Apostille for Italy: How to Legalise UK Documents for Use in Italy

An apostille is an official certificate, stamped onto a UK public document by the FCDO Legalisation Office, which first checks the signature or seal against its own records. A document counts as legalised where a UK public official issued it, or where such an official has certified it — for example a notary or a solicitor practising in the UK. Examples named on gov.uk are a contract, a power of attorney, and a qualification certificate copy that a solicitor has certified.

Choosing between the two formats

Two formats exist, and either way the application is made online.

• Paper-based: the documents travel by post, though registered businesses may also bring them in person.
• e-Apostille: a digital certificate issued for a PDF carrying the electronic signature of a notary or solicitor from the UK.

Documents outside the e-Apostille route

No e-Apostille can be issued for:

• certificates of birth, marriage, death, civil partnership and adoption, and every other record the General Register Office holds;
• ACRO police certificates covering England and Wales;
• DBS certificates, again for England and Wales;
• disclosure certificates from Scotland and from Northern Ireland;
• fingerprint certificates.

For any of these documents, the paper-based route applies.

Fees per document

Courier charges are a feature of the paper-based options. If a document cannot be legalised, there is no refund.

How long each option takes

Paper or digital: ask the recipient in Italy

For a UK document headed for Italy, put the question to the Italian office or organisation that will receive it: some receiving authorities want paper even where an e-Apostille could be issued, so confirm the format before you apply.