How long does it take to get an apostille?

Our standard processing time for getting an apostille is 2-3 days. Here is what 2 to 3 days mean: If your documents arrive by 10 am , it will take 2 days If your documents arrive after 10 am , then it will take 3 days (+ next-day return delivery if required) We also offer a same-day apostille service. Documents must arrive before 10 am for the same-day service. Documents can be collected around 3 pm the same day. If a mailing or courier service is utilised, the same day becomes a 24-hour service. Read: 5-hour emergency apostille service .

Apostille for Property Documents [UK & Overseas]

Apostille process overview:

Both the original and copy of property documents can be used
You can email us a copy or post the original documents
We can certify your property documents for the FCDO

3-4 day apostille service from £120
1 day (next business day) from £135
5 – 48 hours e-Apostille from £97

The price includes admin fees, solicitor certification, apostille certificate, FCDO fees, and VAT.

Our FCDO-registered solicitors and notarys can certify most types of UK property documents.

If our solicitors are to certify the documents, copies, and sometimes original property documents, require proof that they are genuine.

If you are using your own solicitor or notary, please ensure that they are registered with the FCDO.

We can return the legalised documents via DHL or Royal Mail (next-day service), or you can collect them in person.

Jump to: How much does it cost? ↓ How long does it take?

The order process:

If you have any questions, please call 0207 0500 692

Step one:

If our solicitors are to certify your documents please be prepared to provide proof that the documents are genuine.

Step two:

Contact our office.

Please provide the following information:

How soon do you need the apostille?
How will the documents be delivered and returned?

When we have all the information, the team will assess your enquiry and give you a detailed quotation.

Step two:

Once your property documents have been apostilled, we will email you a scanned copy.

If you are not collecting your apostilled document from our London office – we will provide you with the tracking number the courier gave.

Note that we return documents by DHL or Royal Mail only. If you want to make other arrangements, please let us know.

How much does it cost?

3-4 day UK apostille service from £120
1 day (next business day) from £135
5-48 hours e-Apostille from £97

Our comprehensive fee covers:

Solicitor certification
FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Fees
Administration
VAT

There could be additional costs, depending on your chosen service and how many documents you wish to apostille.

We will always provide a full breakdown to see precisely what you’re paying for.

Call: 0207 0500 692

Send your enquiry via email

Our fast-track apostille options

There are three options for getting an apostille in the UK.

Option one: 1 day (next business day)

Documents must arrive before 9:00 am for the next-day service.
Documents can be collected around 3:30 pm the next day.

Option two: 3 to 4 days:

If documents arrive after 9:30 am, it will take 3-4 days

Option three: e-Apostille 5 to 48 hours

If the document qualifies for an e-apostille, it is usually completed within 24 hours but can take two working days, depending on the FCDO’s workload.

Do I have to come to your office?

No, you don’t need to attend our office in Westminster. Documents can be sent by courier or by post. We recommend using a tracked service if you send your documents by post. We return your documents in the same way.

You are, of course, welcome to drop the documents off in person. However, delivering in person requires that you have an order number. Please make sure you contact our office first.

Does the apostille certificate prove that my property documents are genuine?

No, the apostille certificate does not prove that the underlying document is genuine. An apostille certificate confirms the authenticity of a document’s signature, stamp, or seal and the identity of the person who signed or issued the document.

Which UK property documents can be apostilled?

Here are some examples of property documents that can be apostilled if you sell or let a UK property to an overseas buyer or tenant. The documents in the list below must be certified before being submitted for an apostille certificate.

UK property to an overseas buyer or tenant:

Title deeds
Property information form (TA6)
Fixtures, fittings, and contents form (TA10)
Leasehold information form (TA7)
Energy performance certificate (EPC)
Local authority search
Water and drainage search
Environmental search
Homebuyer report or building survey
Mortgage offer (if applicable)
Proof of ID and address
Deeds of covenant (if leasehold)
Management pack (if leasehold)
Asbestos survey (if necessary)
Land registry documents
Property sale contracts

The above list is by no means exhaustive. By the same token, not all of them will be needed in every case. You should always ask which documents are required and whether they should be apostilled.

Which property documents are needed for buying or selling property overseas?

The following documents (or their local equivalents) may be needed for buying or selling property overseas:

Building permits (from local planning authorities)
Land survey (detailing boundaries, encroachments and easements)
Building survey report (if necessary)
Homeowners’ association approval (where necessary – USA only)
Sale deed/ purchase agreement
Copy of building plan/ architectural drawings
Extracts (from the local land registry office)
General power of attorney (if necessary)
No objection certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities (if necessary)
Allotment letter (if applicable)
Zoning/ usage permit (if necessary)
Property tax clearance certificate
Encumbrance Certificate (if necessary)

If a UK notary public has notarised an overseas document, it is sometimes possible to get a UK apostille. If the FCDO issues an apostille will depend upon where the documents have been issued and whether the notary will make the necessary checks in another country.

Should other steps be taken after the apostille is issued, such as translation or attestation?

If you need to take additional steps after your documents have been apostilled would depend on the requesting overseas authority.

You may need translations:

If your property documents are not in the country’s official language, it may be necessary to provide a translation for the local authorities.

Translations must be certified by a qualified translator and may need solicitor-certified or notarised. Always check the requirements with the requesting authority.

You may need attestation:

The authorities in the country where the transaction is taking place may require further authentication of the documents.

This can involve having the documents attested or legalised by the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.

These procedures are often required for countries not signatories to the Hague convention.

Again, you should research the specific requirements of the country where the transaction is taking place and take any steps necessary to ensure that your property documents meet those requirements.

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References

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