How to Get Apostille Documents in UK: Process, Fees & Processing Time

If you are living in the United Kingdom and planning to work overseas, study at an international university, get married in another country, or expand your business internationally, you may need to submit proof that your UK documents are genuine. This is where you will need an apostille certification.

If you are getting your documents apostilled for the first time, the process may seem complicated. However, once you understand how it works, obtaining an apostille in the UK becomes much easier.

This blog explains the complete process of getting Apostille Documents in the UK, including the required documents, application process, fees, processing time, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is An Apostille Certificate?

An apostille certificate is an official certificate issued by the government authority to verify the authenticity of a document. It confirms the validity of signatures, seals, or stamps on documents so they can be recognised and accepted in another country.

In the United Kingdom, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is responsible for issuing apostilles. An apostille certificate is also known as an Apostille Seal and is used to legalise UK documents for international use.

An apostille may also be referred to as:

• Apostille Legalisation
• Hague Convention Apostille
• Document Legalisation

What is An Apostille Stamp?

An apostille stamp is an official seal or certificate attached to a document to confirm the authenticity of the signature, stamp, or seal placed on it.

This verification allows the document to be accepted by authorities in another country without requiring further authentication, provided the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

What is the Function of a UK Apostille Service Document Legalisation?

A UK apostille service helps authenticate documents that are intended for use overseas. The Legalisation Office verifies whether the signature, seal, or stamp on the document matches the records held by the relevant authorities.

This process confirms that the document is genuine and suitable for international use.

Apostille document legalisation is commonly required when submitting UK documents for:

• Immigration purposes
• Overseas education
• International employment
• Foreign marriage registration
• Business transactions abroad

When Do I Require an Apostille Service?

apostille service when you want to use UK-issued documents in another country and need to prove that they are authentic.

An apostille is generally required for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It helps ensure that your documents are legally recognised overseas without requiring a lengthy authentication process.

Common situations where you may require an apostille include:

• Submitting official documents for an overseas marriage
• Registering an overseas birth
• Applying for work or teaching positions in another country
• Buying property abroad
• Managing international business transactions, such as opening a business bank account overseas

Is it Necessary to Have My Documents Notarised by a Notary Public Before Obtaining an Apostille?

Not all documents require notarisation before getting an apostille. However, certain documents must be certified by a UK public official, such as a notary public or solicitor, before they can be submitted for apostille certification.

Examples of documents that may require notarisation include:

• Power of attorney
• Contracts
• Qualification certificates
• Certified copies of passports or driving licences

Note: This is not a final list. Other documents may also require notarisation before being legalised with an apostille.

What documents do not require notarisation?

Some documents can be submitted directly for apostille certification without prior notarisation.

These include:

• Court documents sealed with a wet ink court seal
• Public registries such as birth, marriage, death or company certificates issued by Companies House.
• A government department or a public official, such as a letter confirming tax registration.
• Registered doctors such as medical certificates signed by a doctor.

How Can I Get an Apostille with the FCDO in the United Kingdom?

To get an FCDO apostille in the United Kingdom, follow the steps below.

1. Identify the Documents That Need an Apostille

The first step is to identify which documents need to be apostilled, as different authorities and countries may have different requirements.

Before applying, always check the exact document requirements with the organisation requesting them.

Common documents that require an apostille include:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Academic certificates
• Legal declarations
• Business documents

Submitting the correct version of the document will help avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.

2. Ensure the Document is eligible for an Apostille

Not all documents are immediately eligible for an apostille.

In many cases, documents must first be:

• Signed by a UK public official
• Certified by a solicitor
• Notarised by a notary public

If you are submitting copies instead of originals, they may need to be certified as true copies before they can receive an apostille.

3. Prepare the Original Document

Before submitting your documents, make sure they are complete and in good condition.

They should contain a recognised signature, stamp, or official seal where required.

Examples include:

• Original government-issued certificates
• Official court documents
• Notarised legal documents

Documents that are damaged, altered, incomplete, or illegible may be rejected during the verification process.

4. Submit the Document to the FCDO

Once your documents are ready, submit them to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for verification.

The FCDO will verify the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on the document. If everything is valid, an apostille certificate will be issued and attached to your document.

5. Receive your Apostilled Document

After the verification process is complete, your document will be returned with the attached apostille certificate.

It can then be used in countries that recognise apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention.

How Long Does It Take for a Document to Get Apostilled?

The Apostille processing time in the UK depends on the application method and the volume of requests being processed.

Typically, the processing time is as follows:

• Standard Processing: Usually takes several working days.
• Express Services: Some authorised apostille service providers may offer faster processing, depending on eligibility and document type.

If you are working with strict deadlines, applying early is always recommended. Using a professional UK apostille service can also help reduce errors and avoid unnecessary delays.

What Are the Standard Apostille Fees?

The table below outlines the fee structure for getting a document apostilled.

Can a Seal or Stamp Be Used to Determine That a Public Document Is Valid?

When issuing an Apostille, the Legalisation Office checks that the document's signature, seal or stamp matches the specimens they have on file.

• If the seal or stamp does not match the one in their database, they might contact the relevant department for verification.
• For documents such as birth or marriage certificates, the FCDO will confirm the registrar's signature with the issuing office if the document is less than six months old.
• In case of older documents, they might request a newly certified copy for verification.
• It ensures the document's authenticity before it is legalised.

Do I Require Embassy or Consulate Legalisation?

Whether you need embassy or consulate legalisation depends on the country where you plan to use the document.

• If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, then in most cases, an apostille from the FCDO is sufficient.
• Embassy legalisation is often necessary after obtaining an apostille for countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
• Some countries recognise apostilles from non-Hague Convention member countries.

What Is the Importance of the UK Being a Member of the Hague Apostille Convention?

Since the United Kingdom is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it can use the apostille process to certify documents for use in other member countries.

• The legalisation process is made easy by eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly embassy or consular certification.
• Documents issued in the United Kingdom with an apostille are recognised in other Hague Convention-member countries without further authentication.
• This mutual recognition of documents is an important commitment for all member countries. It also makes international legal processes more efficient.

Who Can Issue an Apostilled Document in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, the Legalisation Office, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is the only authority authorised to issue apostilles.

If you prefer assistance with the process, you can also use an FCDO-registered UK apostille service provider, who can help prepare, submit, and return your documents. However, the apostille certificate itself is always issued by the FCDO

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for an Apostille

There are many cases of application delays because of simple and avoidable mistakes. You must avoid these to save time and money.

Some of the common mistakes include:

• Submitting the Wrong Type of Document
  • Some officials prefer the original documents over copies.
  • You may face rejection if you submit the incorrect version.
• Forgetting Notarisation
  • There are a few documents that must be certified by a solicitor or notary public before FCDO can issue an apostille.
• Starting the process too late
  • Countless individuals realise they need an apostille before some deadline. This creates unnecessary stress.
  • It is always advised to start the process early.
• Not having proper documentation
  • Officials at FCDO will reject your documents if they are damaged, altered or incomplete.
  • Make sure you check the documents before submission.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Apostille in the UK is an essential step when using official UK documents overseas. Whether you are planning to work abroad, study at an international university, get married in another country, or conduct international business, an apostille helps ensure that your documents are recognised as authentic by foreign authorities.

By understanding the Apostille Documents in the UK process, preparing the correct documents, and avoiding common mistakes, you can complete the legalisation process smoothly and minimise unnecessary delays.

If you need professional assistance, Visament offers reliable support throughout the apostille process. Our experts can guide you through the document requirements, answer your queries, and help ensure your application is completed accurately and efficiently.