairs in India, then by the Embassy of Kuwait in New Delhi and the Kuwait foreign ministry.
- Document route
- Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice notarisation, Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Embassy of India attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Kuwait time all year (no daylight saving)
- Treaty
- Hague Apostille Convention 1961
- Indian authority
- Ministry of External Affairs
Apostille & Attestation from Kuwait: how it works
For documents going to India, we identify what the Indian office needs: an original, a notarised copy or a translation. Kuwaiti civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates issued in Kuwait are attested at the issuing ministry, then by the foreign ministry, then by the Indian Embassy. Private documents such as affidavits and powers are better signed directly at the Embassy. We draft the document so that the Indian court, registrar or bank accepts it on first presentation, and we explain each stamp to you.
For documents going to Kuwait, such as degree certificates, a divorce decree or a birth certificate for a residence application, the order is reversed. The state education, home or general administration department attests first, then the Ministry of External Affairs, then the Embassy of Kuwait in New Delhi. On arrival, the Kuwait foreign ministry attests again. We can coordinate the Indian side through an authorised agency while you deal with the final step in Kuwait.
What clients in Kuwait should know
- An apostille issued in India is not accepted in Kuwait, because Kuwait is not party to the Convention; Indian documents need Embassy of Kuwait attestation instead.
- Arabic translations by a translator recognised in Kuwait are often required for Kuwaiti offices, while Indian offices need English or the state language.
- Indian court decrees used in Kuwait, for example on divorce or custody, should be certified copies; plain photocopies cannot be attested.
Step by step from Kuwait
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Kuwait, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Kuwait
Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice notarisation, Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Embassy of India attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Kuwait where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Kuwait. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Apostille & Attestation, or see all services for clients in Kuwait and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Kuwait
Can I use an Indian apostille for my degree in Kuwait?
No. Kuwait does not accept apostilles. Your degree needs state and Ministry of External Affairs attestation, then the Embassy of Kuwait in New Delhi.
Which is faster for a power of attorney, Kuwaiti ministries or the Indian Embassy?
For an Indian citizen, signing at the Embassy is usually faster because it replaces three steps with one.
My child was born in Kuwait. How do I use the birth certificate in India?
Have it attested by the issuing Kuwaiti authority and the Kuwait foreign ministry, then by the Embassy of India, and register the birth with the Embassy as well.