We can also get an apostille if your affidavit has already been certified (assuming that the certification has been completed by an FCDO-registered authority).
To get an apostille for an affidavit, you have two options.
Option one: You use our service to take care of the entire process. No matter what you need, we will take care of it for you. The process usually takes 2-3 days.
Option two: You try to get the apostille via the FCDO directly. You need to ensure your affidavit is certified or notarised correctly. Getting the apostille can take up to 20 days, assuming there are no issues with your document.
Jump to: How much does it cost? | How long does it take?
How to order:
Step one:
Check that your affidavit has been signed by a ‘Commissioner for Oaths,’ usually a solicitor or notary. The solicitor’s or notary’s signature must be registered with the FCDO to be accepted.
If you are unsure, send a copy of your affidavit, and we will check it.
We can also certify or notarise your affidavit.
Step two:
Contact us to place an order.
When emailing, please provide the following information:
- What country will the affidavit be used in?
- Do you need a translation?
- How soon do you need the apostille?
- How will you deliver your document? (in person, by mail?)
- How will documents be returned? (in person, by mail?)
Once we have all the information, the team will assess your enquiry and give you a personalised and detailed quotation.
If you accept the quotation, we will send an invoice to be paid, and the process of getting an apostille for your documents starts.
We will take care of the entire legalisation process for you.
Step three:
Regardless of what return delivery method is chosen (in person, self-addressed envelope, DHL etc.), we will inform you immediately as soon as the documents are ready to be collected or they are on their way back to you.
How much does it cost?
- 10-12 day service (currently unavailable)
- 3-4-day service from £120
- 1 day (next business day) from £135
- 1-day e-Apostille from £97
- 3-4 day 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.
How long does it take to get an apostille?
There are three options for getting an apostille.
Option one: 1 day (next business day)
- Documents must arrive before 9:30 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.
Why is an apostille request for an affidavit?
Legalisation with an apostille is requested by overseas authorities to confirm that your affidavit is genuine so that it can be legally used in the country that demands it.
If the requesting country is part of the Hague convention, then the apostille is sufficient proof. However, legalisation via an embassy or consulate will be required if the government is not part of the apostille convention.
Do I need to translate the apostilled affidavit?
Translating an affidavit or the apostilled affidavit will depend on the requesting authority and country. From experience, the requesting authority will let you know if you must translate your affidavit.
We can assist with obtaining translations of documents if required. Find out more about our certified translation services.
Legalising the affidavit with an embassy in London
If the requesting country is not part of the Hague apostille convention, then you may need to further legalise your apostilled affidavit with an embassy of high consulate in London.
Also, since other documents often accompany an affidavit, all documents must have the apostille certificate or be presented as a ‘bundle’.
However, not all embassies allow for documents to be bundled. Please check with the embassy in London first, or you can review our web page for embassy requirements.
