How to use UK documents abroad: apostille and legalisation explained

Whether you are moving overseas, getting married abroad, applying for a visa or expanding a business internationally, foreign authorities will often require official UK documents.

However, simply presenting a UK-issued document is not always enough. Many countries require documents to go through a legalisation process before they can be recognised overseas.

Understanding the steps involved can help avoid delays and ensure your documents are accepted the first time.

Why do UK documents need legalisation?

A document issued in the UK is recognised by UK authorities, but foreign governments, courts, universities and businesses have no way of independently verifying whether the document is genuine.

Legalisation provides official confirmation that the document has been issued or certified by a recognised UK authority.

This allows overseas organisations to trust and accept the document.

Which UK documents can be used abroad?

Common documents requiring legalisation include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Civil partnership certificates
• Death certificates
• Degree certificates
• GCSE and A-Level certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Powers of attorney
• Deed Poll documents
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Company resolutions
• Court documents

Requirements vary depending on the destination country and the purpose of the document.

Step 1: Obtain the original document

The first step is ensuring you have the correct version of the document.

For example:

• Birth, marriage and death certificates should usually be official copies issued by the General Register Office or local register office.
• Company documents may need to be obtained from Companies House.
• Police certificates should be issued directly by ACRO or the relevant authority.

Using unofficial copies may result in rejection.

Step 2: Certification (if required)

Some documents can be apostilled immediately, while others require certification first.

Certification is commonly carried out by a UK solicitor or notary public.

Documents that may require certification include:

• Passport copies
• Driving licence copies
• Academic certificates
• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Employment letters

The certifier confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document.

Step 3: Obtain an FCDO apostille

Once the document is ready, it can be submitted to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for legalisation.

The FCDO issues an apostille certificate, which confirms that the signature, stamp or seal appearing on the document is genuine.

The apostille is recognised by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Typical apostille process

📄 UK Document

⬇️

✅ Certification (if required)

⬇️

🏛️ FCDO Apostille

⬇️

🌍 Internationally Accepted Document

Step 4: Embassy legalisation (if required)

Not all countries accept apostilles alone.

If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, additional embassy attestation may be required.

This involves submitting the apostilled document to the relevant embassy or consulate for further authentication.

Countries that may require embassy legalisation include certain jurisdictions in:

• The Middle East
• Africa
• Asia

Requirements vary depending on the country and document type.

Common reasons people need apostilled documents

Individuals frequently require apostilled documents for:

• Overseas employment
• Immigration applications
• Residency permits
• Citizenship applications
• Marriage abroad
• Property purchases overseas
• International banking
• Studying abroad

Businesses commonly require legalised documents for:

• Foreign company registration
• International tenders
• Opening overseas bank accounts
• Commercial contracts
• Overseas investments

Common mistakes to avoid

Many applications are delayed because:

• The wrong document was submitted
• Certification was not completed correctly
• An apostille was obtained when embassy legalisation was also required
• Documents were outdated
• Foreign authority requirements were not checked in advance

Obtaining professional advice before submitting documents can save significant time and expense.

Fast apostille and legalisation services

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

• Same day apostille services
• FCDO apostille UK processing
• Solicitor certification
• Notarial services
• Embassy attestation
• Business document legalisation
• Personal document legalisation
• Fast apostille and legalisation services

Our team can advise on the correct legalisation route based on your document and destination country.

Need a UK document legalised for use abroad?

Whether you need a birth certificate apostille, company document legalisation or embassy attestation, Orcap can help.

Contact our team today for fast, reliable apostille and legalisation services throughout the UK.