How does it work?

What is an apostille?

The Apostille is an official certificate issued by the government to ensure documents are recognized in foreign countries.

Usually, the document's originating state provides the Apostille. However, there are instances where a different state might issue it. With an Apostille, a document's signatures and seals are confirmed as genuine. So, any country familiar with the Apostille should accept the document without needing more validation.

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What will happen?

1. PLACE AN ORDER
Select the Apostille service that best suits your needs.
2. POST YOUR DOCUMENTS
Send your documents by post or drop them off at any of our convenient UK locations.
3. APOSTILLE PROCESSING
We’ll complete your document legalisation within your chosen timeframe.
4. RECEIVE YOUR LEGALISED DOCUMENTS
Pick up your apostilled documents from our office or receive it by post.

Document Legalisation Checklist

Before placing an order for legalisation, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process. This guide outlines everything you need to know about eligibility, document requirements, apostille types, costs, and processing times.

Step 1: Confirm Document Eligibility

Ensure your documents can be legalised. Eligible documents include those issued or certified by:

A court with a wet ink court seal (e.g., court orders).
A public registry (e.g., birth, marriage, death, or company certificates from Companies House).
A government department, signed by an official (e.g., tax registration confirmation).
A registered doctor (e.g., medical certificates).
A UK public official, such as a notary or solicitor (e.g., power of attorney, contracts, qualification certificates, or certified copies of passports/driving licences).

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Contact us if you're unsure about your document's eligibility or visit the link : Click here

Step 2: Verify Document Requirements

Contact the recipient of your legalised documents to confirm:

Whether they need original documents or certified copies.
If specific signatures are required (e.g., from a UK notary or solicitor).

If notarisation is needed, arrange for a UK notary or solicitor to certify your documents before submission.

Step 3: Choose the Right Apostille Type

There are two types of apostilles:

Paper-based Apostille: Requires sending documents by post or in-person submission (for registered businesses).
e-Apostille: Requires uploading PDF files electronically signed by a UK notary or solicitor.

Both types are applied for online. Choose based on the recipient's preference or document eligibility. e-Apostilles are not available for:

Birth, death, marriage, civil partnership, or adoption certificates from the General Register Office.
ACRO police certificates (England and Wales).
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificates (England and Wales).
Disclosure certificates (Scotland and Northern Ireland).
Fingerprint certificates.
ACCA membership certificates.

Confirm with the recipient whether they need:

A paper-based apostille or an e-Apostille (if eligible).
A single apostille for a group of documents or one per document.

Step 4: Understand the Costs

Fees are charged per document. Non-eligible documents are non-refunded.

Service Option Fee per Document:

Express Service (paper-based) - £69 + courier/postage
Next-Day Service (paper-based) - £79 + courier/postage
e-Apostille - £92 (includes solicitor certification)
Restricted Urgent Service (paper-based) - £250 + courier/postage

Step 5: Courier Costs for Paper-based Apostilles

Choose from the following options:

Royal Mail Signed For - £8
DHL/FedEx - £75

Important: Legalised documents cannot be returned to Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus. Use an alternative delivery address or opt for an e-Apostille.

Step 6: Processing Times

Service Option Processing Time:

Express Service (paper-based) - Up to 3 working days + courier/postage
Next-Day Service (paper-based) - Next working day + courier/postage
e-Apostille - Up to 2 working days
Same day (restricted urgent service- paper-based) - Same day (pre-approval required)

Does my document needs to be notarised before apostille?

If your document is one of those listed below, then no notarisation is required:

Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates
HMRC letters, Medicals
ACPO, ACRO, Police Letters
No Impediment Certificate
Court Documents
Solicitor/Notary Signed Papers

Here is the list of documents that require notarisation/certification before legalisation:

Degree, Masters, Diploma
GCSE, CSE, O Level
Professional Qualifications
Training Certificates
Transcripts & Reports
School Letters

We can arrange certification services for your documents