ID & Legalisation
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.