• +44 (0)20 7971 1165
  • info@globalvisas.co.uk
  • London
Home page
Home page

LEGALISATION

  • IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IN GENERAL IT IS ONLY POSSIBLE TO LEGALISE UK ISSUED DOCUMENTS, IN THE UK (AND THUS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO REQUEST A LEGALISATION IN THE COUNTRY OF ISSUANCE OF THE DOCUMENT). HOWEVER GLOBAL VISAS IS HAPPY TO REVIEW THIS ON AN AD HOC BASIS.

WHAT IS A LEGALISATION?​

Legalisation is the process whereby a foreign official body has requested, or as part of a foreign visa application, a document is required to be authenticated before use. The number of steps in this process and which official UK bodies complete the different stages varies depending on the type of document and the country where the document is to be used.

If a document is to be used in a country which is part of the Hague convention (https://www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members), then generally after apostille by the Foreign Commonwealth office (FCO), no further steps are required in the process. Alternatively, it must also be presented to the country of use Embassy or Consulate in London, for the final stage in the legalisation process.

Additional certifications may be required before a document can be used in a country and it may also require translation and/or notarisation services (which usually occur prior to the FCO apostille and Embassy legalisation steps). Global Visas will confirm all required certifications steps (and their order of submission), upon receipt of the order request form.

Please do see below an overview of the various different steps that, as discussed above, typically take place in a legalisation requested in the UK:

TRANSLATION

Some Embassies or Consulates may require that the document is presented to them in a particular language. Global Visas can assist with this process and will confirm such requirement and/or fees associated, when applicable.

APOSTILLE

As discussed above, apostille is the process of certification which takes place with the FCO in London. Again, all documents to be used in a country part of the Hague convention, in general require no further steps after FCO apostille.

NOTARISATION

In may be a requirement of an Embassy or Consulate that the content and particulars of a document are verified before a notary public. Again, Global Visas can assist with this process and will confirm such requirement and/or fees associated, when applicable.

LEGALISATION

As also discussed above, this is normally the final step in a certification process. If required, the document must be presented to the country Embassy or Consulate in London where the document is to be used, for legalisation.

TRANSLATION

Some Embassies or Consulates may require that the document is presented to them in a particular language. Global Visas can assist with this process and will confirm such requirement and/or fees associated, when applicable.

APOSTILLE

As discussed above, apostille is the process of certification which takes place with the FCO in London. Again, all documents to be used in a country part of the Hague convention, in general require no further steps after FCO apostille.

NOTARISATION

In may be a requirement of an Embassy or Consulate that the content and particulars of a document are verified before a notary public. Again, Global Visas can assist with this process and will confirm such requirement and/or fees associated, when applicable.

LEGALISATION

As also discussed above, this is normally the final step in a certification process. If required, the document must be presented to the country Embassy or Consulate in London where the document is to be used, for legalisation.

WHEN IS IT REQUIRED?​

In general, a document may require legalisation when it is to be provided to an official body, or as part of a visa application, in a country other than the one that has issued the document. The process authenticates the document and it contents, so that when presented overseas it is recognised as a legitimate document.

As outlined above, this would include applying for a Visa, Drivers License, Foreign Passport, Medical Registration etc, in a foreign country.

WHAT DOCUMENT TYPES REQUIRE LEGALISATION?​

Typically the following document types may require legalisation:
  • Birth / Marriage Certificates
  • Degree / Diploma Certificates
  • Police Certificates
  • Medical Certificates
  • Contracts of Employment / Assignment letters
  • Decree Nisi/Absolute & Annulments
  • Adoption Certificates
  • Affidavits signed by a solicitor or notary
  • Power of Attorney & Letters of Authorisation (witnessed by a solicitor or notary)
  • Company Certificates of Incorporation
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association

NEXT STEPS

Review information above and complete request form (see below) / payment.

Access the DRAG N’ DROP email (supported by Dropbox Inc.), where you can securely upload scans of all documentation for our review. This additional email will be sent to you within 1 – 2 business hours of completing the request form. You may also find further information on the DRAG N’ DROP process via the menu above. IT IS IMPORTANT WE COMPLETE THIS STEP, SO THAT ALL STAGES AND ASSOCIATED FEES RELATED TO THE LEGALISATION CAN BE OUTLINED. FURTHERMORE, YOU MUST ALLOW OUR TEAM 1 WORKING DAY TO COMPLETE THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Review all outlined legalisation stages and associated processing times. Accept all stages of legalisation and anticipated date of completion. Also approve final Global Visas service fees / local government and/or consular processing fees.

LEGALISATION REQUEST FORM

LEGALISATION REQUEST INFORMATION
NB: For quicker navigation on calendar view, please click on the month or year for more options

YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

YOUR RETURN DELIVERY ADDRESS
If your place of employment or residence is in central London, we offer a free pick up and drop off service. Alternatively, AND ONLY ONCE YOUR DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND YOU HAVE ACCEPTED THE NO. OF LEGALISATION STAGES / ASSOCIATED FEES, will you be required to post all original documentation to our office. Your visa specialist will ensure all options related to receiving AND RETURN DELIVERY are discussed / arranged, in line with your required by date.

ALTERNATIVE CONTACT INFORMATION
ONLY COMPLETE THIS INFORMATION if you wish for our team to liaise with a different contact, in relation to your legalisation process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please provide additional information:

YOUR PAYMENT INFORMATION
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
All major card types are accepted.

OR
If you are a corporate client and have a pre-approved Global Visas company code for your legalisation process to be billed via invoice method - please enter below.

BILLING ADDRESS
Please provide the address where your Debit or Credit card is registered. If however you are a corporate client AND using a pre-approved Global Visas company code - you MUST list your company entity name and office address below.