Apostille, Legalisation, and Notarisation in the UK

Apostille, legalisation, and notarisation are processes commonly used to authenticate documents for use in international transactions and legal proceedings. This guide provides information on these processes in the UK, including their definitions, differences, and when they are required.

What is Apostille?

An Apostille is a certificate issued by a competent authority that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court judgments. The Apostille ensures that the document is recognised as valid in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.

Hague Convention Countries

The Apostille is primarily used for documents intended for use in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961 on Apostille Certification.

What is Legalisation?

Legalisation is the process of authenticating a document for use in a foreign country that is not a party to the Hague Convention. It involves obtaining endorsements or certifications from relevant authorities to verify the document’s authenticity.

Embassy Legalisation

For countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, documents may need to be legalised by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the UK.

What is Notarisation?

Notarisation is the process of certifying the authenticity of a document by a notary public. Notarised documents are signed and sealed by the notary public, confirming that the signatory’s identity has been verified and that the document is authentic.

Use of Notarised Documents

Notarised documents are commonly used for various legal purposes, including contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney, to ensure their validity and authenticity.

When are They Required?

Apostille, legalisation, and notarisation may be required in various situations, including:

• International Business Transactions
• Immigration and Visa Applications
• Adoption and Family Matters
• Legal Proceedings and Litigation

Professional Assistance

Obtaining Apostille, legalisation, or notarisation can be complex, and businesses or individuals may benefit from seeking assistance from legal professionals, notaries public, or specialized agencies to ensure compliance with requirements and procedures.