The Legalisation Process
The process of legalisation varies depending on the country and the type of document involved. However, it usually involves three main steps:
- Attestation by an authorised party such as a notary public: The document is first verified by a relevant authorised person such as a notary public.
- Legalisation by a competent authority: After attestation by the notary public, the document is submitted to the national legalisation office (in the UK this is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), which confirms the authenticity of the previous certification by means of an apostille.
- Authentication by the foreign embassy or consulate: Finally, the legalised document may need to be verified by the embassy or consulate of the country where it will be used.
Apostille vs. Consular Legalisation
In many cases, the process of Consular legalisation is replaced by a simpler process called an apostille, thanks to the Hague Convention of 1961. Countries that are members of this Convention accept documents bearing an apostille certificate without requiring further embassy legalisation. An apostille is a single certificate issued by a designated authority in the country where the document originated, making the legalisation process faster and less bureaucratic.
For example, if a British person wants to use a UK-issued birth certificate in France (both members of the Hague Convention), they only need to obtain an apostille from the UK authorities. No additional steps at the French consulate are required.
However, if the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, full legalisation involving the foreign embassy is still necessary.
When Is Legalisation Required?
Legalisation (whether by means of an apostille or at a consulate) is commonly needed in several scenarios:
- International employment: When a person is applying for a job abroad and needs to prove qualifications or criminal record status.
- Studying overseas: Academic transcripts or diplomas may need to be legalised for use by foreign universities.
- Business activities: Companies expanding abroad may need to legalise documents like incorporation certificates or other company documents.
- Immigration and family matters: Marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates often need to be legalised for use in visa applications, residency permits, or inheritance claims.
Legalise your documents for international validity
Legalisation ensures that documents issued in one country are accepted as valid in another. Whether through apostille or full embassy legalisation, it acts as an official bridge between legal systems, enabling individuals and organisations to operate across borders. Understanding the legalisation process is essential for anyone dealing with international paperwork, ensuring smooth compliance with foreign administrative or legal requirements.