For Fiji documents going to India, have the document certified or notarised in Fiji and apostilled by the designated authority in Suva; India then accepts it without consular legalisation. For Indian documents going to Fiji, the Ministry of External Affairs issues the apostille after state verification. The High Commission of India in Suva also attests some documents for Indian citizens. We check the current Fiji issuing office before you start.
- Document route
- Fiji notary public or commissioner, then apostille (we confirm the current issuing office)
- Time difference
- IST is 6h30 behind Fiji time (Fiji has not used daylight saving in recent years)
- Treaty
- Hague Apostille Convention 1961
- Indian authority
- Ministry of External Affairs
Apostille & Attestation from Fiji: how it works
Fiji civil records such as birth, marriage and death certificates are obtained as certified copies from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Court documents are certified by the court registry, and private documents such as affidavits and powers of attorney are signed before a Fiji notary or commissioner. The apostille is then added by the designated government office. Indian authorities accept the apostilled document, although Hindi or Fijian portions may need an English translation. Keep a scan of everything before sending originals, because courier from Fiji is slow.
Indian documents going to Fiji, such as degree certificates for employment, birth certificates for citizenship applications or court orders, are first verified by the state government or relevant authority, then apostilled by the MEA or its authorised agency. Fiji authorities generally accept the MEA apostille. If a Fiji authority insists on legalisation by its own mission, check whether it has an accredited mission for India, since Fiji's representation in South Asia is limited.
What clients in Fiji should know
- Older Fiji birth certificates often record the father's name differently from Indian records; an affidavit explaining the variation should be apostilled with them.
- Indian police clearance certificates for Fiji visas are issued through passport offices or the High Commission and do not need the MEA apostille in every case.
- Fiji court decrees for use in execution proceedings in India should be certified copies under the Fiji court seal, then apostilled.
Step by step from Fiji
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Fiji, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Fiji
Fiji notary public or commissioner, then apostille (we confirm the current issuing office)
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 Fiji where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Fiji. 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 Fiji and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Fiji
Who issues apostilles in Fiji?
A designated government office in Suva. The responsibility has changed over time, so we confirm the current office before you book.
Can I use a Fiji Justice of the Peace for documents going to India?
For documents requiring notarisation, use a notary public or commissioner for oaths whose signature the apostille authority can verify. A JP certification may not be accepted for an apostille.
How long does an Indian MEA apostille take?
State verification takes one to four weeks depending on the state and document; the MEA apostille itself is usually quick.