Question 1

1. What is an Apostille and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that confirms a UK document is genuine. It verifies the signature, seal, or stamp on the document so it can be legally recognised in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention. Without an apostille, many overseas authorities will not accept UK-issued documents for purposes such as employment, education, business, or residency.

Question 2

2. What is the role of the FCDO in Apostille Services?

Accepted Answer

The FCDO is the only authority in the UK legally permitted to issue apostilles. It checks that the document has been signed or certified by a recognised UK public official or notary. Once verified, the FCDO attaches an apostille certificate, making the document valid for international use in Hague Convention countries. Apostille service providers act as intermediaries, managing checks, submissions, and secure handling on your behalf.

Question 3

3. What is the difference between e-Apostille and paper apostille?

Accepted Answer

An e-Apostille is a digital apostille issued electronically for eligible documents, typically PDFs with secure digital signatures. A paper apostille is a physical certificate attached to an original paper document. Not all documents qualify for e-Apostilles, and many overseas authorities still require paper apostilles. Choosing the correct format depends on document type and the destination country's acceptance requirements.

Question 4

4. Are Apostille Services only for individuals?

Accepted Answer

No. Apostille services are widely used by both individuals and businesses. Individuals may require apostilles for education, employment, marriage, or medical travel. Businesses commonly need apostilles for company incorporation documents, contracts, powers of attorney, and commercial records used overseas. Whether personal or corporate, the process ensures UK documents are recognised legally in foreign jurisdictions.

Question 5

5. Which countries accept UK apostilles?

Accepted Answer

UK apostilles are accepted in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961. This includes most of Europe, the USA, Australia, Japan, and many others. If a country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional embassy or consular legalisation may be required. It is essential to confirm the destination country's requirements before proceeding to avoid delays or rejections.

Question 6

6. What documents are eligible for apostille in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Commonly apostilled documents include educational certificates, birth and marriage certificates, medical certificates, company documents, powers of attorney, and affidavits. The key requirement is that the document must be issued in the UK or properly notarised by a UK notary public. Some documents may need verification or notarisation before FCDO submission.

Question 7

7. Do all documents require notarisation before apostille?

Accepted Answer

No, not all documents require notarisation. Certain official documents, such as UK birth or marriage certificates, can often be apostilled directly. However, private documents, copies, or documents signed by individuals usually require notarisation before they are eligible for FCDO apostille. A document review helps determine whether notarisation is required before submission.

Question 8

8. What is a Hague Apostille?

Accepted Answer

A Hague Apostille refers to an apostille issued under the Hague Convention framework. It certifies UK documents for use in other Hague member countries without further embassy legalisation. The term 'Hague Apostille' highlights the international legal agreement that simplifies cross-border document recognition, saving time, cost, and administrative complexity.

Question 9

9. Can medical certificates be apostilled?

Accepted Answer

Yes, medical and health-related documents can be apostilled if they meet FCDO requirements. This includes medical fitness certificates, vaccination records, and health reports. Medical documents usually require notarisation before apostille. These apostilles are commonly needed for overseas employment, immigration, or medical treatment abroad and must be handled carefully to ensure accuracy and acceptance.

Question 10

10. How long does the apostille process take in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Processing times depend on document type, verification needs, and FCDO workload. Standard processing usually takes several working days. Express or priority services may be available for eligible documents, reducing turnaround time. However, timelines cannot be guaranteed, as final issuance depends on the FCDO's processing capacity and document compliance.

Question 11

11. Can I apostille a photocopy of a document?

Accepted Answer

Photocopies can be apostilled only if they are first notarised by a UK notary public, confirming the copy is a true representation of the original. The FCDO will not apostille uncertified copies. This option is useful when originals cannot be released, but acceptance depends on the requirements of the destination country.

Question 12

12. Is an apostille the same as legalisation?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is a form of legalisation, but not all legalisation is apostille. Apostilles apply only to Hague Convention countries. For non-Hague countries, documents may require further legalisation through the relevant embassy or consulate. Understanding the destination country's status is crucial to applying the correct process.

Question 13

13. Can documents be rejected by the FCDO?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documents may be rejected if they are unsigned, improperly notarised, issued by an unrecognised authority, or damaged. Errors in names, dates, or seals can also lead to rejection. A professional document review before submission significantly reduces the risk of delays or refusals.

Question 14

14. Do apostilles expire?

Accepted Answer

Apostilles themselves do not have an official expiry date. However, the receiving authority may impose time limits on when a document must have been issued or apostilled. For example, some countries require apostilles issued within the last three or six months. Always check the destination authority's requirements.

Question 15

15. Can foreign documents be apostilled in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No. The UK FCDO can only apostille documents issued in the UK or notarised by a UK notary public. Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalised in the country where they were originally issued. Attempting a UK apostille on foreign documents will result in rejection.

Question 16

16. Is e-Apostille accepted worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Not universally. While e-Apostilles are legally valid, acceptance depends on the destination country and the receiving authority. Some countries and institutions still require paper apostilles. It is important to confirm acceptance before choosing an e-Apostille to avoid complications.

Question 17

17. Why should I use a professional apostille service?

Accepted Answer

Professional services ensure documents are correctly prepared, compliant, and submitted through official FCDO channels. This reduces errors, saves time, and avoids costly rejections. For complex, urgent, or multiple documents, expert handling provides peace of mind and clear communication throughout the process.

Question 18

18. Are Apostille Services legally regulated in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Apostilles are strictly regulated, and only the FCDO can issue them. Service providers must follow lawful submission procedures, data protection regulations, and secure handling standards. Choosing a compliant UK-based provider ensures your documents are processed safely and correctly.

Question 19

19. Can businesses apostille multiple documents together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Businesses often submit multiple documents in a single application, such as incorporation certificates, board resolutions, and contracts. Each document receives its own apostille. Bulk submissions may streamline coordination but are still processed individually by the FCDO.

Question 20

20. Is courier delivery included in Apostille Services?

Accepted Answer

Courier delivery is usually optional and depends on the service package chosen. Secure return delivery within the UK is commonly included, while international courier services may be arranged at additional cost. Using tracked couriers ensures document safety during transit.

Question 21

21. What happens after the apostille is issued?

Accepted Answer

Once issued, the apostilled document is returned securely to you or sent directly to the destination if required. The apostille confirms authenticity but does not validate the content of the document. You are then free to submit it to the overseas authority for its intended purpose.

Question 22

22. Can I track the status of my apostille application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most professional services provide regular status updates via email or client portals. Tracking helps you stay informed at each stage, from document receipt to FCDO submission and final dispatch. Transparency is a key part of a reliable apostille service.

Question 23

23. Are Apostille Services confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reputable providers follow strict confidentiality and data protection standards. Documents are handled securely and used solely for apostille processing. Confidential information is protected in accordance with UK data protection laws and professional handling protocols.

Question 24

24. What if my document is urgent?

Accepted Answer

Urgent cases may qualify for express or priority processing, subject to eligibility. While faster handling can reduce preparation and submission time, final processing still depends on FCDO approval. Early assessment is essential for urgent apostille requirements.

Question 25

25. How do I get started with Apostille Services?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple. Submit your document details for an initial review to confirm eligibility, format, and requirements. Once confirmed, preparation, submission, and secure delivery are handled on your behalf. Clear guidance and expert support ensure a smooth, compliant apostille process from start to finish.

Package	Features	Our Recommendation	CTA
Basic	STARTING FROM £85 Initial document eligibility and format check Review of issuing authority and document authenticity Guidance on FCDO apostille requirements e-Apostille eligibility assessment Secure handling of documents within the UK Email status updates	Suitable for simple digital submissions	GET IN TOUCH
Standard	STARTING FROM £145 Includes all Basic features + Paper apostille option (where required) FCDO submission and coordination Document compliance check before submission Standard processing timelines Document tracking and regular email updates	Most common choice	GET IN TOUCH
Comprehensive	STARTING FROM £245 Includes all Standard features + Priority FCDO submission Paper or e-Apostille processing Notarisation coordination (if required) Dedicated case handler Secure return delivery within the UK Enhanced support for educational and commercial documents	Recommended for urgent cases	GET IN TOUCH
Ultimate (Best Value)	STARTING FROM £325 Includes all Comprehensive features + Fast-track processing (subject to eligibility) Apostille Medical Certificate handling Dedicated apostille specialist Priority FCDO processing Secure international courier coordination End-to-end apostille management with final quality and compliance check	Best for complex or urgent needs	GET IN TOUCH

Format	Best For	Processing	Acceptance	Cost Range
e-Apostille (Digital Apostille)	Academic certificates, professional documents, corporate records, and digitally issued files	Faster processing for eligible documents, issued electronically by the FCDO	Accepted by authorities and institutions that recognise digital certification (varies by country)	Starting from £85
Paper Apostille (Physical Apostille)	Civil documents, registry certificates, court-issued papers, and original documents	Standard processing, physical apostille attached to the original document	Universally accepted across all Hague Convention countries	Starting from £145

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