Legalisation / Apostille

It may be the case that your document will require legalisation and/or an Apostille. The Apostille is when a certificate is issued by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) which verifies the signature and/or seal of the Notary Public, on your document and the capacity in which he or she has acted and as if your document was legalised at an Embassy.

The standard service costs £40 per apostille, from the FCDO based in Milton Keynes. There is a 2-3 day turnaround with this service.

The requirements for your document will depend on the country involved and this can be discussed and I am happy to assist you with this process.

I instruct a courier to obtain the apostille on behalf of the client.

Identification

Under our anti money laundering obligations, each client must provide identification as follows:

• passport

• driving licence (with photo card)

• national identity card (EEA state members)

• an armed forces pass (with photo and signature)

• firearms licence (with photo and signature)

• other government issue ID (with photo and signature)

• residence permit

• benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency

• Acceptable proof of residence includes one of the following
  original documents:

• Bank statement or letter from bank

• Utility bill or council tax bill

• Tenancy agreement or Housing Association rent card

• Inland revenue tax demand or self assessment statement

For business clients, I will (in addition to checking your personal identity) need to establish the existence of your company and that you are authorised to represent that company. I will conduct my own checks to satisfy myself that the company exists. You have to produce certain documents including:

• Certificate of incorporation

• Extract from the company register

• Certificate of Good Standing

• Latest report and audited accounts

• Up to date certified copy of partnership agreement

I will discuss with you the documents that you will need.