AN APOSTILLE IS A government issued CERTIFICATE. IT IS ATTACHED TO A DOCUMENT that has been ISSUED OR NOTARISED outside of the country where it is to be used SO THAT THE DOCUMENT WILL BE RECOGNISED ABROAD.

Apostilles are usually required by most countries that have signed up to the Hague Apostille Convention where a document has been issued or signed outside of the country where it is intended to be used.

In the UK apostilles are issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

‘Official’ documents that have been issued by a UK government official such as birth/death/ marriage certificates, grants of probate, some officially signed Companies House documents etc can be apostilled directly. The apostille, once attached to the document confirms that the document has been issued by an official source and that the foreign country receiving it can therefore be satisfied as to its authenticity.

For any other other documents that have not been signed or produced by a UK government office such as Powers of Attorney, educational certificates, affidavits, statutory declarations, photocopies of documents etc, the document will need to be authenticated by a notary (‘notarised’) before an apostille can be obtained.

Failure to obtain an apostille where it is required may mean that the document is refused in the foreign country where it is intended to be used. You should therefore check with your foreign lawyer / the organisation that has requested the document whether an apostille is required.

If you think your document requires an apostille or are not sure, don’t worry! I will be happy to discuss with you the apostille/ legalisation requirements for your document(s) and the costs of this for any document that I notarise for you so it is clear what is required.

It is possible for you to arrange the apostille yourself, however I will be happy to provide this service for you should you wish and can advise of the additional costs of this for your consideration.