Is embassy attestation the same as apostille?

No, embassy attestation and apostille are two different processes. Apostille (legalisation) is required in the process of attesting documents. Embassy attestation is completed after the apostille has been issued.

How long does embassy attestation take?

The time taken for embassy attestation varies depending on the country and the type of document being attested. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, in general, it should take around 7 to 10 days to complete the entire process- Solicitor Certification Apostille Embassy Stamps

How do I get my documents attested by the embassy?

The process of embassy attestation typically involves getting the documents authenticated by the relevant authorities in your home country. The document must be prepared correctly by an authority such as a solicitor, notary public, registrar, court or recognised public official. It is then legalised with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; in the UK this is the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is then submitted to the embassy or consulate for attestation.

Which documents need to be attested by the embassy?

The documents that require embassy attestation will vary based on the purpose of the visit. Commonly attested documents include educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, employment documents, and commercial documents. For example Working Visa - You may need to attest academic documents, qualifications and criminal record checks Spousal or Family Visa - You may need to attest marriage certificates and birth certificates Conduction Business - You may need to provide documents confirming who owns the UK business, who operates the business and supply contracts. *These are just examples and not advice

Why do I need embassy attestation for my documents?

Embassy attestation is required for various purposes such as applying for a visa, work permits, residency in a foreign country, studying abroad, or for business purposes. Many countries will request your documents are correctly attested by their embassy in the country the document was issued before it will be accepted.

What is embassy attestation?

Embassy attestation is only needed if your document is being used in a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention. If your document is being used in a country that has adopted the Hague Convention for issuing and accepting apostilles then you will only need an apostille certificate. You can find a list of countries that accept the apostille certificate by clicking here . Full embassy attestation can be a complicated process and it is important that documents are prepared correctly. We can assist you with our full embassy attestation service.

How do I order an apostille?

We have made ordering an apostille as simple as possible. Locate the apostille service you need - apostille only OR apostille with solicitor certification Order and pay online Get the order number Send your document with the order number How to order when you do not want to order and pay online? Print and complete the order form Post the document to us with the order form Alternatively, post your document to us with a letter. Include your name, phone number, delivery address, email address and brief details of the service you need. We will contact you for payment. For more information visit our how to order page . Some documents can be emailed to us. We legalise many UK company documents from emails or as downloads direct from Companies House. If you need advice please email a copy of your document to us.

Is the apostille guaranteed?

We guarantee to issue the apostille on any genuine UK document that is correctly presented. If your document has not been signed, stamped or certified correctly we will work with you and provide assistance or advice to ensure we can legalise the document. If for any reason we cannot issue the apostille on your document we guarantee to refund the apostille fee.

How long is the apostille valid for?

In short, apostilles do not expire! An apostille may be accepted for many years after it has been attached to a document. All apostilles have an issue date, but they do not have an expiry date. However, there are occasions when the apostille must be issued within a defined period of time. For example, criminal records (background checks) and the attached apostille are normally only accepted up to 3 months from the date they were issued. Some embassies will only recognise and accept an apostille that is up to 90 days old. It is reasonable to suggest some documents should only be 3 months old as they are only correct at the time they are issued and the facts/circumstances may have changed since. Examples include background checks, statutory declarations, affidavits, certificates of no impediments and more.

Why use the apostille service?

We make document legalisation simple. Using our apostille and embassy attestation service is the quickest and most simple way of getting your documents legalised for international use. Safely hand processing your documents and using secure couriers we liaise with solicitors, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and many of the embassies based in London. We do all the running around and include all costs in our charges.

FAQs Archive

Is embassy attestation the same as apostille?
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How long does embassy attestation take?
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How do I get my documents attested by the embassy?
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Which documents need to be attested by the embassy?
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Why do I need embassy attestation for my documents?
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What is embassy attestation?
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How do I order an apostille?
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Is the apostille guaranteed?
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