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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
