At a glance
Document Review
- Send your document details for review
- We confirm eligibility and whether certification is required
- We submit the correct apostille format (paper or e-Apostille where eligible)
- We return by tracked delivery
Secure Handling
- Your document (original or correctly certified copy, depending on type)
- If required: solicitor certification or notarisation (confirmed during pre-check)
- If required: certified translation (we advise where it fits)
FCDO Apostille Processing
- FCDO processing capacity and chosen service type
- Certification needs before submission
- Courier and postage time
- Errors that must be corrected before submission
Tracked Return Delivery
- Incorrect certification wording or missing details
- Wrong format (original vs certified copy)
- e-Apostille files that do not meet digital signing requirements
- Missing pages or attachments
What is a UK apostille and what does it verify?
A UK apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to authenticate the signature, stamp or seal on a UK document for overseas use. It confirms authenticity, not content.
When do you need a UK apostille?
A UK apostille is commonly needed for overseas use, including:
- Employment and work purposes
- University or professional registration
- Business or commercial activities
- Legal or personal matters
If the receiving country requires further embassy legalisation, the apostille is usually the first mandatory step. We confirm your route during review
Types Of UK Documents We Apostille
Personal Documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificates
- Death certificates
Original UK-issued certificates can often be apostilled once verified.
Educational Documents
- GCSEs, O-Levels, National 5s
- AS and A Levels
- Certificates, awards and diplomas
- Higher National Certificates and Diplomas
- International Baccalaureate
- Degree certificates (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral)
- PGCE and teaching qualifications
Most educational documents require solicitor certification before the apostille can be issued.
We confirm the correct route before submission.
Commercial Documents
- Certificates of incorporation
- Powers of attorney
- Company resolutions
- Financial reports and business documents
- Invoices and contracts
- Different agreements and reports
Commercial documents may require solicitor certification or Chamber of Commerce processing prior to apostille.
This is assessed during review.
Paper apostille vs e-Apostille
Paper Apostille
- Physical Apostille certificate attached to the document
- Commonly requested by embassies and authorities
- Suitable for most traditional routes
E-Apostille
- Issued electronically for eligible digitally signed PDF documents
- Acceptance varies by destination and receiving authority
- Not suitable for many embassy legalisation routes where paper is still requested
Solicitor Certification and Notarisation
Notarisation
Notarisation is not always required. In many UK apostille cases, solicitor certification is sufficient and is commonly needed for:
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Experience letters
- Membership certificates
- Medical or financial documents
- Certified copies of passports or powers of attorney
Solicitor Certification
- Personal documents: £19.99
- Commercial documents: £29.99
If notarisation is required, we will advise clearly and can arrange it. We assess this during the document pre-check so you do not pay for unnecessary steps.
How our UK apostille process works
1. Document Review
We confirm eligibility, format, and certification requirements
2. Certification Check
We arrange solicitor certification where needed and submit using the correct route.
3. Apostille Submission
The apostille is issued in the appropriate format, paper or e-Apostille where eligible.
4. Secure Return
Your documents are returned by tracked delivery.
Turnaround and pricing
Clear timelines. No guessing. We confirm the correct route before we begin.
| Service | Turnaround | Price |
| Standard Apostille | 4–5 working days (typical) | From £75 per document |
| Express Apostille | 2 working days (where available) | £120 per document |
Limited launch offer: Express Apostille £110 per document (Standard £75 + £35 upgrade)
Offer ends: 31st May 2026
Express cut-off: Express cut-off: documents must be received before 10:00am.
Timelines start once documents are received and checks are complete.
Prices exclude return postage. Multi-document discounts may apply
Security & Handling
- UK-based handling and accountability
- Tracked return delivery
- Secure storage while in our care
- Clear chain of responsibility
We keep you updated at key steps.
Why choose Sterling & Reeve
Accuracy-first approach
We check documents before submission to reduce rejection risk.
Clear process guidance
We confirm the correct route before you proceed, avoiding unnecessary steps.
UK-based handling
Your documents are handled securely with full accountability.
Business documentation support
Support for commercial documents including certification and Chamber coordination where required.
Get In Touch
UK Apostille handled correctly, without unnecessary delays.