The Hague Stamp / Apostille in UK documents

Apostille is the documentary device by which a government department authenticates a document as genuine, thereby legalizing it for use in another member country under the terms laid out in 1961. Once a document has been Apostilled, it is automatically deemed legalized for use in another member country.

You can get some official UK documents "legalized" by asking the Legalization Office to confirm that the signature or stamp comes from a UK civil servant.

A classic example of when Apostille needed is the tax residence certificate issued to you by the UK government.

The Legalization Office will check the document, including whether the signature and stamp are genuine. Then, they will legalize the document by attaching a stamped official certificate (an "apostille") to it.

What does it cost

Standard service in the UK costs £ 30 per document, plus courier fees or postage. The cost of courier in the UK is £ 5, in case you want to receive the document in another country, the costs range from £ 15 to £ 20.

In England and in the United Kingdom in general, the relevant service is also provided electronically. Just make sure you have the following:

1. the documents you want to legalise

2. a credit or debit card for payment

3. the address you want your documents returned to

4. access to a printer

How long does the process take

It may take up to 10 business days to process your documents using the standard service, plus postage. However, there is also the Premium service during which the application is examined on the same day and its cost amounts to £ 75. To do this, however, you must take your documents to the premium office in central London between 9am and 12:30pm. You will be given a collection time between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.

You need an account to use the premium service online. Sign in if you’re an existing user or create an account.

For more details, you can contact the Legalization Office Directly.

Legalization Office

legalisation@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone: 03700 00 22 44

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

© 2021 UPECO LTD

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ATTENTION!

This article intends to give only a general informative picture and should not, in any case, be taken as a rule. It is strongly recommended to seek a full and professional guidance specifically for your circumstances before making any decisions.