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. Same-day service assumes you can drop off and collect your documents on the same day at our London office. If a mailing or courier service is utilised, the same day becomes a 24-hour service. Read: how the same-day apostille service works .

Get a UK Apostille for Translated Documents

Apostille service overview:

To get an apostille, all translated documents must be certified or notarised by a UK FCDO-registered solicitor or notary public.

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.

The exact process, time to complete, and cost will depend on whether your document is already translated if it needs certification, what translation language to use, and whether a digital copy can be used.

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 full order process:

If you have any questions, please call 0207 0500 692

Step one:

Contact our office.

When emailing, please provide the following information:

In which country will your translated document be used?
How soon do you need the apostille?
Translation language and how many documents
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.

If you accept the quotation, the process of getting an apostille starts.

Step two:

We will email you a scanned copy once your translated documents have been apostilled.

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.

How long does a translation take?

Standard translations can be completed within 24 hours. We can also provide a rapid 12-hour document translation for some documents if appropriate.

The exact turnaround time will depend on the following:

Which language is required
How many documents and pages need translating
The kind of translation required (See below↓)
Whether an original, physical translation has been requested
Whether a digital translation can be presented

Should the translated or original document be apostilled – or both?

The answer will depend on the requesting authority. Usually, the original (UK document) is apostilled and then translated.

But we also get requests for both the UK document and the translated version to be apostilled separately.

Even though the apostille certificate is in English, Spanish and French, we see requests to translate the apostille certificate also.

It’s worth checking what you need, as costs are calculated per document/page.

Apostille before or after translation?

If the translated document is used in an official capacity, the translated document should be apostilled. As always, it is best to confirm with the requesting authority about exact translation requirements.

Must the apostille certificate be translated too?

In theory, counties that are part of the Apostille Convention do not require the apostille certificate to be translated. The apostille certificate has parts of it written in English, French, and Spanish.

However, some overseas authorities ask that all documents submitted, including the apostille, be translated in full. If this is required, they usually let you know.

Mock-up of apostille certificate and translation text / image © apostillelondon.com

What are the different translation options, and when should you use which?

The translation option for legalising UK documents with an apostille depends on the destination country’s requirements. Below is a summary of available translation options and their suitability for document legalisation.

Translator-certified translations

A translator-certified translation is accompanied by a certificate of translation, which is signed and stamped by the translator, attesting to the accuracy of the translation. Only a qualified translator can offer this professional service.

Use a translator-certified translation for documents that are not used for official purposes.

Solicitor-certified translation

A solicitor-certified translation typically involves a solicitor reviewing the translation and certifying that it is an accurate and complete representation of the original document. And the translator needs to sign the declaration of accuracy in the presence of a solicitor.

Solicitor-certified translations are typically used for important legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and court documents.

Notarised translation

A notarised translation differs from a solicitor-certified translation because the notary public must be satisfied not only that the translation bears the signature of a professional translator but also that the translation is accurate and true to the intention of the original document.

Academic institutions, government institutions, and some businesses often require this type of translation.

Sworn translations

In the UK, a sworn translation is a type of certified translation that has been completed by a qualified translator who has taken an oath in front of a public official, such as a solicitor or notary public.

The translator swears that the translation is accurate and complete, and the translation is then stamped and signed by the public official.

Can I get an apostille for a digital (PDF) translation?

You can get an apostille for a digital translation. Any translation in PDF format can be apostilled, provided it has been digitally certified by a UK solicitor or notary.

For more formal or legal purposes, it may be necessary to use a hard-copy translation that has been certified or notarised. Always check if the requesting authority accepts digital translations!

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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.