Apostille in Bangladesh is the internationally recognized certification that validates Bangladeshi documents for use abroad. Whether it’s educational certificates, personal documents, business papers, or legal affidavits, an Apostille ensures the document is officially authenticated, accepted, and trusted by foreign governments, embassies, and institutions.
What is Apostille in Bangladesh?
Apostille is a special type of authentication attached to a document to make it valid internationally under the Hague Convention 1961. In Bangladesh, this certification is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to confirm the authenticity of signatures, stamps, and issuing authorities.
Documents that commonly require Apostille include:
Academic certificates (SSC, HSC, university degrees)
Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
Police clearance certificates
Affidavits and legal papers
Business licenses and commercial agreements
For official guidelines and process, you can check the MOFA Service Directory which provides complete instructions on Apostille services in Bangladesh.
Apostille Process in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the Apostille process is managed under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and follows a step-by-step procedure:
Document Preparation
The document must first be verified by the relevant authority:Educational certificates: SSC, HSC, or university degrees need verification from the respective education board, university, or Ministry of Education.
Birth or marriage certificates: Verification is required from local government offices such as Union Parishad, Municipality, or City Corporation.
Legal documents: Verification must be done by the relevant court or ministry.
Submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Once verified, the document is submitted to the Consular Wing of MOFA. The ministry checks the document details and prepares it for Apostille certification.Apostille Certification
MOFA verifies the authenticity of the document and affixes the Apostille stamp or seal, usually on the back of the document or a separate attached page.Payment of Fees
A specified fee is required for the Apostille process, which varies depending on the type and number of documents. Fee details are generally available on the MOFA website.Document Collection
After the Apostille is completed, the document can be collected from the ministry. In some cases, documents may also be delivered via courier services.
The Hague Convention and Its Significance
The Hague Convention of 1961, formally known as the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, was adopted to simplify the international recognition of public documents. Before this convention, documents issued in one country often required lengthy and complex legalization processes to be accepted abroad. The Convention introduced the Apostille system, a streamlined procedure that allows documents to be recognized by all member countries without additional legalization.
Currently, over 120 countries are members of the Convention. Bangladesh became a member in 2022, making international document exchange for Bangladeshi citizens faster and more convenient.
An Apostille certificate typically contains the following information:
Name of the country issuing the document
Name of the person who signed the document
Designation of the signatory
Name of the issuing authority
Date and place of certification
Apostille registration number
Seal and signature of the issuing authority
This information certifies that the document will be recognized in other member countries without the need for additional legalization, ensuring its authenticity and acceptance worldwide.
Documents Eligible for Apostille
Educational Documents
SSC, HSC, and other school certificates
University degrees, diplomas, and transcripts
Certificates issued by recognized educational boards or universities
Civil Documents
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Adoption records
Legal Documents
Court judgments, rulings, and orders
Power of attorney
Notarized affidavits
Other public legal documents issued by government authorities
Government-issued Documents
Ministry-issued certificates and clearances
Official letters, permits, or licenses
Importance of Apostille for Bangladeshi Citizens
The Apostille process is crucial for Bangladeshi citizens to ensure the international validity of their documents. Its key benefits include:
Education Abroad – Apostille certification is required for academic documents when applying to foreign universities, ensuring that certificates are recognized in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia.
Employment – For overseas jobs, educational and professional documents must be Apostilled to verify authenticity and prevent rejection by employers.
Immigration – Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other personal documents need Apostille for immigration purposes in countries such as Australia, Canada, or EU member states, confirming their legitimacy.
Legal Matters – Apostilled documents are essential in international legal proceedings, including property disputes, inheritance cases, or contractual matters. For related legal processes, see Document Legalization Bangladesh.
Business Transactions – Commercial documents require Apostille for international trade, contracts, and business expansion, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Challenges of the Apostille Process in Bangladesh
Lack of Public Awareness
Many citizens are unaware of the Apostille process, the types of eligible documents, or the step-by-step procedure, leading to confusion and delays.Bureaucratic Delays
Verification by multiple authorities (education boards, local government, courts, or ministries) before submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be time-consuming.High Demand vs. Limited Resources
Since Bangladesh joined the Hague Convention in 2022, the volume of Apostille requests has increased sharply, sometimes causing delays in processing.Documentation Errors
Incorrectly verified or incomplete documents are often rejected, requiring re-submission and prolonging the process.Limited Online Services
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides some information online, the process is still largely manual, making it inconvenient for applicants in remote areas.Fees and Accessibility
Some applicants find the fees burdensome, and limited branch locations of MOFA mean applicants often have to travel long distances for submission or collection.
Apostille vs Legalization: What is the Difference?
| Feature | Apostille | Legalization |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Countries | Countries that are members of the Hague Convention | Countries that are not members of the Hague Convention |
| Authority | Single authority (e.g., designated division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | Multiple authorities (e.g., education board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign embassy) |
| Process Steps | Completed in a single step | Completed in multiple steps |
| Processing Time | Relatively short (2–7 working days) | Relatively longer (7–15 working days or more) |
| Cost | Lower | Comparatively higher |
| Stamp/Seal | Specific Apostille stamp with reference number | May include multiple seals, signatures, and approvals |
| Usability | Valid only in Hague Convention member countries | Recognized in most countries, especially required in the Middle East |
| Document Types | Educational certificates, birth certificates, passport copies, power of attorney, etc. | Same types of documents, but require additional approvals from foreign embassies |
| Example Countries | USA, UK, France, Germany, India, Australia, etc. | Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, China, etc. |
Common Mistakes in the Apostille Process and How to Avoid Them
Incomplete or Incorrect Documents – Ensure all signatures, stamps, and verifications are present.
Submitting Ineligible Documents – Only public/legal documents can be Apostilled.
Errors in Personal Details – Check spelling of names, dates, and other information carefully.
Skipping Required Steps – Follow the proper sequence: local verification → MOFA submission → Apostille.
Ignoring Fees – Confirm and pay the correct fees as per MOFA guidelines. Verify via MOFA Service Directory
Delays from Rushed Submission – Plan ahead and allow sufficient processing time.
Using Wrong Channels – Submit only to the designated Apostille office or authorized channels.
How Rashel’s Law Desk Can Help With Apostille
Rashel’s Law Desk offers expert guidance and full-service support for Apostille in Bangladesh.
Our Services
Document verification and review
Notary attestation arrangement
MOFA Apostille processing
Embassy / High Commission coordination
Translation and affidavit preparation
Special case advisory (e.g., business contracts, power of attorney)
Fast-track or urgent legalization services
Why Choose Us
Experienced legal team
Efficient handling of all procedural steps
Zero-error documentation and authentication
Transparent process and guidance for individuals and corporates
Apostille (Apostille) FAQs
An Apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention that authenticates a public document for use in other member countries.
Public or government-issued documents such as educational certificates, birth/marriage certificates, legal documents, and powers of attorney. Private documents are generally not eligible.
Only countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention accept Apostille certificates. Over 120 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, France, and Germany, are members.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), specifically its Consular Wing, is the designated authority for issuing Apostille certificates in Bangladesh.
Apostille is a single-step authentication for Hague Convention member countries, whereas legalization is a multi-step process for countries not part of the convention.
Typically 2–7 working days, depending on document type and verification requirements.
Fees vary depending on document type and quantity; official rates are available on the MOFA website.
No, for non-member countries, standard legalization through the embassy or consulate is required.
Yes, but each document must be properly verified, and separate fees may apply for each.
Documents can be collected from MOFA after processing, and some cases allow courier delivery.
Call to Action
Ensure your documents are globally recognized and legally valid. Rashel’s Law Desk can guide you through every step of Apostille in Bangladesh—from notary attestation to MOFA certification and embassy coordination.
Start your Apostille process today with expert guidance from Rashel’s Law Desk.
