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.
The price includes admin, solicitor, FCDO, and VAT. Business documents incur an additional processing fee.
There could be additional costs, depending on your chosen service and how many documents you wish to apostille. Additional cost examples are:
- Translations start from £30
- Notarisation by notary public (+ £96)
- Return delivery costs (+ £12)
- Embassy legalisation (from + £75)
How long does it take to get an apostille?
There are 4 options for getting an apostille.
Option one: 10-12 days:
Your documents are “posted” to the FCDO in Milton Keynes and then posted back to our office – or your address. This process usually takes about 10 business days. (currently unavailable)
Option two: 3 to 4 days:
- If documents arrive by 10:30 am, it will take 3 days
- If documents arrive after 10:30 am, then it will take 4 days
- Documents are submitted and collected in person
Option three: 1 day (next business day)
- Documents must arrive before 10:00 am for the next-day service.
- Documents can be collected around 3:30 pm the next day.
- Documents are submitted and collected in person
Option four: e-Apostille 1 to 2 days
Electronic apostilles are 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:
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.
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.
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!