Dreaming of starting your new career abroad? Many international employers require your UK documents to be certified and Apostilled by the UK FCDO as proof of authenticity, and if the country you intend to go is not a Signatory to the Hague Convention 1961 further attestation by the Embassy is also required. Here’s everything you need to know to smoothly navigate the Apostille and attestation process and kick-start your international career confidently.
What is an Apostille, and Why Do You Need It?
An Apostille is a special certificate issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), authenticating your documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention 1961. Simply put, it’s official proof your documents are genuine. If the country you intend to use the document is not Signatory to the Hague Convention 1961, you need further consular legalisation in addition to the FCDO Apostille.
Common Documents Required for International Employment
Typically, you’ll need to Apostille these UK documents when applying for a work abroad:
- Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas, academic transcripts)
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police clearance (ACRO) certificates
- Employment reference letters
- Certified copies of passports and driving licences
These documents might also need consular legalisation to be accepted by foreign employers or governments if the country is not Signatory to the Hague Convention Treaty.
How Do I Get an Apostille for My UK Documents?
To get an apostille:
- Prepare your documents (ensure they are certified if required).
- Submit them to the FCDO or use an authorised provider like Westminster Legalisation.
- Receive your apostilled documents by post, courier or collect from one of our offices in London or Milton Keynes if using our legalisation services.
Our apostille legalisation service handles all the steps for you.
Do I Need a Notary or Solicitor Before Getting an Apostille?
Some documents need certification by a UK solicitor or notary public before they can be Apostilled. For example, copies of a passport, UK educational certificates must be notarised first. Learn more about when you need this on our notary services page.
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take in the UK?
- Postal Service directly with the UK FCDO about 20 working days
- Westminster Legalisation Standard service: 5 working days.
- Westminster Legalisation Express service: Next-day
What Are Common Mistakes When Applying for an Apostille?
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Submitting incorrect or outdated documents.
- Skipping solicitor or notary certification when this is required.
- Leaving too little time before your move abroad.
- Not checking the specific requirements of your destination country to see if further consular legalisation is needed.
Our legal experts ensure your documents are correctly prepared and meet international standards.
Is an Apostille the Same as Legalisation or Attestation?
No.
- Apostille is the legalisation issued by the UK FCDO and applies to countries Party to the Hague Convention 1961.
- Consular legalisation is needed for countries which are not Signatory to the Hague Convention 1961 in addition to the FCDO Apostille.
- Attestation is a broader term sometimes used interchangeably, especially in the Middle East, but has the same meaning as legalisation.
Compare the two processes Apostille vs Consular Legalisation
Do I Need a Certified Translation for My Apostilled Documents?
If your destination country does not recognise English as an official language, you may need a certified translation before or after Apostille. Some countries require for the certified/sworn translations to be performed in the country after the legalisation process has been completed in the UK.
Explore our certified translation services.
Where Do Brits Commonly Work Abroad?
More than 240,000 UK expats are estimated to be living in Dubai, attracted by the 5,000+ British companies operating in the UAE. Check the UAE Legalisation Requirements.
Another hotspot: Brits teaching English across Asia, especially in China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
Other popular work destinations include:
- Qatar
- Australia
- United States
- Spain
- Germany
- Canada
- New Zealand
Check each country-specific rules.
How to obtain an ACRO Certificate to work in Spain.
Get Your Apostille with WLS Today
Ready to start your international journey? Contact our experienced team at Westminster Legalisation Services (WLS). We’re here to help ensure your transition overseas is seamless and stress-free.
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About the Author: Emerson De Queiroz Barbosa
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