Apostille Service UK for Translated & Official Documents
Need a translated or UK-issued document authenticated for use overseas? Send us the document, destination country and any instructions you have received. We can help you identify whether the original document, a certified copy, a translation or a related certification may need notarisation, an FCDO apostille or further legalisation.
What an Apostille Does — and What It Does Not Do
An apostille is a form of legalisation used to authenticate the relevant signature, stamp or seal on an eligible public document for international use. In the UK, apostilles are issued through the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
An apostille does not confirm that every statement inside the document is true, and it does not automatically confirm that a translation is accurate. Its function is document authentication.
You need to know which document or signature the receiving authority wants authenticated. That may be the original document, a certified copy, a notarised document or a certification connected with the translation.
What Actually Needs the Apostille?
The answer depends on the document, how it was issued and the instructions of the organisation that will receive it.
Original UK public document
Some eligible UK public documents can be legalised directly. Whether you should send an original or an eligible certified version depends on the document and the receiving authority's requirements.
Certified copy or private document
Documents such as certain contracts, powers of attorney, qualifications and certified copies can require an appropriate UK solicitor or notary certification before the Legalisation Office can authenticate the signature.
Translated document
A translation does not automatically need its own apostille. In some cases the receiving authority may require authentication of a signature or certification connected with the translation. Their written instructions should determine the route.
Document issued outside the UK
The UK Legalisation Office does not legalise the foreign-issued document itself. Legalisation of that document is normally handled through the country in which it was issued. A separate UK-created certification or notarised translation can involve a different route.
Apostille or Further Consular Legalisation?
The destination country is central to the process. An apostille and consular legalisation are related forms of document authentication, but they are not interchangeable.
Where the Apostille Convention applies
For eligible documents being used in a country where the Hague Apostille Convention applies between the relevant states, an apostille can replace the longer diplomatic legalisation chain.
- Check that the document is eligible.
- Confirm whether the original or another version is required.
- Confirm any separate translation requirements.
Where an apostille alone is not sufficient
For some destinations, the UK apostille may be only one stage. Additional embassy, consular or destination-country authentication can be required.
- Requirements differ by destination.
- The order of translation and legalisation can matter.
- Written instructions from the recipient can prevent unnecessary steps.
Paper Apostille or e-Apostille?
The UK Legalisation Office offers different legalisation routes. The right option depends on the document format, eligibility and what the receiving organisation will accept.
| Question | Paper apostille | e-Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Physical apostille attached to or associated with the submitted document. | Electronic apostille issued for an eligible electronically signed PDF. |
| Best starting point | When a physical apostille is required or the document is not suitable for the electronic route. | When the document and electronic signature meet the Legalisation Office's eligibility rules. |
| Eligibility | Depends on the document and the signature, seal or certification being authenticated. | More restricted. Not every document class can be issued with an e-Apostille. |
| Before ordering | Check what the receiving authority will accept. A faster or more convenient format is not useful if the recipient requires a different one. | |
Check the current Legalisation Office information before submitting a document. View current GOV.UK apostille guidance .
What to Send Us
The more specific the destination requirement, the easier it is to avoid translating, notarising or legalising the wrong version of a document.
- A clear scan, PDF or readable photograph of the document.
- The language required for the translation.
- The country where the document will be submitted.
- The name or type of organisation receiving it.
- Any written apostille, notarisation or legalisation instructions you were given.
- Your required date, so available options can be considered when quoting.
Documents We Can Help You Review
Apostille and legalisation requirements depend on the exact document. These are common categories rather than a guarantee that every document within a category follows the same route.
Personal & civil documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, passports and identity-related documents.
Academic documents
Diplomas, degree certificates, academic transcripts and other education-related records.
Legal & immigration documents
Powers of attorney, declarations, court-related documents, visa documentation and supporting legal records.
Business documents
Company records, contracts, corporate documents and other material required for international business or administrative use.
How Apostille & Translation Support Works
The sequence is checked before unnecessary steps are added to your order.
Send the document
Upload a clear copy so the document type, language and visible certification can be reviewed.
Tell us where it is going
Provide the destination country, intended use and any instructions from the authority, university, court, employer or other recipient.
Check the likely route
We consider the translation requirement alongside any certification, notarisation, apostille or further legalisation steps relevant to the request.
Receive a clear quote
The agreed scope, price and available turnaround are confirmed before work begins.
Complete the agreed stages
Translation and any quoted legalisation-support stages are coordinated in the sequence agreed for your document.
Common Apostille Mistakes
Many problems occur because authentication is ordered before the exact submission requirement has been checked.
The recipient may want the original, a certified copy or a particular certification rather than the version you expected.
Translation and authentication are separate requirements. Confirm exactly what needs to be authenticated.
The country of issue matters. Foreign-issued documents normally need the legalisation route applicable in the issuing country.
An apostille is not automatically the final step for every destination. Further consular or local legalisation may be required.
When possible, ask the receiving organisation to confirm its requirements in writing before translation and legalisation work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure which route applies? Send the document and the destination requirements for review.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate used to authenticate the relevant signature, stamp or seal on an eligible public document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention framework. UK apostilles are issued through the FCDO Legalisation Office.
Do I apostille the original document or the translation?
There is no single rule for every case. The recipient may require an apostille on an original document, a certified copy or an appropriate signature connected with a certification or translation. Check the receiving authority's instructions before ordering.
Does every certified translation need an apostille?
No. Certification of a translation and legalisation by apostille are different things. Only add an apostille or further legalisation when the receiving authority or applicable procedure requires it.
Can the UK FCDO apostille a document issued in another country?
The UK Legalisation Office does not legalise the foreign-issued document itself. Such documents normally need to be legalised through the country in which they were issued. A separate UK document created in connection with the translation may have a different route.
Do I need a solicitor or notary before getting an apostille?
Some documents can be legalised directly, while others need an appropriate UK solicitor or notary to certify or sign them first. It depends on the document and the signature or seal that the Legalisation Office needs to authenticate.
Should I choose a paper apostille or an e-Apostille?
That depends on document eligibility and what the recipient accepts. e-Apostilles are available only for eligible electronically signed documents and cannot be used for every document type.
Is an apostille enough for every country?
No. The destination country's legalisation framework matters. Some documents can use the Hague apostille route, while other destinations can require further embassy, consular or local authentication.
Can you help with translation and legalisation together?
You can send the document, destination and recipient instructions for review. Where translation and apostille or legalisation support are appropriate, the required stages can be included in the agreed scope and quote.
How much does an apostille take and how long does it take?
Legalisation Office fees and processing windows are set by the government and can change. The overall cost and timing also depend on translation, certification, delivery and any additional legalisation required. Check current GOV.UK information and request a quote for your specific document.
Not Sure Which Apostille Route Your Document Needs?
Send us a clear copy of the document, tell us the destination country and include any instructions from the receiving organisation. We can review the request before you commit to unnecessary translation or legalisation steps.