Legalising UK Documents for Overseas Use
Legalising UK documents ensures they are formally recognised by foreign authorities for purposes such as business, study, marriage, residency, and more. The exact requirements depend on the destination country.
For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), a single apostille certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is sufficient to validate your documents.
If the destination country is not a Hague member, additional steps may be required — such as embassy or consular legalisation — which involve further checks and authentication.
Common documents requiring apostille or legalisation include:
- Birth certificates
- Academic diplomas and qualifications
- Powers of attorney
- Marriage certificates
- Corporate and business documents
Completing the apostille or legalisation process guarantees that your paperwork is internationally valid, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
This guide explains the procedures, fees, and expected processing times for UK document legalisation, whether you need a simple apostille or full embassy attestation.
