In today’s globally connected world, more individuals and businesses than ever before are conducting transactions across borders. Whether you're expanding a business to the UAE, buying property in Spain, or applying for residency in Portugal, your UK-issued documents may need to be recognised abroad. That’s where an Apostille certificate becomes essential.
✅ What is an Apostille Certificate?
An Apostille is issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to confirm the authenticity of a UK public document. It's recognised by 124+ countries under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
Over 3 million Apostilles are issued globally every year. (Source: HCCH)
🌍 Why You Might Need an Apostille in 2025
- Opening an overseas bank account
- Registering a UK company abroad
- Applying for foreign residency or a visa
- Legalising academic or medical documents
- Marriage or adoption overseas
- Legalising a Power of Attorney
📃 Which Documents Can Be Legalised?
| Document Type | Examples | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Birth, passport, marriage cert | Immigration, marriage |
| Business | Certificate of Incorporation | International expansion |
| Academic | Degrees, transcripts | Study, work visas |
| Legal | POA, affidavits | Representation abroad |
| Financial | HMRC, bank letters | Tax, banking |
📊 Global Apostille Growth
📈 Estimated Document Types Share (2025)
🇬🇧 UK Apostille Process
- Document Review
- Solicitor or Notary Certification (if required)
- Submission to FCDO
- Tracked Courier Return
⚡ Processing Times
- Standard: up to 20 working days
- Express (via CG Incs): 1–3 business days
💼 Why Choose CG Incorporations?
- Fast-track Apostille: 1–3 working days
- Worldwide delivery
- Document support for UAE, EU, Africa, Asia
- Handled by UK solicitors or notaries
Note: CG Incorporations is not a registered ACSP. Legalisation services are conducted in partnership with authorised UK solicitors or notaries.
🧠 FAQs
Only Hague Convention countries accept Apostilles. Non-member countries also require embassy legalisation.
Yes, the UK FCDO accepts select digital files for e-Apostille. Contact us to confirm eligibility.
🛠️ Start Your Apostille Today
Upload your documents securely via our website and we’ll handle the rest. Start here.
Published: 7/21/2025 1:33:46 PM. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
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