Are you overwhelmed by the process of getting your British documents legalised for use overseas? You’re not alone—this can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our expert guide breaks down the key differences between Apostille Legalisation and Consular Legalisation, helping you navigate the process with ease.
Document legalisation such as Apostille certifies or authenticates documents for use in foreign countries. Whether you’re relocating for work or studies, getting married abroad, managing international business, or purchasing property overseas, legalising documents such as academic transcripts or birth certificate is something you are going to come up against.
Apostille vs. Consular Legalisation
These are two parallel systems which both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the system you use will depend on which country you are dealing with.
Apostille Legalisation
- A single-step certification process for use in Hague Convention countries. (91 countries including Western Europe, India, China, much of South America, USA and Canada)
- Issued exclusively by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- Standardised format recognised by all member nations.
- Typically faster and more cost-effective than consular legalisation.
Although you have to take documents to the Apostille Office in London to be checked, or send them there in the post, the process is usually same-day and so you should have your original documents and the apostille back very quickly. However, if you are in a real hurry, bear in mind that this is not a process which you can complete online.
Consular Legalisation
As discussed above, apostille only applies to countries which have signed up to the system, and this number is increasing all the time. There are still lots of nations which are not part of the system though, and therefore an apostille will not be recognised. Consular legislation:
- Required for non-Hague Convention countries (much of Africa, Singapore, UAE)
- Involves multiple steps, including solicitor or notary certification, Apostille legalisation, and final attestation at the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
- A more time-intensive and complex process.
What are the most common documents for Apostille?
There is a wide range of documents which often need to go through the Apostille process in order to be accepted overseas. However, the most common paperwork requested are birth, marriage or death certificates issued in the UK, or ACRO police certificates.
You may need both Apostille and consular legalisation if you are intending
- The document will be used in multiple countries.
- The destination country is not a Hague Convention member.
- Certain document types require enhanced certification for authenticity.
If you are unsure what documents you need to have verified, and which process you need to follow, be led by the company or government you are dealing with. They will know exactly the format in which they require your information, and what documents they will require. Make sure you understand the requirements fully before going through either the apostille or legislation process as there is a cost involved to getting documents verified, and you don’t want to be going through the process twice.
