[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]
When do I need an Apostille?
You will need an Apostille Certificate, also known as the Hague Apostille, when a foreign organisation has requested that you have UK-sourced papers legalised as proof of authenticity. In the UK the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Legalisation Office will apply an Apostille Certificate only to UK-sourced papers and, once done, they will be usable overseas. There is a reciprocal agreement between countries signed up to Convention 12 of the Hague Convention stating that member states will accept paperwork apostilled in any of the other member states.
For example:
Overseas students studying at UK universities may need to produce education certificates, letters of attendance or transcripts when returning to their home country
Proof of ID such as Birth Certificates or copies of passports
Death Certificates, Wills or Powers of Attorney for use abroad
Criminal Record checks for employment overseas
UK residents wishing to work abroad may need proof of qualifications
Company incorporation certificates when opening bank accounts, offices or trading abroad
Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) for companies trading overseas
Certificate of No Impediment for marriage overseas
Divorce documents from the UK for name change on overseas passports
plus many, many more
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Legalisation Office will apply Apostille Certificates to documents only if they have an identifiable and verifiable UK stamp or signature which they can trace and confirm. Otherwise, the document will have to be certified as a true copy and signed by a UK Solicitor or Notary Public before presentation to the FCO.
Once you have confirmed your apostille requirements with the receiving overseas authority it is advisable to employ reputable service providers such as Apostille Services to do the work for you. This will save time and money and using someone who is familiar with all the procedures involved will ensure timely, trouble-free completion of your apostille.
