What is a UK apostille and when do you need one?

If you need to use a UK company document abroad, for example to open a bank account, register a branch or sign a contract, the foreign authority may ask for it to be "apostilled" or "legalised".

What an apostille is

An apostille is a certificate that is attached to, or linked electronically with, a UK document. It confirms that the signature, seal or stamp on the document belongs to a UK official, solicitor or notary. Countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention accept the apostille instead of further checks by their own embassy.

In the UK, apostilles are issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office.

What an apostille does not do

An apostille does not confirm that the content of the document is true or accurate. It only confirms the signature, seal or stamp. The receiving organisation decides whether it accepts the document itself.

When you might need one

Common examples for companies:

• a certificate of incorporation;
• a Certificate of Good Standing;
• a Certificate of Incumbency, listing directors and shareholders;
• articles of association and board resolutions;
• powers of attorney;
• documents for foreign banks or opening a branch abroad.

Individuals also need apostilles for birth, marriage and education documents.

Which documents can be apostilled

The FCDO can only apostille a document that carries a signature, seal or stamp it can check, for example from a UK public official, a court, or a UK solicitor or notary. Many company documents, such as Companies House certified copies, can be apostilled. Others must first be certified by a UK solicitor or notary. See our Notarised Documents service.

Paper or electronic apostille

The FCDO offers two main routes:

• Paper apostille: you send the original or certified document and receive it back with a paper apostille attached. This takes longer and courier costs apply.
• e-Apostille: a PDF document electronically signed by a UK notary or solicitor is uploaded and returned digitally. This is usually much faster.

The FCDO says its standard paper service takes around 15 working days from when it receives the documents, plus delivery, and the e-Apostille service around 2 working days. Times can change, so check the current position before you set a deadline.

Before choosing, check that the country and organisation receiving the document accept e-Apostilles. Not all do.

Countries outside the Apostille Convention

Some countries are not part of the Convention. For these, documents usually need an apostille from the FCDO and then further legalisation by that country's embassy or consulate in the UK. Check the requirements of the receiving country before you start.

Step by step

1. Ask the receiving organisation exactly which document it needs and in what form.
2. Get the right version, for example a certified copy from Companies House.
3. Have it certified by a solicitor or notary if needed.
4. Apply to the FCDO Legalisation Office for a paper or electronic apostille.
5. Arrange any embassy legalisation and translation.

Tips to avoid delays

• Ask for the requirements in writing from the receiving organisation.
• Check whether you need an original, a certified copy or a recent copy. Some countries only accept documents issued in the last few months.
• Check that names are spelled the same way on every document.
• Plan for translation if the receiving country requires it.

How Form My Company can help

Our Apostilled Documents service costs £190, VAT included. We obtain the right documents, arrange any notary certification, apply for the apostille and send the result to you by courier, across the UK (£30) or internationally (£70).

Frequently asked questions