Legalisation

If a document is notarised in the United Kingdom and is intended for use in another country, there may be a further formality of recognition. The procedure is generally described as “legalisation” although it is sometimes referred to as “consularisation”.

Countries which have accepted the international convention on legalisation (signed at The Hague in 1961) have abolished the requirement for consular legalisation. It is replaced by a single certification - known as an “apostille”.

An apostille is currently issued in the United Kingdom by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We arrange legalisation for our clients using both the standard service and a premium service. In either case, the documents are nearly always delivered and collected by our staff from the relevant government office.

Some countries require notarial documents to be legalised by their own authorities, and the document must in these circumstances be presented to the consulate or other diplomatic representation of the country where the document is to be used. We can arrange for legalisation at all of the consulates and diplomatic missions in London.

Please refer to the drop down list on the top left of this page for individual countries’ requirements.

Whilst every effort is made to keep these details up to date, circumstances can change rapidly. John Venn & Sons is not responsible for any inaccuracies or errors contained in this listing.