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Apostille & Legalisation

Apostille & Consular legalisation – arranaged on your behalf

FCDO legalisation with the apostille and embassy/consular legalisation co-ordinated for document destined for use in any country worldwide. Full guidance on the process and timelines provided.
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Call: 07408870000

Legalisation

WHAT IS AN APOSTILLE?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that authenticates the signature and official capacity of a UK notary public, making the notarised document legally acceptable in any country that has signed the Hague Convention of 1961 (currently 120+ countries).
Notarisation by a UK notary is always required before an apostille can be obtained. The apostille does not replace notarisation — it follows it.

WHAT IS EMBASSY OR CONSULAR LEGALISATION?

For countries that are not party to the Hague Convention (including China, Vietnam, Egypt and several Gulf states), documents must also be legalised by the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country in London after the FCDO process. I can arrange this on your behalf.

THE PROCESS:

  • Step 1 — Notarisation. The document is notarised at a notarial appointment.
  • Step 2 — FCDO Apostille (Hague Convention countries). The document is submitted to the FCDO in Milton Keynes for apostille. Standard processing: 2–3 working days. Next-Day service also available – conditions apply.
  • Step 3 — Embassy Legalisation (non-Hague countries only). For countries outside the Hague Convention, the FCDO-authenticated document is then submitted to the relevant Embassy or Consulate in London. Timelines vary by Embassy — typically 3–10 working days.

IMPORTANT — FCDO SAME-DAY SERVICE CHANGES:

The FCDO’s Premium Same-Day Legalisation Service in London has now closed. An urgent restricted same day service is available at Milton Keynes only, subject to strict eligibility criteria and prior FCDO approval the day before submission. Eligibility is limited to repatriation documents, animal transport documents, child/vulnerable adult welfare documents, and commercially urgent documents where the standard Next-Day service cannot meet a specified completion deadline. Please contact us to discuss urgent requirements.

TIMELINES:

  • Notarisation only: same-day
  • FCDO Standard Apostille: 2–3 working days
  • FCDO Restricted Urgent Apostille: 1 working day
  • Embassy Legalisation (standard): 3–10 working days depending on Embassy
  • Full China legalisation: 10–15 working days

FEES:

Apostille and legalisation fees are charged at cost (FCDO and Embassy fees) plus an administration charge. Please contact us for a specific quote based on your destination country and required timescales.