At a Glance
Step
- Send your documents (originals or clear scans)
- We confirm the correct UAE legalisation route
- We arrange solicitor certification if required
- We obtain a UK apostille from FCDO
- We complete the UAE embassy legalisation
- Documents returned via tracked delivery
What You Need
- The document(s) you want to legalise
- The destination country: UAE
- Intended use (employment, business, education, etc.)
- Clear scan or original document
- Translation, if required (Arabic may be needed depending on the authority)
What Affects Turnaround
- Whether certification is required before an apostille
- FCDO processing times
- UAE embassy processing timelines
- Courier and submission schedules
- Public holidays in the UK or the UAE
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incorrect certification format
- Documents not suitable for apostille
- Name mismatches across documents
- Missing steps in the legalisation chain
- Poor-quality scans or incomplete submissions
When do you need a UK apostille?
- 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
We handle personal, educational, and commercial documents for use in the United Arab Emirates.
Personal Documents
Use for visa, residency, and family-related matters.
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Police certificates (ACRO)
- Passport copies
- Affidavits and declarations
Educational Documents
use for employment licensing, and qualification recognition
- Degree certificates
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Professional qualifications
- Course Completion Certificates
Commercial Documents
Use for company setup, trade, and corporate authority.
- Certificates of incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board resolutions
- Powers of attorney
- Invoices and export documents.
Not sure which documents you need?
Send your documents for a quick review, and we’ll confirm the correct legalisation route.
Paper apostille vs e-Apostille
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
Paper Apostille
- Physical Apostille certificate attached to the document
- Commonly requested by embassies and authorities
- Suitable for most traditional routes
Do you need Solicitor Certification & 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
| 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.
