At a glance
Step
- Send your document details for review
- We confirm eligibility and whether certification is required
- We submit the correct apostille format (paper or e-Apostille where eligible)
- We return by tracked delivery
What you need
- Your document (original or correctly certified copy, depending on type)
- If required: solicitor certification or notarisation (confirmed during pre-check)
- If required: certified translation (we advise where it fits)
What affects turnaround
- FCDO processing capacity and chosen service type
- Certification needs before submission
- Courier and postage time
- Errors that must be corrected before submission
Common reasons for delays or rejection
- Incorrect certification wording or missing details
- Wrong format (original vs certified copy)
- e-Apostille files that do not meet digital signing requirements
- Missing pages or attachments
What is a UK apostille and what does it verify?
A UK apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to authenticate the signature, stamp or seal on a UK document for overseas use. It confirms authenticity, not content.
When do you need a UK apostille?
A UK apostille is commonly needed for overseas use, including:
- Employment and work purposes
- University or professional registration
- Business or commercial activities
- Legal or personal matters
If the receiving country requires further embassy legalisation, the apostille is usually the first mandatory step. We confirm your route during review
Paper Apostille vs E-Apostille
Paper Apostille
- Physical Apostille certificate attached to the document
- Commonly requested by embassies and authorities
- Suitable for most traditional routes
E-Apostille
- Issued electronically for eligible digitally signed PDF documents
- Acceptance varies by destination and receiving authority
- Not suitable for many embassy legalisation routes where paper is still requested
Solicitor Certification and Notarisation
Notarisation is not always required. In many UK apostille cases, solicitor certification is sufficient and is commonly needed for:
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Experience letters
- Membership certificates
- Medical or financial documents
- Certified copies of passports or powers of attorney
Solicitor certification arranged by us:
- Personal documents: £19.99
- Commercial documents: £29.99
If notarisation is required, we will advise clearly and can arrange it. We assess this during the document pre-check so you do not pay for unnecessary steps.
How our UK apostille process works
- Document assessment
We confirm eligibility, format, and certification requirements - Preparation and submission
We arrange solicitor certification where needed and submit using the correct route. - Apostille issuance
The apostille is issued in the appropriate format, paper or e-Apostille where eligible. - Secure return
Your documents are returned by tracked delivery.
Turnaround and pricing
Clear timelines. No guessing. We confirm the correct route before we begin.
| Service | Turnaround | Price |
| Standard Apostille | 4–5 working days (typical) | From £75 per document |
| Express Apostille | 2 working days (where available) | £120 per document |
Limited launch offer: Express Apostille £110 per document (Standard £75 + £35 upgrade)
Offer ends: 31st May 2026
Express cut-off: Express cut-off: documents must be received before 10:00am.
Timelines start once documents are received and checks are complete.
Prices exclude return postage. Multi-document discounts may apply
Security & Handling
- UK-based handling and accountability
- Tracked return delivery
- Secure storage while in our care
- Clear chain of responsibility
We keep you updated at key steps.
Why choose Sterling & Reeve
- Pre-submission checks to reduce rejection risk
- Route knowledge when apostille is step one of a wider legalisation journey
- Secure handling with tracked dispatch and return
Get In Touch
UK Apostille handled correctly, without unnecessary delays.