Guide to Get an Apostille for Declaration of Value [2024]

Some people find getting an apostille for a Declaration of Value (Italian: Dichiarazione di Valore) both daunting and frustrating – especially in Italy.

In this guide, we aim to explain the process of getting an apostille as simply as possible. Both from getting it from the UK and in Italy.

This article assumes that you have already obtained your Declaration of Value from:

The Italian embassy in London [1] or,
From one of the Italian consulates in the UK [2] or,
In Italy, from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome [3].

Declaration of Value Form (direct download)

Topics covered in this article >

Essential checklist before you begin
Get an apostille for a DoV in Italy
Get an apostille for a DoV in the UK
How much does it cost?
How long does it take?
What you should know
Helpful Information
FAQs

Checklist before getting started:

1
Personal information: full name, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality
2
Document proving your identity: passport or national ID card.
3
Proof of address: utility bill, bank statement, or document showing your current address
4
The Dichiarazione di Valore document (an important part of the process)
5
Your UK diplomas and transcripts (copies are OK if notarised!)
6
Sworn translations (From English to Italian)
7
A cover letter explaining why the Declaration of Value is needed.
8
Any additional supporting documents relevant to your specific situation or qualifications (e.g., work experience certificates, reference letters, etc.).
9
Contact information for the relevant authorities or organisations receiving the DoV.
10
A4 stamped addressed envelope (may be required, but this depends on the specific requirements of the authority or organisation)
11
Payment method (debit or credit card)
12
Copies of documents (optional but recommended)
13
Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and confusing, so patience is important.

Additional tips for obtaining an apostille for a Declaration of Value:

Start early: Give yourself enough time to gather all the required documents and information, as well as to complete the process of obtaining an apostille, especially if you need it for a specific deadline.
Check the requirements: Make sure to check the requirements of the specific institution or organisation you are applying to, as they may have different or additional requirements for the apostille or Declaration of Value.
Use a checklist: Keep track of all the documents and information you need to gather and submit, as well as the deadlines, to ensure that you don’t miss anything.
Keep copies: Make sure to keep a copy of all the original documents, as well as the apostilled or notarised copies, in a safe place.
Use an experienced agent: Consider using an experienced apostille agent, especially if you are new to the process or if the requirements are complex. An experienced agent can help you navigate the bureaucracy, avoid common mistakes, and complete the process more quickly.
Get legal advice: If you encounter any issues or problems during the process, consider getting legal advice from a qualified solicitor or notary.
Double-check: Before submitting your final application, double-check all the information and documents to make sure they are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.

Original documents are usually preferred when applying for an apostille.

While copies of the documents may be accepted in some cases, it is best to submit the original documents to avoid the risk of rejection.

Certified copies by a solicitor or notary may be accepted in some cases, but it depends on the specific requirements of the authority or organisation issuing the apostille.

It is always best to check the specific requirements before submitting your application.

How to get an apostille for a DoV in Italy:

Here’s a detailed list of the steps involved in obtaining an apostille for Declaration of Value (DoV) in Italy, including fees you may incur at each stage:

Gather all necessary documents; in most cases, you will need:

Your birth certificate.
Your passport or ID card
Your academic qualifications (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, etc.)
Any relevant transcripts or certificates
Your marital status certificate (if applicable)
Any other relevant documents requested by the Italian authority.
The list of necessary documents may vary depending on the specific requirements of the authority or organization issuing the apostille.

Have your UK documents translated into Italian:

You must have a ‘sworn translation” for all UK documents.
Fees for translation services vary and can range from €50 to €200 (£40 to £150) or more depending on the number of pages and the complexity of the text. It’s always good to get quotes from different service providers to compare costs.

Have your translated documents solicitor certified:

Get the translation stamped and signed by a solicitor.
Fees for solicitor certification can vary and can range from €50 to €150 (£25 to £130) or more depending on the number of documents. (Get a few quotes)

Obtain an Italian apostille stamp:

This step is completed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant government agency in your home country.
Fees for obtaining an apostille stamp vary and can range from €50 to €200 or more depending on the number of documents, and it’s always good to check the most up-to-date information on the specific requirements and fees.

Submit your documents to the Italian institution:

Submit all the required documents, including the original documents, the translated documents, and other relevant documents, to the Italian institution.
The institution will issue a Declaration of Value (DoV) for the qualifications.
Fees for obtaining a DoV vary and can range from €50 to €200 (£40 to £150) or more depending on the institution and the type of qualification.

Submit your DoV to the Italian Consulate:

Submit your Declaration of Value (DoV) to the Italian Consulate in the country in which you reside.
The Consulate will issue a visa allowing you to study in Italy.
Fees for obtaining a visa vary and can range from €50 to €200 (£40 to £150) or more depending on the type of visa and the Consulate. (Check the most up-to-date information on the specific requirements and fees.)

If you have provided a large stamped addressed envelope, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) will typically return the Dichiarazione di Valore to you by post with the apostille.

If you are in Rome, collecting the apostille in person is possible by making an appointment with the MAE.

Additionally, the Ministero degli Affari Esteri (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) may offer delivery of the apostille by post or courier service for an additional fee.

It’s always best to check the specific requirements and procedures with the relevant authority before beginning the process.

How to get an apostille for a DoV in the UK

The steps for obtaining an apostille for an Italian “Dichiarazione di Valore” in the UK are as follows:

Get your DoV form

Obtain a “Dichiarazione di Valore” from the competent Italian authorities, usually a consulate of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Translation

Get the “Dichiarazione di Valore” translated into English by an official translator.

Certify the translation

Have the translated document stamped, signed, and sealed by a notary public to verify the accuracy of the translation.

Submit to the legalisation office

Submit your Dichiarazione di Valore document and its notarised translation to the legalisation office of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK.

Pay the fees

Pay the applicable fee to the FCDO’s legalisation office.

Apostille issued

Wait for the apostille to be issued and attached to the original Dichiarazione di Valore and its translation.

You can pay the FCDO to have your documents, and the apostille returned to you by a tracked postal service or delivered by courier.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining an apostille can change. So, it is recommended to check the latest information on the FCDO’s website or to contact the FCDO Legalisation Office directly for the most up-to-date information.

How much does it cost?

Cost of getting a Declaration of Value (DoV):

ITALY	United Kingdom
Obtaining a DoV from the Italian Diplomatic Authorities can cost €60 for a standard processing time of approximately 15 working days.	Obtaining a DoV from UK NARIC typically costs £75 for a standard processing time of approximately 15 working days.
For an express processing time of approximately 5 working days, the cost can be around €150.	For an express processing time of about 5 working days, the cost can be around £150.

ITALY
€60 for a standard processing time of approximately 15 working days.
For an express processing time of approximately 5 days, the cost can be around €150.
United Kingdom
£75 for a standard processing time of approximately 15 working days
For an express processing time of about 5 days, the cost can be around £150

Cost of notarising a DoV:

ITALY	United Kingdom
Notarising a DoV document in Italy can cost around €100	Notarising a DoV document in the United Kingdom can cost around £90

ITALY
Notarising a DoV document in Italy can cost around €100
United Kingdom
Notarising a DoV document in the United Kingdom can cost around £90

Cost of an apostille:

ITALY	United Kingdom
Obtaining an apostille in Italy costs around €80; however, this varies for consulates and locations, including service types or if you use an apostille agency.	An apostille in the United Kingdom starts from £30 for standard service and £75 for express service. More if you use an apostille agency.

ITALY
Obtaining an apostille in Italy costs around €80; however, this varies for consulates and locations, including service types or if you use an apostille agency.
United Kingdom
An apostille in the UK starts from £30 for standard service and £75 for express service. More if you use an apostille agency.

Possible postage costs:

ITALY	United Kingdom
Domestic Mail (within Italy): The cost of sending a standard A4 envelope weighing up to 20 grams within Italy can range from €1 to €1.50, depending on the service used.	Domestic Mail (within the UK): Standard A4 envelopes weighing up to 100 grams within the UK can range from £0.75 to £1.20, depending on the service used.

ITALY
Domestic Mail (within Italy): The cost of sending a standard A4 envelope weighing up to 20 grams within Italy can range from €1 to €1.50, depending on the service used.
United Kingdom
Domestic Mail (within the UK): Standard A4 envelopes weighing up to 100 grams within the UK can range from £0.75 to £1.20, depending on the service used.

Please note that these costs may be subject to change and may vary depending on the specific institution or organisation etc.

How long does it take?

How long does it take to get a DoV?

Unfortunately, the most accurate answer is “it depends”. This is true for both the Italian and UK institutions.

In general, obtaining a DoV in Italy (or the UK, for that matter) can take several weeks. However, some consulates or embassies may offer expedited processing times for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time for obtaining a DoV.

How long does notarisation take?

The actual notarising of your DoV only takes about 20 minutes. However, getting an appointment or the document in front of a notary can take several days.

How long does it take to get an apostille?

As always, in Italy – it depends.

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to obtain an apostille in Italy.

It is not much better in the UK.

The FCDO can take anywhere from a few days to 20 days or more.

It is important to note that processing times for notarisation and obtaining an apostille can vary and depend on several factors, including the specific requirements of the authority or organisation issuing the apostille, the number of applications being processed, and any additional fees for expedited processing.

It’s always best to check the most up-to-date information on processing times and any additional fees for expedited processing before beginning the process.

Using an apostille agent can speed up the process, but it may come with additional costs.

Why get an apostille for a ‘Declaration of Value’ in Italy and not the UK?

There are four main reasons why you might want to get an apostille for a Declaration of Value from a branch of the Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri (MAE):

One

In theory, all Italian universities should accept apostilles from any country that is a member of the Hague Convention. In practice, however, some Italian universities prefer an Italian apostille for the Dichiarazione di Valore.

Two

The Dichiarazione di Valore and the apostille are both issued by branches of the Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri. This, therefore, provides a strong assurance of their authenticity.

Three

If you are already in Italy, getting an apostille in Italy may be simpler and quicker rather than sending all your documents back to the UK. If you are Italian but have a UK degree, you may want to get your apostille in Italy.

Four

The UK’s FCDO will only issue an apostille for a foreign document if a UK notary public has notarised it. Even then, the FCDO may not accept your application for an apostille.

Why get an apostille for a DoV in the UK and not Italy?

There are several reasons why you may need to get an apostille for your Italian Dichiarazione di Valore in the UK rather than in Italy:

Timing

The UK has a faster processing time for apostilles than Italy.

Convenience

If you live in the UK, getting an apostille in the UK is more convenient than travelling to Italy to obtain one.

Cost

The cost of obtaining an apostille can vary between countries. Obtaining an apostille in the UK is more cost-effective for you.

Language barriers

If you are not fluent in Italian, navigating the bureaucracy in Italy to obtain an apostille could be a challenge.

Document verification

The process of getting an apostille in the UK is well established, and the UK authorities are experienced in verifying and certifying educational documents.

What you should know

Getting a Declaration of Value (DoV) and an apostille can be complicated and time-consuming, especially in a foreign country.

There can be many authorities involved, each with its own rules and regulations, which can result in additional requests and sometimes even conflicting requests from different authorities.

For example, each university in Italy is entitled to request any documentation they deem necessary to assess the suitability of foreign qualifications.

Using an experienced apostille agent can simplify the process and ensure that all the necessary steps are taken correctly and efficiently.

However, choosing a reputable and trustworthy agent is important, as using an unprofessional or fraudulent agent can lead to further complications and delays.

Helpful information

Abbreviations explained:

Declaration of Value (DoV)
Italian: Dichiarazione di Valore (DoV)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)
Italian: Ministero degli Affari Esteri (MAE)
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

Contact details for:

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) in Italy:
Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale
Piazzale della Farnesina, 1
00194 Roma RM, Italy
https://www.esteri.it/it/

General Italian Consulate – London
Harp House 83-86 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4BL.
+44 20 7936 5900
consolato.londra@esteri.it
https://conslondra.esteri.it/en/

General Italian Consulate – Liverpool
Oriel Chambers, 14 Water St
Liverpool L2 8TD, UK
+44 151 305 1062
info@consolatoliverpool.com
http://www.consolatoliverpool.com/

General Italian Consulate – Edinburgh
32 Melville St
Edinburgh EH3 7HA, UK
+44 131 226 3631
Fax: +44 131 226 6260
consolato.edimburgo@esteri.it
https://consedimburgo.esteri.it/consolato_edimburgo/en

FAQs

What is A 'Declaration of Value'?

A Declaration of Value is a document from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that confirms the equivalent value of your UK degree or qualification to an Italian one.

It’s required if you plan to use your degree in Italy for employment, education, or research. The DoV ensures that your UK degree is recognised and valued similarly to an Italian degree, making it necessary for those seeking to work or study in Italy with a UK degree.

How to get a DoV as a UK resident

The easiest and fasted way is to follow the official guidelines from the Italian Consulate:

https://conslondra.esteri.it/it/info-utili/f-a-q/faq-dichiarazioni-di-valore/

Can UK educational documents be bound for one apostille for Italian authorities?

The answer to that would depend on the specific requirements of the Italian authorities to which you are submitting the documents.

For example, you cannot bundle documents if the document is not in Italian or English. It will need to be translated into Italian by a certified translator. Each translated document will require its own apostille.

Additionally, some Italian authorities may have specific requirements for the type of apostille they accept, so it is best to check with the specific authority before submitting your documents.

In general, having separate apostilles for each individual document provides the strongest assurance of their authenticity, which may be required for certain applications.

What happens if a DoV application is rejected?

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the authority responsible for issuing DoVs, will usually inform the applicant of the reason for the rejection and what steps need to be taken to resolve the issue.

In some cases, the applicant may need to reapply for the DoV with the correct information or documentation. For example, suppose the rejection is due to a mistake or error made by the applicant. In that case, correcting the issue and reapplying as soon as possible is vital to avoid any potential delays or complications.

It is also important to note that the cost of reapplying for a DoV can be high, including the cost of any additional translation or certification services required. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully review the application and all accompanying documents before submitting them to ensure they are complete and accurate.

What is the process for appealing a DoV rejection?

The process to appeal a rejected Declaration of Value (DoV) application includes the following:

Reviewing the rejection notice and reason for rejection: It is important to understand the reason for the rejection and to carefully review the rejection notice.
Gathering more supporting documents or information: You may need to provide additional documentation or information to support your appeal.
Contacting the issuing authority: Before submitting an appeal, it is important to contact the issuing authority (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to understand the specific requirements and procedures for appealing a rejected DoV application.
Submitting the appeal with additional documents/info: Make sure to submit the appeal along with any additional supporting documentation or information.
Waiting for a response from the issuing authority: After submitting the appeal, you will need to wait for a response from the issuing authority. The time frame for receiving a response can vary, so it is important to be patient.
If unsuccessful, seek legal remedies: If the appeal is unsuccessful, you may consider seeking legal remedies such as a judicial review to challenge the rejection. However, it is important to understand the legal remedies available to you and the requirements for pursuing them. Before taking any legal action, it is advisable to seek the advice of a qualified attorney.

How long is a DoV valid?

A DoV’s validity can vary based on the level and type of degree, as well as the requirements of the institution. Typically, a DoV is valid for a limited time, usually two to five years.

However, it may be possible to obtain a DoV with a longer validity period in some instances, such as for those seeking to work or study in Italy for an extended period.

Check with the issuing authority, typically the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for specific information about the validity period for a DoV in your individual case.

References

This article has been written by experts and fact-checked by experts. We only link to high-quality sources like government information & data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. Reputable publishers are also sourced and cited where appropriate to support the facts within our articles. [editorial policy]

Additional recourses:

[1] Italian Embassy in London
amblondra.esteri.it/ambasciata_londra

[2] Italian Consulates in the UK
conslondra.esteri.it

[3] Document Legalisation – Italy
esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/legalizzazione-documenti/

[4] Educational qualifications forms

conslondra.esteri.it/it/chi-siamo/la-sede/modulistica/modulistica-titoli-di-studio/

Navigating the apostille process for a Declaration of Value in Italy (and the UK)