An apostille is a certificate authentication process verifying the genuineness of documents for international use. It confirms the legitimacy of signatures and seals on public documents. The apostille in United Kingdom follows the framework established by the Hague Convention of January 1961 with effect from January 1965.
The United Kingdom joined the Hague apostille Convention in October 1961. Countries which are not part of the Hague Convention do not recognize the electronically used apostille. The apostilles’ authenticate public documents simplifying the process of international certificate authentication.
The process has made it easy and simpler for individuals and businesses to meet international legal requirements. It serves as a universally recognized seal of approval making it sure that a document issued in one country is accepted in another country without further authentication, saving time and avoiding legal headaches for those engaged in international dealings.
The Apostille service is quite advantageous in cases that would otherwise require certifications by both the origin and destination states. The Hague apostille Convention has abolished the latter requirement.
However, it may be noted that the apostille services do not serve as a substitute for legislation. In this context, it may be remembered that the Apostille only certifies the signature, signer’s capacity and seal or stamp on the document are from the stated issuer. It only certifies the origin of the document, but does not provide any information about the content of the document.
This apostille certification is quite useful in the following situations:
- When planning to study or work abroad
- To get married or to register a birth overseas
- To conduct an international business
- For legal proceedings in foreign courts.
Apostille in United Kingdom
An apostille is needed in the United Kingdom if the documents of the country are required to be used for legal purposes or personal needs abroad. The occasions where an apostille becomes crucial are the following:
- Migration: Applying for a visa or residency in another country, documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and cops history checks require an apostille to be accepted abroad.
- Studies & Research Abroad: The relevant papers like degrees, diplomas are required to be apostilled to prove their authenticity.
- Expansion of Business: The businesses in UK planning to increase their footprints abroad require to apostille service records of agreements, contracts and powers of attorney to abide with the international regulations.
- Legal Documents: Legal documents like court orders, testimonies and wills are required to be apostilled in case of legal disputes, adoption and inheritances.
Apostille Process in UK
Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) issues the apostille in the United Kingdom. The procedures for obtaining the apostille in UK are listed below:
Preparation of documents
The documents for apostille accreditation are to be readied in the first instance. Some papers such as instructional certifications may need to be notarized or licensed by a solicitor before the submission for apostille.
Submission of documents
The documents may be submitted for apostilling either by post or through an authorized company who makes use of their expertise to facilitate the procedure.
Processing by Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO)
The documents are processed by FCO who apostille them if all the requirements are met.
Get the Apostille
After the apostille is issued, you will receive the validated records which can be used in foreign nations.
Types of documents which can be Apostilled in UK
Different types of documents can be apostilled in the UK. These include the following:
- Apostille Personal Documents: This consists of apostille birth certificates in UK, apostille marriage certificates in UK, adoption papers, and cops history checks.
- Apostille Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, transcripts and other qualifications released by UK institutions.
- Apostille Company Documents: Certificates of consolidation, articles of association, company licenses, and powers of attorneys.
- Apostille Legal Documents: Court orders, testimonies, notarial acts, and wills.
Though the documents can be sent directly to the FCO for apostille accreditation by the people, services of specialists can be engaged to expedite the process.
Helpline Group in the UK., a pioneer in providing services for apostille accreditation, helps the applicants to get their documents apostilled in the UK. With an experience of more than 25 years, 300+experts and spread globally, we assure you of reliable and fast apostille document services in the UK.