UK Apostille Country Guides
In-depth guides for the 50 countries our customers apostille UK documents for most often – with the documents, translation rules and embassy attestation steps that apply to each.
These 50 country guides cover the destinations we're asked about most. We also apostille UK documents for every other Hague Convention country. Don't see your country? Drop us a line — we'll help.
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How to apostille UK documents for use abroad
When you need to use a UK-issued document overseas — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, ACRO police certificate, university degree, certificate of incorporation, GMC certificate, GCSE or A-level certificate, power of attorney or any other public document — the receiving authority almost always requires that document to be legalised first. For the 120+ countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention, the standard form of legalisation is the apostille: a certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirming that the signature, seal or stamp on your document is genuine.
We handle the FCDO apostille from start to finish, with most orders completed within 1-2 working days. For destinations that aren't members of the Hague Convention, or that require additional embassy or consulate attestation in London on top of the apostille, the country guide for your destination explains exactly which steps apply and in what order.
Why a country-specific apostille guide matters
The apostille itself is a standardised certificate accepted across every Hague Convention country — but the practical requirements still differ from one destination to another. Spain and Italy expect a sworn translation into the local language alongside the apostille. The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt require additional embassy attestation in London after the FCDO apostille is issued. China, since joining the Hague Convention in November 2023, no longer requires consular legalisation
Each of our 50 country guides sets out the documents most commonly required for that destination, whether a certified or sworn translation is needed, whether embassy attestation applies, and the typical order process. If you're unsure which document or process applies to your situation, contact our team and we'll help you work it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a UK apostille take?
Most UK apostilles are issued by the FCDO within 1-2 working days of receiving your original document. Same-day and next-day premium services are available for time-sensitive orders — see the country guide for your destination for current options.
How much does a UK apostille cost?
The FCDO charges a statutory fee of £45 per apostille. Our service fee and secure return postage are added on top. Total prices, including any embassy attestation required for your country, are shown at the order step.
Which countries accept a UK apostille?
UK apostilles are accepted in the 120+ countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention on the Abolition of the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. Countries that are not members require embassy or consulate attestation instead of, or in addition to, an apostille. Your country guide explains which process applies.
Can I apostille a photocopy of my document?
For most destinations, the apostille must be issued on either the original certificate or a solicitor-certified copy. Plain photocopies are not accepted by the FCDO. Each country guide explains which form of document the receiving authority will accept.
Do I need a translation as well as an apostille?
Some destinations require a certified translation of the apostilled document into the local language — particularly Spain, Italy, Brazil and most of Latin America. Other countries accept the document in English. The country guide for your destination lists the translation rules that apply.
What is the difference between an apostille and embassy attestation?
An apostille is issued by the UK FCDO and accepted in all Hague Convention countries. Embassy attestation is a separate step required by countries outside the Convention. Where attestation is needed, it's done at the destination country's embassy in London after the apostille is issued.
Can you apostille documents for countries not on the list of 50?
Yes. The 50 countries above are simply the destinations we're asked about most. We apostille UK documents for every country in the Hague Convention, and arrange embassy attestation for non-Convention destinations. Contact us with your destination and we'll confirm exactly what's needed.
