FCDO APOSTILLE & LEGALISATION FAQ

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that confirms a document is genuine for use overseas. It allows documents to be recognised in other countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Can you Apostille documents for any country?

We can apostille documents for any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. For non-Hague countries, embassy legalisation may be required alongside the Apostille. If you are unsure which applies, we are happy to advise.

Does my document need embassy legalisation as well as an Apostille?

If the destination country is a Hague Convention member, embassy legalisation is not required or available.
The FCDO Apostille is the final and complete legalisation step for those countries.

For non-Hague countries, embassy legalisation may still be necessary.

Is embassy legalisation possible for Hague Convention countries?

No. Embassies of Hague Convention countries do not legalise documents once an Apostille has been issued. The Apostille itself fulfils the legalisation requirement.

What types of documents can be Apostilled?

We regularly Apostille a wide range of documents, including:

  • Commercial contracts and agreements

  • Distributor and agency agreements

  • Powers of Attorney

  • Company documents and resolutions

  • Personal and academic documents

If you are unsure whether your document is suitable, please contact us for confirmation.

Do documents need to be notarised before apostilling?

Some documents must be notarised or certified before they can be Apostilled. This depends on the document type and how it was issued. We will advise you of any required preparation before proceeding.

Do you need the original document?

In most cases, yes — we require the original document or a properly certified copy. Requirements vary by document type, so we will confirm this once we review your enquiry.

Can you provide a quote?

Yes. Once we know:

  • The destination country

  • The document type

  • Any deadlines

We will provide a clear quotation with timescales.

Can the Chamber of Commerce arrange this?

Chambers of Commerce typically do not issue Apostilles themselves. They often refer clients to specialist legalisation providers like us to manage the process correctly and efficiently.

What information do you need to get started?

To proceed, please provide:

  • The destination country

  • The document type

  • A scan or description of the document

  • Any urgency or deadline

We will confirm the process and next steps.

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