As far as we know Lebanon is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents are notarised in Lebanon, legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and then attested by the Embassy of India in Beirut. Indian citizens can usually sign before the Indian consular officer. Lebanon is not a reciprocating territory, it is a New York Convention country, and we are not aware of a comprehensive tax treaty in force.
- Document route
- Lebanese notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Lebanon in summer and 3h30 in winter
- Foreign judgments in India
- Not reciprocating: fresh suit
- Apostille with India
- Not in force as far as known: consular attestation (check current status)
Indians in Lebanon and Lebanese business with India
Indians in Lebanon include domestic and construction workers, hotel and hospital staff, engineers and managers, and Indian soldiers serve with the UN peacekeeping force in the south. Lebanese businesspeople, many with operations in West Africa and the Gulf, trade with India in diamonds, textiles, food and pharmaceuticals, and some invest in Indian businesses and property through OCI family links. Since 2019, the Lebanese banking crisis has frozen many deposits and made transfers difficult.
We help with powers of attorney, property in India, property disputes, recovering money from Indian parties, marriage registration and succession for heirs in Lebanon.
Signing documents in Lebanon for use in India
Lebanon is not, as far as we are aware, a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents follow the legalisation route. Confirm the current procedure with us before you sign, particularly at times of disruption. The usual chain is:
- Sign before a notary public (katib adl) in Lebanon with your passport.
- Have the document legalised by the Ministry of Justice where required and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in Beirut.
- Have it attested by the Embassy of India in Beirut, then courier it to India and stamp it within three months.
Indian citizens can usually sign directly before the Indian consular officer. Arabic and French documents need a certified English translation.
Most requested services from Lebanon
These six services cover most of what people and businesses in Lebanon need from an Indian lawyer. Each page explains the route from Lebanon and what then happens in India.
Power of Attorney
Sign at the Embassy in Beirut and let a relative act for you in India.
Buying & Selling Property
NRIs and OCI cardholders in Lebanon buy and sell Indian property through an attorney holder.
Property Disputes
Relatives or tenants occupying your home in India while you are in Lebanon.
Money Recovery from India
Lebanese businesses recover unpaid dues and advances from Indian parties.
Marriage Registration
Indian and Lebanese couples register their marriage for visas, OCI and property.
Succession Certificate
Heirs in Lebanon claim deposits and shares of relatives who died in India.
Banking, moving money and tax
Because of the Lebanese banking crisis, money held in Lebanese banks may not be freely transferable, and incoming transfers are often kept outside the Lebanese banking system. Indians working in Lebanon should keep their savings in NRE accounts in India where possible. NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from an NRO account after tax, with Forms 15CA and 15CB. We are not aware of a comprehensive tax treaty between India and Lebanon in force, so Indian income is taxed under Indian domestic law.
Property in India
NRIs in Lebanon can buy and sell Indian residential and commercial property, other than agricultural land and farmhouses, freely, and inherit any property. Lebanese citizens of Indian origin with OCI cards are treated much like NRIs. Other Lebanese citizens living outside India generally cannot buy property in India but can lease it and can inherit it.
Lebanese judgments, contracts and family matters
Lebanon has not been notified as a reciprocating territory under section 44A of the Code of Civil Procedure, so a Lebanese judgment can only found a fresh suit in India. Lebanon is a party to the New York Convention, so arbitration awards can generally be enforced in India. Lebanese family law depends on religious community, so a marriage performed in Lebanon is recognised in India if valid under the applicable Lebanese community law.
All services for clients in Lebanon
NRI Property Law
- Property Disputes
- Encroachment & Illegal Possession
- Partition of Family Property
- Buying & Selling Property
- Title Search & Due Diligence
- Tenant Eviction
- Builder Delay & RERA
Inheritance & Documents
Cross-Border Family Law
- Divorce for NRIs
- International Child Custody
- Maintenance & Alimony
- Marriage Registration
- 498A & Dowry Case Defence
- OCI Card Issues
Doing Business in India
- Company Setup for Foreigners
- Indian Subsidiary Setup
- Branch & Liaison Office
- FDI & FEMA Compliance
- Trademark Protection in India
- Commercial Contracts
- Employment Law for Foreign Employers
- GST for Foreign Businesses
- Investing in Indian Startups
- Legal Advisory for NRI Investors
Disputes & Enforcement
- International Arbitration
- Enforcing Foreign Judgments
- Money Recovery from India
- Shareholder Disputes & NCLT
- Accident Compensation Claims
- Cyber & Investment Fraud
- Criminal Defence & Look Out Circulars
Cross-Border Tax & Money
Indian missions in Lebanon
The Embassy in Beirut provides passport, OCI, consular and attestation services for Indian nationals in Lebanon.
- Embassy of India, Beirut
Frequently asked questions
Does Lebanon issue apostilles for documents going to India?
As far as we know Lebanon is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents are legalised in Lebanon and attested by the Indian Embassy.
Can I sign a power of attorney at the Embassy in Beirut?
In most cases yes, if you are an Indian citizen and have an appointment.
Should I keep my savings in Lebanon?
Many Indians prefer NRE accounts in India because of Lebanese banking restrictions; take advice on your situation.
Can a Lebanese citizen buy a flat in India?
Generally only with OCI status; leasing and inheritance are possible.
Can a Lebanese judgment be enforced in India?
Not directly. A fresh suit is needed.
Can an arbitration award from Beirut be enforced in India?
Yes, generally, subject to the limited grounds in section 48.
Is there a tax treaty between India and Lebanon?
We are not aware of a comprehensive treaty in force.
How do we communicate?
By email and WhatsApp day to day, and video calls when we need to talk things through.