Which route do I need for my destination country?
- Certification by a UK solicitor or notary (if required)
- UK apostille
- Embassy or consular legalisation (if required)
- Additional authority steps (only where required)
Use Check My Documents and we will confirm the correct sequence.
At a Glance
Step
- Tell us the destination and document type
- We confirm the route and what you must provide
- Send documents (originals or certified copies, as advised)
- We arrange certification, apostille, and any embassy steps
- We return your documents using tracked delivery options
What You Need
- Destination country and intended use
- The document(s) to be legalised
- Original or certified copy (depends on destination)
- If required: solicitor/notary certification and certified translation
What Affects Turnaround
- Embassy or consulate requirements
- Whether certification is required first
- Document format issues (signatures, stamps, copies)
- Courier transit times and public holidays
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Uncertified copies where certification is required
- Missing suitable signature, stamp or seal for apostille checks
- Steps done in the wrong order
- Mismatched names, dates or formatting
- Translation not meeting destination requirements
What We Do
Apostille Services
UK apostille via the FCDO, plus Ireland apostille support where needed. For personal, educational and commercial documents.
Embassy Legalisation
Embassy legalisation support for destinations that require consular steps beyond apostille, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.
Visa Support
Document preparation and support for business, travel or work visas. We provide
documentation assistance only, not immigration advice.
Why Sterling & Reeve
- Route clarity first
We confirm the process before you commit. - Country-Specific Handling
We follow destination requirements, not generic checklists. - Accuracy-led approach
Fewer avoidable errors and less rework. - Business documentation support
Including Chamber of Commerce certification where required. - Secure handling
Confidential handling and tracked return options. - Data protection
We handle personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Popular Destinations
Embassy legalisation for countries that demand precision
UAE Legalisation
Employment, Family and Business Documents aligned to UAE requirements.
Saudi Arabia Legalisation
Support for Work, Business and Corporate Documentation.
Qatar Legalisation
Processing aligned to current Qatari Embassy requirements.
Egypt Legalisation
Support for Educational, Personal and Commercial Documents.
How It Works
1. Tell us your destination and document type
Upload copies or contact us for a document check.
2. We confirm the route and requirements
We confirm whether you need certification, apostille, embassy steps, and whether translation may be required.
3. We process in the correct order
We handle the required steps and update you at key points.
4. Receive Ready-to-Use Documents
We return your documents using tracked delivery options.
Who We Help
We support:
Individuals
Personal documents such as birth, marriage, and academic certificates for use abroad. We guide the correct legalisation route clearly.
Businesses
Support for commercial and corporate documents including certificates, contracts, and export-related paperwork.
Agents
We work with solicitors, visa agents, and corporate partners handling multiple documents, providing consistent and reliable processing support.
Get Started
Get your documents legalised with a process designed to reduce avoidable delays. Confirm your route, then move forward with confidence.
