When you need to use UK-issued documents overseas, it is essential to ensure that foreign authorities recognise them as genuine. Our UK Apostilled Documents Service is here to help. We specialise in arranging apostilles for a wide range of UK documents, ensuring that your paperwork is ready for official use abroad. We handle everything involved in the apostille and legalisation process, guiding you from start to finish so that your documents are internationally accepted.
At Uniwide Formations we focus on helping entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals who deal with international markets. Whether you are launching a company abroad, expanding your existing business, signing legal contracts overseas or simply dealing with personal matters in another country, our apostille services can help you move forward without delay.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of a UK document and confirms that it has been issued by a recognised authority. This process is known as legalisation. The apostille confirms the signature, seal or stamp on the document and is attached by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. Once a document is apostilled it can be presented abroad to authorities in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention, making the document legally valid and acceptable.
For example, if you have a UK company incorporation certificate and you need to show it to officials in a Hague Convention member country then you must have it apostilled. Without the apostille, the foreign authorities may reject it or require additional steps before accepting it. In short, the apostille streamlines the international recognition of official documents.
Why Apostille Services Matter for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business overseas or to complete international transactions, having properly apostilled documents can save a great deal of time and money. Cross-border dealings often involve showing your company’s details — such as incorporation certificates, Articles of Association or Certificates of Good Standing — to foreign banks, investors or government officials. Without proper legalisation these documents may be considered invalid abroad. By using our apostille services you ensure that your documents are legally recognised from the start, letting you avoid unnecessary delays or setbacks.
If you are a UK company owner, having your documents apostilled is often a must for:
- Opening a foreign business bank account
- Registering your company in another jurisdiction
- Presenting proof of company legitimacy in overseas dealings
- Securing foreign investment or negotiating international partnerships
- Moving forward with international property purchases or contract signings
Entrepreneurs must act swiftly and confidently when dealing across borders and apostilled documents help to achieve this. Our UK apostille services streamline the whole process, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: Growing your business.
Which Documents Can Be Apostilled?
Almost any official UK document can be apostilled, provided that it meets certain criteria. Common documents that require apostilles include:
- Company documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Annual Returns and Certificates of Good Standing.
- Financial documents: HMRC letters, tax filings and official bank letters.
- Legal documents: Court orders, sworn affidavits, Powers of Attorney and trademark registrations.
- Official certificates: Birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as academic or professional qualification certificates.
- Contracts and agreements: Business contracts, shareholder agreements and overseas property purchase documents.
Some documents can be apostilled in their original form without any additional steps. This often includes registry-issued documents like birth or marriage certificates and certain court papers. Others may require certification by a UK solicitor before the apostille can be issued. Documents that are not already signed or stamped by a recognised public official (for example, academic certificates or personal documents) must first be certified as a true copy by a solicitor, who will confirm their authenticity. Once the solicitor’s certification is in place the FCDO can then issue the apostille.
Certifying and Legalising Documents
Legalisation, in this context, means adding the apostille to confirm that the document has been properly issued and certified. When documents are legalised for use abroad they must have the correct signatures, seals or stamps of a recognised body — such as a UK court, Companies House, HMRC or a solicitor. Without these certifications the apostille cannot be obtained.
For example:
- Documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates usually come with an official seal and are already accepted as authentic. Typically, therefore, they need no further certification before being granted an apostille.
- Academic certificates, qualification documents and various personal or business records that are not officially issued by the government, however, must often first be signed and stamped by a solicitor to prove their authenticity. The solicitor’s certification is then recognised by the FCDO, which will issue the apostille.
- Some company documents, such as a Certificate of Good Standing, already include the official stamp and signature of an official at Companies House and can therefore be apostilled immediately. Documents that do not carry the required official seal and signature, however, must first be certified by a solicitor before they can be apostilled.
This legalisation process ensures that the documents hold the same legal value abroad as they do in the UK.
Typical Timeframes and Urgent Requests
A standard apostille order usually takes around 10 working days to complete, although this can vary depending on the workload at the Legalisation Office of the FCDO. If you need your documents apostilled more quickly then we offer also an urgent service. Urgent orders are often completed within approximately 3 working days. Please note, however, that timing depends on the current volumes and cannot be guaranteed. We will always advise you about current timeframes and do our very best to meet your deadline.
If you have an important overseas meeting, are about to sign international contracts or need to open a business bank account abroad, do not wait until the last minute. Contact us in advance so that we can work with you to ensure that your documents are ready on time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who can apostille a document in the UK?
In the UK, only the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can issue an official apostille certificate. Our service helps by arranging all the steps needed before submitting your documents to the FCDO, including certification by a solicitor if required.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the FCDO that confirms the authenticity of a UK document’s signature, seal or stamp. It ensures that the document will be legally recognised in other countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Having an apostille is a crucial step in legalisation, allowing UK-issued documents to be accepted overseas.
How long does it take to get the apostille?
A standard order typically takes around 10 working days. If you need your documents more quickly then our urgent service usually completes the process in about 3 working days. Timeframes can vary, however, depending on the current workload at the Legalisation Office of the FCDO, so it is best to contact us as early as possible.
How are documents legalised?
To legalise a UK document, you must first ensure that it has the correct signatures, stamps or seals. Some official documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, are already acceptable. Others, such as academic certificates or certain company documents, must first be certified by a solicitor. Once the documents are ready they are submitted to the Legalisation Office of the FCDO, which attaches the apostille certificate. This apostille confirms that the document is genuine and can be used abroad.
Why do documents need solicitor certification?
Certain documents are not originally issued by a recognised official body. For example, academic certificates, qualification documents or personal statements are not usually signed by a public official. A solicitor can verify these documents and certify them, confirming that they are genuine. Once it has been certified, the FCDO can then legalise the document by issuing the apostille.
Do I need an apostille for my company documents?
If you plan to use UK company documents overseas then you will likely need them apostilled. Examples of such use of company documents include opening a foreign bank account, registering a branch office abroad or providing proof of your company’s incorporation to overseas authorities. Without an apostille, foreign officials may not accept the documents, causing delays and complications.
Our Complete UK Apostille Services
We offer a full end-to-end apostille service tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners, although it is equally suited to individuals dealing with personal matters. Our services include:
- Document Review: We examine your documents to confirm whether they are already fit to be granted an apostille or whether they must, first, be certified by a solicitor.
- Solicitor Certification (if required): If your documents must first be certified then we arrange for a solicitor to review and certify them.
- Apostille Issuance: We submit your documents to the FCDO to receive an apostille. This official apostille confirms that the document is genuine and valid in all Hague Convention member countries.
- Returning Your Apostilled Documents: Once the apostille has been granted, we return your documents to you swiftly, ensuring that you are ready to present them overseas as soon as possible.
We understand the importance of speed and accuracy. Our goal is to have your documents apostilled and ready for use abroad without any unnecessary delay. We make the whole process clear, transparent and efficient so that you know exactly what to expect at every step.