Are you a foreign citizen living and working in the UK? Then you’ve probably heard about the yearly scramble: getting your “Letter of Confirmation of Residence” from HMRC, getting it Apostilled, and sending it off to your country. Miss a step, and you could end up paying taxes twice on the same income – no one wants that!
Here’s your all-in-one guide to staying on the right side of the tax authorities, avoiding double taxation, and keeping life (and your finances) simple.
What is a Certificate of Residence (CoR)?
A Certificate of Residence is an official document issued by the HMRC confirming that you are a UK tax resident, used to claim tax relief and avoid double taxation. This is very common requirement for countries like Greece, Saudi Arabia, Portugal or Spain but not limited these countries.
Once you receive your Letter of Confirmation of Residence from HMRC, it is necessary to have it Apostilled to make it legally valid abroad.
How do I get an apostille for a Letter of Confirmation of Residence?
In order to use the HMRC Letter of Confirmation of Residence in a country that is signatory of the Hague Apostille Convention 1961, you will also need to get the letter Apostilled.
The quickest and most reliable way of getting the document apostille is by using a specialist service from Westminster Legalisation Services for next-day apostille services: Request an Apostille Quote.
Which Other Countries Require a Certificate of Residence from the UK?
A Certificate of Residence (CoR) is commonly required by any country that has a double taxation agreement (DTA) with the UK. This certificate proves to foreign tax authorities that you are a UK tax resident and eligible for tax relief under the treaty, helping you avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
Countries Commonly Requesting a Certificate of Residence
Some of the most frequent countries where UK residents are asked to provide a CoR include:
- Spain
- France
- Greece
- Italy
- Portugal
- Germany
- Cyprus
- Netherlands
- India
- China
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Japan
- Turkey
- Russia
- Switzerland
- Brazil
Note: The list above is not exhaustive. Nearly all countries with a double taxation treaty with the UK can (and often do) request a CoR for tax relief claims.
Why Is a Certificate of Residence Needed?
- To claim reduced withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, or royalties
- To prove UK tax residency and avoid double taxation
- For property sales or pension income abroad
- When opening bank accounts or making investments internationally
How Do You Know If You Need One?
If you’re earning income abroad, selling property, receiving pensions, or investing in another country, you may be asked for a Certificate of Residence as part of your tax filings or to unlock treaty benefits. Check the double taxation agreement between the UK and the relevant country or consult with an expert tax consultant.
Find Country-Specific Information
For guidance tailored to each country, visit WLS’s Countries index or select your destination:
Or contact WLS for advice on your specific case. The expert team at WLS will be able to advise on how to get your Certificate of Residence legalised for use in each specific country.
How does a Letter of Confirmation of residence from HMRC looks like?
Here is an example of how a letter of confirmation of residence from HMRC looks like:
Why Do Greek Nationals in the UK Need a Letter of Confirmation of Residence?
If you’re a Greek national who lives in the UK but has income, property, or tax obligations back home, you’re required by Greek tax authorities to prove you’re a UK tax resident. Every year, you need to provide a “Letter of Confirmation of Residence” (Certificate of Residence, or CoR) issued by HMRC, and you must get this document apostilled for use in Greece.
Fail to do this, and you could be hit with double taxation: both HMRC and Greek tax authorities will want their share.
What Is Double Taxation and How Can You Avoid It?
Double taxation happens when two countries tax you on the same income. The UK and Greece have a double taxation treaty, which means you can claim tax relief in one country if you provide the right paperwork.
Bottom line: If you’re a foreign national living in the UK, you must provide an apostilled Certificate of Residence every year to Greek authorities. This proves you’ve paid UK tax and should not be taxed again in Greece.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Letter of Confirmation of Residence from HMRC
1. Check If You’re Eligible
You can apply for a Certificate of Residence if:
- You are classed as a UK resident.
- There’s a double taxation agreement between the UK and your nationality country.
- You pay tax on your foreign income in the UK.
2. Gather Your Information
HMRC will ask for:
- Why you need the certificate.
- The double taxation agreement you’re claiming under (Example: UK-Greece).
- The type of income.
- The period covered by the certificate.
- Proof you’re the beneficial owner of the income and subject to UK tax.
If you haven’t filed your UK Self Assessment tax return yet for the year, be ready to provide:
- Number of days spent in the UK during the tax year.
- Arrival/departure dates.
- Reason you qualify as a UK resident.
3. Apply to HMRC
- Online: Apply for a certificate of residence online.
- By email or post: Download, complete, and send the relevant form as instructed on the gov.uk site.
Tip: If Greek tax authorities give you a specific form, send it to HMRC to be certified.
4. Get the Certificate Apostilled
The CoR from HMRC is not automatically valid yet – you must get it Apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
If it is issued in original wet-signed and stamped by the HMRC, it can be Apostilled directly by the FCDO if the HMRC official is registered on the FCDO database. Otherwise, if it is just an electronic/PDF copy issued by the HMRC, it will need to be first certified by a UK practising solicitor or notary public to be accepted by the FCDO.
- What is an apostille?
It’s an official certificate that confirms the signature and/or official seal from UK public officials on your document are genuine, making it valid abroad. - How to get an apostille for a Letter of Confirmation of Residence:
Use a specialist service from Westminster Legalisation Services for next-day apostille services. Request an Apostille Quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a letter of confirmation of residence in the UK?
To get a Letter of Confirmation of Residence (also known as a Certificate of Residence) in the UK, apply directly to HMRC. You can use the online application service or submit a paper form. You’ll need to provide personal details, your reason for needing the certificate (e.g. for Greek tax purposes), and information about the relevant double taxation agreement. HMRC will issue the letter after verifying your UK residency status.
Apply for a Certificate of Residence on GOV.UK
How do I write a letter of confirmation of residence?
You don’t usually write this letter yourself. A Letter of Confirmation of Residence for official purposes—especially for double tax relief—is issued by HMRC, not self-written.
If a third party (such as a landlord or employer) needs to confirm your address, they can draft a simple letter stating your full name, UK address, and period of residence. For tax residency purposes, always use the official HMRC Certificate of Residence.
What is a letter from HMRC confirming tax residency?
A letter from HMRC confirming tax residency is an official Certificate of Residence. This document certifies to foreign tax authorities (like those in Greece) that you are a UK tax resident and eligible for benefits under the double taxation agreement. It’s essential for avoiding double taxation and is recognised internationally once apostilled.
How to get Greek residency from the UK?
If you are a UK resident seeking to obtain Greek residency, you must meet the Greek government’s specific criteria (such as financial means, property ownership, or employment). Start by contacting the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the UK for up-to-date requirements and documentation. WLS can help with the legalisation and apostille of UK documents required in your Greek residency application.
See our Greece country guide
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Residence from HMRC?
It typically takes 1–2 weeks for HMRC to process a Certificate of Residence application, but timing can vary depending on your individual circumstances and HMRC’s workload. If you need the document apostilled for Greek tax purposes, factor in an additional day or two if you use the super fast next-day apostille service from WLS.
- HMRC processing: 1-2 weeks (may vary).
- Apostille: With WLS: Express (next-day) or Standard (5 working days). Alternatively you can apply via postal service directly to the FCDO (15 working days).
Can I use a digital copy of my Certificate of Residence for Greek tax purposes?
Usually, the Greek authorities require an original, hard copy Certificate of Residence, which must be Apostilled directly or they also accept an electronic copy certified by a UK solicitor or notary public. Always request a physical document from HMRC and have it legalised by the UK FCDO for acceptance in Greece.
Do I need to Apostille my Certificate of Residence every year?
Yes. Greek authorities require a new, Apostilled Certificate of Residence each tax year to grant relief under the double taxation agreement. This is a recurring annual process for Greek nationals living in the UK.
What happens if I don’t Apostille my Certificate of Residence?
If you submit a Certificate of Residence to Greek tax authorities without an Apostille, your tax relief claim may be rejected. You could then be liable for double taxation. Taxed in both the UK and Greece.
Who can help me get my Certificate of Residence Apostilled quickly?
Westminster Legalisation Services (WLS) specialises in fast, reliable apostille legalisation for Greek nationals in the UK. With same-day and next-day options, WLS helps you avoid delays, rejection, and the stress of double taxation.
Learn more about our Apostille Legalisation services
What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Letter of Confirmation (or Forget the Apostille)?
Every year, WLS hears from foreign nationals in the UK who missed the deadline or sent an uncertified CoR often after getting a friendly reminder (or a scary letter) from their local tax authorities.
The result? Stress, double taxation, and sometimes fines.
Recap & Next Steps
- Get your Certificate of Residence from HMRC annually.
- Apostille it for the tax authorities.
- Use a trusted service like WLS for fast, compliant processing.
- Contact us if you have questions or want support.
The WLS Advantage: Make Legalisation Stress-Free
- Registered with the FCDO
- Multilingual legal experts
- London and Milton Keynes offices for fast turnaround
- Apostille, consular legalisation, solicitor or notary public certifications available, and certified translation – all under one roof.
See how we can help you: Contact our expert team today.
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About the Author: Emerson De Queiroz Barbosa
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