FCO Legalisation

The Apostille or Legalisation certificate is a verification from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)* of the notary’s authority to sign. Many countries require this formality. Some go further and require the consulate / embassy to also legalise (authenticate) the notary.

*For more information on FCO legalisation see “read more” section below.

As a general rule of thumb:

• Countries connected with UK – basic notarisation (i.e. Australia)
• EC and Hague Convention signatories – Apostille
• Non-EU countries with a connection (past or present) to France, Portugal and Spain – FCO Legalisation and Consulate (i.e. Brazil)
• Middle East countries and most Asian Countries – mainly Apostille and Consulate (i.e. UAE and Vietnam)

APOSTILLE / LEGALISATION CERTIFICATE – FCO Service

Standard Service:

• Location – Milton Keynes
• By post and usually 4-6 working day turnaround
• Fee – £35.50 for first document, £30 for subsequent documents in the same batch.

Premium (for registered businesses only):

• Location – London, near Westminster
• SAME DAY service in London for registered business customers only
• Fee – The fee is £75 per document and we make an attendance charge.
• Company Notary is registered for the Premium Service and pay beforehand and give the FCO Receipt to the notary.
• If the client would like to manage this part themselves, the link to use for Premium Service Registration is: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/Legalisation/030-Links/040-Premium-Service

CONSULATE / EMBASSY INVOLVEMENT

Timescales, procedure, cost and formality vary considerably from country to country so it is best to make enquiries to Company Notary or the relevant embassy (legalisation department).

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Legalisation

In the context of documents signed in the UK for use overseas, some countries require further affirmation of their validity. That is when the documents need to be legalised before they will be accepted in the receiving country.

In order for a document to be legalised by the competent authority, in most instances the document (and/or the act of it being executed, signed or sworn by the signatories) needs to be notarized by a notary public. The notary’s signature and seal is then legalised by the competent authority.

This normally is the Legalisation Office of the FCO and depending on the destination country, the consular section of the receiving country’s Embassy or Consulate may also get involved.

Company Notary can fully cater to your business needs regardless of the legalisation needed. We are able to get legalisation for your document in any country you are looking to operate in.

If you are unsure what service you require, whether it be FCO legalisation or certification for embassy or consulate, please use our notary wizard (link at the top of the page) to find out.

Alternatively contact us and we will advise you of the specific requirements, timescales and notary public fees.