Brexit debate continues as international document requirements remain important for UK citizens

As debate continues over Brexit and the UK's international relationships, many individuals and businesses still require apostilled documents for overseas use. Learn when apostille certification and legalisation may be required.

2 min read

Recent polling suggests that a majority of British people do not support reversing Brexit-related powers, highlighting that the UK's relationship with Europe remains a topic of public discussion years after leaving the European Union.

Regardless of political views, Brexit has changed how many individuals and businesses interact with authorities across Europe and around the world. As a result, official documents often play a more important role when relocating, studying, working or conducting business internationally.

For many applications overseas, UK-issued documents must be properly authenticated before they can be accepted.

Why document legalisation matters

Whether moving abroad, applying for residency or expanding a business overseas, foreign authorities frequently require official UK documents as evidence of identity, qualifications or legal status.

Common documents requiring apostille certification include:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Degree certificates
  • ACRO Police Certificates
  • Powers of attorney
  • Company incorporation documents
  • Certificates of Good Standing
  • Court documents

Without proper legalisation, foreign authorities may refuse to recognise UK-issued documents.

Apostille certificates for international use

An apostille certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirms that a UK document is genuine and can be recognised internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Apostilles are commonly required for:

  • Immigration applications
  • Residency permits
  • Overseas employment
  • Citizenship applications
  • International property purchases
  • Foreign company registration
  • Family reunification procedures

Many European countries and over 120 jurisdictions worldwide recognise apostilled documents.

Business expansion beyond the UK

UK businesses continue to trade and invest internationally, creating demand for legalised corporate documentation.

Foreign authorities often request:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Board resolutions
  • Commercial powers of attorney

These documents frequently require apostille certification before overseas use.

Fast apostille and legalisation services

At Orcap, we assist individuals and businesses throughout the UK with:

  • Same day apostille services
  • FCDO apostille UK processing
  • Birth certificate apostille
  • Marriage certificate apostille
  • ACRO Police Certificate apostille
  • Company document legalisation
  • Embassy attestation
  • Fast apostille and legalisation services

We help ensure your documents are recognised by authorities worldwide.

Need documents legalised for use abroad?

Whether you are relocating overseas, applying for residency, studying abroad or expanding your business internationally, having correctly legalised documents is essential.

Orcap provides rapid apostille, embassy attestation and document legalisation services throughout the UK. Contact our team today for expert assistance.

Our services

  • Premium 1-day Apostille service

    Our premium apostille service is ideal for urgent requirements, offering fast-track processing through the FCDO apostille UK service. Documents are prioritised to ensure you receive your apostille as quickly as the next working day, depending on document type and eligibility.

  • White balance scale icon on a blurred background with a person writing.

    Solicitor certification + Apostille

    We provide solicitor certification for documents that require it before apostille, ensuring they meet all FCDO apostille UK standards. Once certified, your documents are submitted for fast apostille processing, helping to avoid delays and ensuring full international compliance.

  • Illustration of a hand holding a pen with three sheets of paper on a dark background

    Sets of documents

    We offer combined apostille and legalisation services for multiple documents, allowing you to process document sets efficiently. This approach saves time, ensures consistency across all paperwork and helps streamline FCDO apostille UK processing.

  • Outline of a government building with a person in a suit in the background

    Embassy attestation

    For non-Hague Convention countries, we offer complete embassy attestation and consular legalisation services. We manage the entire process, including FCDO apostille UK processing followed by embassy submission, ensuring your documents are fully compliant for international use.

  • Notary service logo with a hand holding a document on a dark background

    Notary certification + Apostille

    Documents for international use may require notary certification before apostille. We arrange certification by a UK Notary Public, followed by FCDO apostille UK processing, ensuring your documents meet all legalisation requirements and are accepted worldwide.

  • Two speech bubbles with Chinese characters and the letter 'A' on a blurred background.

    Translation

    We provide professional certified translation services for documents requiring apostille and legalisation. All translations are prepared to meet official UK and international requirements, ensuring acceptance for overseas use alongside FCDO apostille UK processing.