Can I apostille a document from another country in the UK?

Yes, a foreign document, either an original or a copy, can be legalised in the UK, but the UK Legalisation Office can not issue a UK apostille directly on foreign documents.

The FCDO can only apostille foreign documents when correctly certified by a UK FCDO-registered solicitor or notary public.

This page explains how a UK solicitor or notary can help legalise a foreign document for use abroad.

• A solicitor/notary must first verify the original document’s authenticity with the issuing authority abroad.
• They then attach a certificate confirming this verification.
• The FCDO apostilles this certificate, not the original document.
• Example: A Spanish birth certificate needs verification; the solicitor confirms it with the Spanish authorities.

• A UK FCDO-registered solicitor or notary can certify a copy of the foreign document as a “true copy of the original.”
• The FCDO apostilles the certification on the copy.
• Example: A copy of a US passport is certified by a solicitor.

• If a foreign document is signed before a UK notary public, the notary adds their signature and seal.
• The FCDO apostilles the notary’s signature and seal.
• Example: A power of attorney drafted in Brazil is signed in London before a UK notary.

• A UK solicitor can certify the translator’s signature.
• The apostille will then be applied to the certificate.
• Example: A French marriage certificate that is translated into English.

• Some documents from certain British Overseas Territories (e.g., the Cayman Islands) can be apostilled in the UK.
• Example: A Certificate of Good Standing

The UK FCDO doesn’t directly apostille foreign documents.

A UK solicitor or notary must first verify, certify, or witness the document (or certify a translation).

The FCDO then apostilles the solicitor/notary’s certificate or signature.

Always check the specific requirements of the receiving country.