An apostille is an official certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that validates the authenticity of UK documents for use in other countries. Think of it as an international stamp of approval that makes your documents legally valid abroad.
The Simple Definition
In its most basic form, an apostille is a form of international notarization. The word ‘apostille’ comes from French and means ‘certification’. When a document has been apostilled, it means it has been officially verified and will be recognized in any country that is part of the Hague Convention.
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
You might need an apostille when:
- Getting married abroad
- Studying at a foreign university
- Working in another country
- Setting up a business internationally
- Dealing with property overseas
What Documents Can Be Apostilled?
At Apostille Solutions, we handle a wide range of documents including:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Educational qualifications
- Company documents
- Police background checks (DBS)
- Legal documents
How Does an Apostille Work?
The apostille process involves several steps which Apostille Solutions manages for you:
- Verifying the document is eligible for apostille
- Checking the authenticity of signatures and stamps
- Attaching the apostille certificate
- Recording the apostille in an official register
The Hague Convention
The apostille system was created by the Hague Convention of 1961 to simplify document legalisation between countries. Over 120 countries are now members, making it easier to use official documents internationally without complex diplomatic procedures.
What Does an Apostille Look Like?
An apostille is a physical certificate that’s attached to your original document. It includes:
- The country of issue
- The name of the signer
- The capacity in which they acted
- Details of any seal/stamp
- A unique certificate number
- The date and place of issue
Important Things to Remember
- An apostille is only valid in countries that are part of the Hague Convention
- Some countries may require additional embassy attestation
- Only original documents or certified copies can be apostilled
- The process must be completed by the FCDO in the UK
Let Apostille Solutions Help You
Don’t get overwhelmed by the apostille process. Our expert team at Apostille Solutions can handle everything for you:
- Fast processing times
- Secure document handling
- Nationwide collection service
- Expert guidance throughout
- Competitive pricing
Ready to get your documents apostilled? Contact Apostille Solutions today for a free quote. Call us on [phone number] or visit our website to start your application. We make document legalisation simple and stress-free.
