Apostille for use abroad: country requirements

Whether a UK document is accepted abroad depends on what the receiving authority in the destination country asks for. This page keeps only what is confirmed on the UK side: what an apostille is, what legalisation means, how to apply, what it costs and how long it takes. Country-specific rules for individual destinations are not covered by these confirmed facts and need to be checked separately.

What an apostille is

An apostille is a stamped official certificate attached by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office to a UK public document. Before attaching it, the office checks the signature or seal on the document against its records.

What “legalised” means

A document is legalised when it was issued by a UK public official or certified by one, such as a UK notary or solicitor. The official guidance gives examples including a power of attorney, a contract, and a copy of a qualification certificate.

Two ways to apply

Both types of apostille are applied for online:

• Paper-based — handled by post, or in person for registered businesses.
• e-Apostille — a PDF signed electronically by a UK notary or solicitor.

Where an e-Apostille is not available

The official guidance lists the following documents as ones you cannot get an e-Apostille for:

• birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates, and other General Register Office documents
• ACRO police certificates (England and Wales)
• DBS certificates (England and Wales)
• disclosure certificates (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
• fingerprint certificates

Fees

The fee is charged per document:

Courier costs apply to paper-based apostilles, and there is no refund if a document cannot be legalised.

How long it takes

Before you apply

• Check whether the receiving authority wants a paper-based apostille even when an e-Apostille exists; the official guidance notes that some authorities do.
• Check the exact requirement for your destination country and document type directly with the receiving authority, because country-by-country rules are not confirmed on this page.

What this page does not confirm