Legalisation

Legalisation is the process by which the signature and seal of the Notary are confirmed by either the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the London Embassy or Consulate of the country in which the document is to be used or both.

Whether or not the documents you wish to have notarised will require Legalisation (and by whom) depends entirely on the country for which the documents are required.

Many countries require only one certificate from the the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – called an “Apostille” certificate (pursuant to the Hague Convention) and this costs £45.00 per document. This can often be applied for by post by you direct (I can provide you with details of how to apply) or for an additional fee I can arrange this for you.

Some countries will require both the Apostille from the Foreign Office and a further certificate from their own Embassy in London. This will take longer. There are other procedures that apply only to a few countries, and there can be problems if a document is to be used in a country with which the United Kingdom does not have diplomatic relations.

For example:

• Spain – FCDO Apostille usually required
• France – FCDO Apostille required by some areas/departements – others require none
• USA – FCDO Apostille by a few states – most require none
• Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa – none usually required
• China – FCDO Apostille and Chinese Embassy legalisation required