UK apostille services
Prepare your UK documents for use overseas, with solicitor-led guidance through certification and legalisation.
A clear process,
from review to return.
Three stages, with the preparation matched to your document.
Document review
We check the document and the requirements for its intended use.
Certification
We arrange solicitor certification when the document needs it.
Apostille & return
We handle FCDO submission and arrange the document’s return.
Documents we assist with
Choose a category to email us about your document.
Academic documents
Degree certificates and transcripts.
Enquire by emailPersonal certificates
Birth, marriage and death certificates.
Enquire by emailPolice certificates
ACRO certificates for overseas use.
Enquire by emailCompany documents
Companies House records and corporate documents.
Enquire by emailCourt & legal documents
Court records, divorce documents and powers of attorney.
Enquire by emailCommercial documents
Contracts and other business documentation.
Enquire by email
Solicitor-led oversight
KH Lam LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant · Ginkgo Advisory
KH is a London-based solicitor of England and Wales, regulated by the SRA. He oversees our certification and apostille work and is registered with the FCDO for apostille purposes.
Client feedback
Excerpts from reviews published on Trustpilot.
“They helped bring structure and clarity to what could otherwise have been a confusing situation.”Valen M.Read the full review
“They were really helpful through every step…”Rob B.Read the full review
Useful information
Your questions,
answered.
Open a question for guidance on preparing your documents.
What is an apostille, and who issues it?
A UK apostille is issued by the FCDO’s Legalisation Office. It authenticates the origin of a public document, such as its signature, seal or stamp. It does not certify that the document’s contents are correct.
Ginkgo Advisory prepares and submits documents; the FCDO issues the apostille. Read the official guidance ↗
Will my document need solicitor certification?
Some official documents can be submitted directly. Other documents, including qualification certificates, contracts and passport copies, may first need certification by a UK solicitor or notary. The receiving authority may specify who must sign.
Should I use an original or a certified copy?
Ask the receiving authority which form it requires. A document’s eligibility for UK legalisation does not by itself establish that a particular copy or format will satisfy the overseas recipient.
How long will my application take?
We aim to complete most orders within a few working days after receiving the documents, payment and necessary information. Checks, FCDO processing and delivery can affect the timing. Tell us your deadline when requesting a quote.
Can I use an e-Apostille?
This depends on both the document and the recipient’s requirements. GRO certificates and ACRO police certificates, for example, are not eligible for an e-Apostille.
Which countries accept an apostille?
The Apostille Convention must apply between the issuing country and the destination. Check the current HCCH status table, including entry-into-force dates and any objections. Also confirm the receiving authority’s document requirements.
Does an apostille expire?
An apostille has no expiry date. The receiving authority may still require a recently issued underlying document. Confirm any age limit before ordering a police certificate or other time-sensitive record.
Is issuance guaranteed?
The FCDO makes the final decision. We review documents before proceeding. If rejection results from our certification or handling error, we will correct and resubmit the application or refund our apostille handling fee.
Start your enquiry
Let’s discuss your documents.
Tell us the document type, destination country and deadline.
Suite 161, 30 Red Lion Street, London, TW9 1RB, England