How to get an Apostille on documents issued in the U.K.

What is an apostille in the UK?  

An apostille in the UK is an official certificate that confirms a document is genuine so it can be accepted in another country. It is issued by the UK government through the Legalisation Office, which is part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The apostille system is based on the Hague Apostille Convention, an international agreement that allows documents issued in one member country to be recognised in another without further authentication. This means once your document has an apostille, it can be used in any country that is part of the convention.

The purpose of apostille UK documents is not to validate the content of the document, but to verify that:

• the signature on the document is real

• the seal or stamp is authentic

• the person or authority who issued it is legitimate

Once issued, the apostille is attached to your document as an official certificate. This makes it valid for use abroad. 

However, if the receiving country speaks a different language and your document is in English (UK), you may need a certified translation of your document. 

When do you need an apostille?

You’ll need an apostille for UK documents anytime you’re asked to present official paperwork in another country and the receiving authority needs proof that it’s genuine. 

This is a standard requirement under the Hague Apostille Convention, which allows documents to be recognised in member countries. 

You’ll typically need an apostille in the UK when: 

• Studying abroad: Universities may request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, or academic certificates before accepting your application.

• Getting married overseas: Many countries require apostilled birth certificates, affidavits, or proof of single status before registering a marriage.

• Visa and immigration applications: Immigration authorities often ask for apostilled documents like police certificates, birth certificates, or marriage certificates as part of the process.

• Working abroad: Employers may require apostilled qualifications, background checks, or professional licenses to verify your credentials.

• Business or legal use: If you’re opening a company, signing contracts, or handling legal matters overseas, you may need apostilled incorporation documents, powers of attorney, or financial records.

Apostilles cannot be forged because whoever is entrusted to issue an Apostille can verify each document, signature, seal and watermark. This makes it easy for foreign governments and organisations to trust your documents. 

Types of documents that require an apostille 

When submitting documents for official purposes abroad, different authorities will have different requirements based on your unique situation. 

Nonetheless, these are some of the documents, grouped by category, that may require an apostille; 

Personal documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Adoption papers

• Affidavits or sworn statements

• Change of name deeds

Educational documents

• Degree certificates

• Diplomas

• Academic transcripts

• Professional certifications

Immigration documents

• Police certificates (criminal record checks)

• Passport copies (certified)

• Proof of address documents

• Immigration status documents

Legal documents

• Power of attorney

• Court documents

• Company incorporation documents

• Contracts and agreements

• Notarised documents

Medical documents

• Medical reports

• Vaccination records

• Health certificates

• Doctor’s letters

Requirements for getting an apostille in the UK

To get an apostille in the UK, you must first check to see what’s required. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements; 

Document format (Original vs copy):

• You’ll need to provide the original copy of documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic qualifications for an apostille. These original documents must be sent by courier or registered mail with a return envelope. 

• Some documents can be legalised as copies especially if they are certified correctly. But you must upload them to a website or send via email. 

• In certain cases, digital copies may be accepted for initial processing, depending on the service provider.

Government-issued vs private documents

• Government-issued documents such as (UK birth or marriage certificates) can be submitted directly for legalisation without additional certification.

• Private or non-government documents (e.g., letters, contracts, or translated documents) should be certified by a notary public or other legal professional before being sent for legalisation.

Payment requirement

• You’ll need to pay a fee to obtain an apostille. The costs vary depending on:

  • Whether you apply directly through the UK government or use a private service

  • The number of documents

  • Processing speed (standard vs expedited)

• Additional costs may apply if you also need certified translations.

Processing time

• Apostille processing can take anywhere from a few days to around two weeks, depending on demand and the service used.

• If you’re on a deadline, it’s best to apply early to avoid delays.

How to get an apostille in the UK

It’s a pretty straightforward process to get an apostille in the UK. Here’s what to do; 

1. Confirm that you need an apostille

You only need an apostille if you need to use your documents outside the UK, especially in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. If you will use your documents within the UK, you do not need an apostille.

2. Prepare your documents

Gather the documents you need to legalise and ensure they are in the correct format. If your document is not government-issued, you may need a notary public to notarise it first.

3. Submit your documents for legalisation

Send your documents to the UK Legalisation Office or a trusted apostille service provider, like Translayte. 

4. Receive your Apostille certificate

Once processed, the apostille is attached to your document. This signifies that your document is ready for international use. 

5. Translate the Apostille (If Required)

If the destination country does not use English, you may need a certified translation of your apostilled document. Providers like Translayte can provide this service quickly and professionally. 

Note: You do not need an Apostille if you have been asked to provide a UK-issued official or legal document for someone or an agency already within the U.K. 

Apostilles are only needed for documents that have been issued in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, but requested by a body outside the U.K. With the UK leaving the EU, EU authorities will likely request an Apostille on UK-issued documents if you are registering for EU VAT, getting married abroad or obtaining residency in France, Spain, Germany or any other EU country.

Officially, Apostilles are only recognised by countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. The number of countries belonging to the Hague Convention is currently over 110 with the number increasing regularly. Even countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention may ask for an Apostille, but then follow this up with further legalisation by their embassies.

To use a certified translation service, you need to get your Apostille first and then have it translated by a certified translator. Use Translayte to assist you in the swift and professional translation of Apostilles. 

Who provides the apostille?

In the U.K., the Legalisation Service, an arm of the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is the agency that receives, checks and issues Apostilles, with the official stamp on them. 

You can send your documents to them directly, with payment of course, but this can often take longer than using a private Apostille service that will take your documents and ensure that they are Apostilled often within a day or two of receipt. 

This service is more expensive than direct contact with the Legalisation Service, but if you are in a hurry or just want to get the bureaucracy over and done with, then this method can certainly be recommended.

Translayte can you obtain an Apostille on a UK-issued document if you also require translation into another language? We can also help you obtain a legalised translation, which is an Apostille applied on a translation to be used abroad.

Apostille cost in the UK

According to the UK Legalisation Office, “You’ll need to pay a fee for each document you need to be legalised. If your document cannot be legalised you will not be refunded”. Here are the costs of getting an apostille in the UK; 

If you use a private apostille or legalisation service, they will charge service fees on top of the government fee. 

Why choose Translayte for apostille services?

• Apostille & translation in one place: Instead of dealing with multiple providers and trying to keep track of everything, Translayte offers both certified translations and apostille services so you can get all your document needs in one place without stress or delays.

• Fast turnaround times: Translayte delivers apostille services within 12-48 hours, so you can receive your document, on time, whenever you need it. From certified translations to legalisation, the entire process is handled efficiently to help you meet application deadlines.

• Accepted worldwide: All our services, from certified translations to apostille services meet global standards for the Hague Apostille, and are valid for use in member countries. Whether you’re applying for a visa, studying abroad, getting married, or expanding a business, your apostilled and translated documents are accepted by embassies, courts, universities, and government authorities worldwide.

• Confidentiality: All our team members and translators are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, and we implement the latest encryption technologies to protect your files and information.

• Fast digital ordering and secure document handling: You can easily upload your document(s) in PDF, JPG, DOC, etc, online through our secure platform for translation.