When applying to legalise a document with the apostille for the first time it can be confusing as to who can actually do this. It is a common misconception that the apostille can be issued by a solicitor, a notary or a registrar. Whilst such individuals may claim to be able to do so this can be misleading.

The UK apostille is issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Any individual or organisation obtaining the apostille for a given document will ultimately be submitting this to the FCO.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

As per the terms of the Hague Convention, the Apostille is issued to a document originating from one country in order for this to be legally recognised in another member country. For example, a UK birth certificate that has been issued with the apostille should be legally recognised in the USA.

Overall, this does prove to be an effective system to simplify the circulation of documents throughout countries that are part of the apostille convention. However, one clear caveat of this is the fact that there is not a common language shared by all of these countries.

As of March 2019, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be relocating from their London headquarters to a new address in the Netherlands. The decision to relocate was made as a direct consequence of the United Kingdom’s planned withdrawal from the European Union.

What Documents are issued by EMA?

The EMA issue certificates relating to medicinal products for human and veterinary use. The certificate issued by the EMA, on behalf of the European Commission, confirms the product is compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations.

In a previous article, we discussed plans to replace the apostille within the EU for certain public documents. The legislation for this has been finalised and the changes are expected to be implemented on the 16^th of February 2019. Once these changes are in effect, certain public documents will no longer need the apostille or an official translation. 

We have received notification from the UK Passport Office and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office regarding the change of design and layout of the UK passport. If you have recently obtained a new passport you will notice they now need to be signed in pen. Passport designs are updated from time to time, so why is this change important?

Christmas is approaching and another year is coming to a close. For many, this time is a period of relaxation but this can be a busy time of year for some as preparations for the New Year are undertaken. Each year we often find some of the most urgent orders are received during this period and we strive to maintain our efficient service wherever possible.

Below you will find everything you need to know about our processing times over the festive period.

Legalising a passport for use in another country need not be expensive or time consuming. Whilst it is predominately a travel document, the passport is also used as proof of identification or citizenship. In various circumstances you may be asked to provide a copy of your passport to an overseas authority, for example when opening an international bank account, and in such situations the Apostille may be required.

Providing simple to order translations is the key to our service. We can start your order within just a few minutes from a clear email copy of your document. Translating documents into more than 140 languages we ensure your translation is completed professionally by a qualified translator.

Providing an efficient apostille service for market leading prices is our aim. Our cheap apostille service is provided at a great price without compromising on service.

Working to tight deadlines we strive to provide a fast apostille service as well as value for money for all of our customers. We are never knowingly beaten when comparing like for like services. If you have found an apostille service that claims to be cheaper than our service then we ask you to look what a few pounds saved may actually cost you.

Legalising a degree certificate for use in another country can be time consuming and expensive. Before your degree certificate, diploma, or other academic qualification, will be accepted you will most likely need to obtain an apostille.

Proving you have the relevant qualification for a job overseas is often a prerequisite before your employment will be confirmed. Your employer overseas will ask you to obtain an apostille on the document.