Legalisation and Apostille
Legalisation and apostille are processes used to authenticate the validity of documents for use in foreign countries.
Both are important for ensuring that documents issued in one country can be recognised and accepted as valid in another.
An apostille is a certificate from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) that confirms the signature and seal of a notary and provides full and final proof of these for all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. However, not all countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention will require an apostille, for example in the USA requirements vary from state to state, therefore, it is recommended to seek legal assistance from the receiving jurisdiction.
SP Notaries is registered with the FCDO and can arrange the necessary apostille on your behalf subject to an administrative fee.
Some countries want the Apostille from the FCDO and a further certificate from their own Embassy known as Legalisation.
Legalisation is the process by which the signature and seal of the Notary Public are authenticated by the FCDO and / or the Embassy or Consulate of the country in which the document is to be used. Legalisation requirements vary depending on the country where the document originated and the country where it will be used, not by the UK government.
In summary, both legalisation and apostille are processes used to verify the authenticity of documents for international use. Legalisation involves a multi-step process and often takes longer, while apostille is a simplified certification applicable among countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The specific process and requirements may vary depending on the countries involved and the type of document being authenticated. With this is in mind it is recommended to seek legal assistance from the receiving jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the specific requirements of the countries involved.