FCDO e-Apostille for Malta: Solicitor Certification

Do you need to use a UK document in Malta?

Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor verification, enhanced solicitor certification and FCDO apostille services for Malta.

We assist with UK educational, company, court and personal documents. For urgent cases, our express e-Apostille service may take a few hours to one working day.

However, completion depends on document checks, source verification and FCDO processing.

UK Documents for Use in Malta

Malta and the United Kingdom are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.

Therefore, an eligible UK public document can normally use an FCDO apostille instead of the longer diplomatic or consular legalisation process.

For many Maltese residence and public-registry procedures, documents issued by a non-EU country must be apostilled or fully legalised. Since the United Kingdom is no longer an EU Member State, this rule can apply to UK documents submitted to Maltese authorities.

Before starting, ask the Maltese recipient whether it needs:

• an original or certified copy
• an FCDO e-Apostille or paper apostille
• an MQRIC recognition statement
• separate apostilles for each document
• direct verification from the issuing body
• professional registration
• a document issued within a set period

These checks can prevent delays and unnecessary costs.

Does a UK Document Need Malta Embassy Legalisation?

Normally, no.

The UK FCDO issues the apostille for a UK document. Once an eligible UK document carries a valid apostille, it should not need further legalisation by the Maltese High Commission or another Maltese diplomatic mission.

Malta’s Consular Services Office handles apostilles for Maltese documents intended for use overseas. It does not issue a Maltese apostille for a British document.

However, the apostille does not replace the recipient’s other requirements.

A Maltese university, employer, professional council, Identità office, court, public registry or company authority may still request:

• the physical original
• a certified true copy
• an MQRIC statement
• primary-source verification
• professional registration
• a recent police certificate
• a particular document format

Therefore, check the complete application requirements before arranging legalisation.

Which UK Documents Can We Prepare?

Our solicitor can review many types of UK documents.

Educational documents

• Degree Certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• Diploma Supplements
• Higher Education Achievement Reports
• university letters
• GCSE and A Level certificates
• professional qualifications
• teacher-training qualifications

Company documents

• Certificates of Incorporation
• Companies House certificates
• Articles of Association
• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• powers of attorney
• registers of directors
• registers of members
• commercial agreements

Court and legal documents

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court orders
• judgments
• consent orders
• Grants of Probate
• Letters of Administration
• statutory declarations

Personal documents

• certified passport copies
• proof of address
• employment letters
• consent forms
• medical certificates
• professional certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates

The correct process depends on the document and its intended use in Malta.

What Is Solicitor Certification?

Solicitor certification is a formal statement signed by a UK solicitor.

For example, the solicitor may confirm that a copy matches the original document.

Basic wording often states:

“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”

This wording may satisfy a simple certified-copy requirement.

However, it does not confirm that the issuing university, court, company or public body genuinely created the document.

Therefore, a Maltese employer, regulator or government authority may request stronger evidence.

What Is Enhanced Solicitor Certification?

Enhanced solicitor certification goes beyond basic true-copy wording.

First, our solicitor checks the document through a reliable source. That source may include a university, Companies House, a court record or an official digital platform.

We can then prepare wording such as:

“I further certify that I have verified the authenticity of this document with the issuing institution.”

As a result, the Maltese recipient receives:

• a certified copy of the document; and
• confirmation that the solicitor checked its issuing source.

This approach may help where the recipient wants more than a visual comparison with the original.

Solicitor Verification and Certification

Verification and certification are separate stages.

Verification means checking the document with its issuing source.

Certification means issuing the formal solicitor statement after completing that check.

For educational documents, we may use:

• direct university confirmation
• HEDD
• Gradintelligence
• Digitary
• Parchment
• an official university portal
• a secure document-sharing service

Company-document checks may involve official Companies House records.

Court-document checks can include:

• the court seal
• the case number
• the issuing email
• the order format
• other official evidence

After completing the appropriate checks, our solicitor prepares and signs the certificate.

What Does the FCDO Apostille Confirm?

The FCDO checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records.

When the document meets the legalisation rules, the FCDO issues an apostille.

UK qualification certificates, powers of attorney, contracts and certified document copies may qualify after certification by a UK solicitor or notary.

However, an apostille does not verify every statement inside the underlying document.

For that reason, enhanced solicitor certification can create a stronger evidence chain:

Source verification → enhanced solicitor certification → solicitor signature → FCDO apostille

The enhanced certificate records the source check. The apostille then authenticates the relevant solicitor’s signature.

FCDO e-Apostille for Malta

The FCDO offers paper apostilles and e-Apostilles.

For an e-Apostille, the document must be an eligible PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. The completed file can then be downloaded and shared digitally.

Our solicitor’s electronic signature is registered with the FCDO for e-Apostille purposes.

Consequently, we can prepare eligible PDFs for electronic legalisation.

Nevertheless, ask the Maltese recipient whether it accepts:

• a UK FCDO e-Apostille
• an electronically signed PDF
• a printed version of the digital file
• a paper apostille attached to an original
• a file uploaded through an online system

Malta uses digital government and registry systems. However, that does not mean every Maltese authority accepts every foreign e-Apostille in every procedure.

A paper apostille may work better where the recipient requires the physical original.

Express e-Apostille Service for Malta

Straightforward cases may take a few hours to one working day through our express handling when:

• the document is clear and complete
• source verification has finished
• the PDF qualifies for an e-Apostille
• payment has arrived
• the FCDO requires no further checks

The FCDO publishes an e-Apostille processing time of up to two working days. Signature checks or document queries may extend that period.

Therefore, urgent clients should send the document and the Maltese recipient’s requirements as early as possible.

Educational Documents for Malta

UK educational documents may support:

• university admission
• postgraduate study
• employment
• MQRIC recognition
• work-permit applications
• professional registration
• teacher-warrant applications
• public-sector recruitment
• salary or grade assessment

Common documents include the Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript.

A Degree Certificate confirms the academic award.

An Academic Transcript records information such as:

• subjects studied
• grades achieved
• academic credits
• dates of attendance
• programme duration
• practical placements
• completion of the qualification

However, an apostille does not determine the Malta Qualifications Framework level of the UK qualification.

The applicant may also need:

• an MQRIC recognition statement
• direct university verification
• the complete Academic Transcript
• a Diploma Supplement
• professional registration
• separate apostilles

What Is MQRIC?

The Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre is known as MQRIC.

MQRIC operates within the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, known as MFHEA.

It is Malta’s official ENIC-NARIC centre and recognises national and international qualifications against the:

• Malta Qualifications Framework, or MQF; and
• European Qualifications Framework, or EQF.

MQRIC recognition statements may be required for employment, further study, professional applications and other official purposes.

Malta Qualifications Framework Levels

The Malta Qualifications Framework uses eight levels.

MQRIC may assess where an overseas qualification sits within the framework.

For example:

• many undergraduate degrees correspond to MQF Level 6
• many Master’s degrees correspond to MQF Level 7
• doctoral degrees normally correspond to MQF Level 8

However, MQRIC assesses each qualification according to its:

• awarding institution
• qualification type
• programme level
• entry requirements
• duration
• workload
• credits
• learning outcomes

Therefore, the title of the UK qualification alone may not determine its final MQF level.

What Does an MQRIC Recognition Statement Confirm?

An MQRIC statement can confirm how an international qualification compares with the Malta Qualifications Framework.

It may identify:

• the qualification
• the awarding institution
• the corresponding MQF level
• the corresponding EQF level
• other relevant recognition information

MQRIC recognition is commonly used to support:

• job applications
• public-sector recruitment
• work-permit procedures
• education applications
• salary assessment
• teacher-warrant applications
• professional registration

MQRIC remains Malta’s competent body for formally recognising international academic qualifications against the national framework.

Does Every UK Degree Need MQRIC Recognition?

No.

An MQRIC statement is not automatically required for every use of a UK qualification in Malta.

For example:

• a university may assess a UK qualification directly for admission;
• an employer may already recognise the university and degree;
• a professional regulator may perform its own assessment;
• the qualification may already appear in an accepted recognition database.

However, the employer, authority or work-permit unit may specifically request an MQRIC statement.

Therefore, ask the recipient before submitting an application.

Documents for MQRIC Recognition

MQRIC’s online recognition procedure normally requires:

• the final qualification certificate
• the official Academic Transcript or mark sheet
• the Diploma Supplement, where available
• evidence of any name change
• translations where the documents are not in Maltese or English
• further evidence requested by MQRIC

The Academic Transcript should show the courses completed and the grades received. Applicants should upload all related qualification documents together.

MQRIC may request additional evidence where it cannot confirm:

• the awarding institution
• the programme
• the qualification level
• the mode of study
• the authenticity of the documents

Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript

Applicants should not assume that the Degree Certificate alone will be enough.

The Degree Certificate confirms the final award.

The Academic Transcript can show:

• the programme duration
• subjects completed
• grades
• academic credits
• assessment results
• placements or practical work
• progression through the programme

MQRIC specifically identifies both the final certificate and official transcript as core application documents.

Therefore, it may be sensible to prepare both records where the recipient requires a full qualification assessment.

Diploma Supplement

A Diploma Supplement can help explain:

• the qualification level
• the programme structure
• the credit system
• the institution’s status
• the grading system
• the rights attached to the qualification

MQRIC accepts a Diploma Supplement as part of the recognition evidence.

A UK Higher Education Achievement Report may also provide helpful information. However, the recipient should confirm whether it accepts the HEAR instead of a conventional Academic Transcript.

Is an Apostille Required for MQRIC?

An apostille and an MQRIC recognition statement perform different functions.

MQRIC’s online procedure focuses on the final certificate, Academic Transcript and verification of the qualification.

An FCDO apostille may still be required where:

• the Maltese employer asks for it;
• Identità requires a legalised document;
• a professional council requires authenticated copies;
• another public body needs formal proof of the UK signature;
• the submitted document is an original or certified copy from a non-EU country.

Therefore, do not assume that MQRIC recognition automatically removes every apostille requirement.

Apostille and MQRIC Recognition Are Different

An FCDO apostille and an MQRIC statement perform different functions.

The FCDO apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

MQRIC compares and recognises the overseas qualification against the MQF and EQF.

Neither process automatically replaces the other.

An apostilled UK Degree Certificate does not show its MQF level.

Likewise, an MQRIC recognition statement does not replace an apostille where the receiving organisation separately requests legalisation.

UK Degree Verification for Malta

A basic certified copy may not satisfy every Maltese recipient.

For stronger evidence, our solicitor can verify a UK qualification where the university provides a reliable route.

The process may include:

• reviewing the Degree Certificate
• checking the Academic Transcript
• accessing an official verification platform
• contacting the issuing university
• confirming the source of the qualification
• preparing enhanced solicitor certification
• electronically signing the PDF
• arranging the FCDO apostille

This process records how we checked the qualification.

However, it does not replace MQRIC recognition, university admission or professional registration where a separate process applies.

Recognition of UK School Qualifications

MQRIC can also assess certain international school, vocational and further-education qualifications.

This may include UK documents such as:

• GCSE certificates
• IGCSE certificates
• GCE O Level certificates
• GCE A Level certificates
• BTEC qualifications
• vocational diplomas
• professional awards
• school-leaving certificates

The assessment may consider:

• the awarding body
• subjects completed
• grades
• qualification level
• programme duration
• progression rights
• whether the award is formally recognised in the UK

The Maltese school, university or employer should confirm whether it requires a full MQRIC recognition statement.

Professional Qualifications in Malta

Malta regulates a range of professions.

Applicants may need separate approval before working as:

• doctors
• dentists
• nurses
• midwives
• pharmacists
• teachers
• architects
• lawyers
• auditors
• engineers
• other regulated professionals

The responsible authority depends on the profession.

An MQRIC statement may support the application. However, the relevant professional council decides whether the applicant can practise.

UK Qualifications After Brexit

Applicants should not assume that a UK professional qualification will automatically follow the EU recognition route.

The correct procedure may depend on:

• the profession
• the applicant’s nationality
• the date the qualification was awarded
• whether the applicant has acquired EU rights
• whether another EU state previously recognised the qualification
• the competent Maltese authority

A UK qualification may be treated under a third-country or non-EU route in some cases.

Therefore, obtain the current instructions from the professional regulator before arranging several apostilles.

MQRIC Recognition Does Not Grant a Professional Licence

MQRIC recognises the academic value and framework level of a qualification.

However, the authority to practise a regulated profession rests with the relevant Maltese professional body.

For example:

• the Medical Council regulates doctors and dentists;
• the Council for Nurses and Midwives regulates nurses and midwives;
• the Council for the Teaching Profession handles teacher warrants;
• other professional bodies regulate their respective occupations.

The Medical Council has also confirmed that MQRIC recognises qualifications, while the right to practise medicine falls within the Council’s own remit.

Regulated Professions and Work Permits

A person applying for a Maltese employment or Single Permit for a regulated occupation may need professional registration before the immigration or employment application proceeds.

Jobsplus guidance states that where the proposed work is a regulated profession, the employer should ensure that the applicant has registered with the relevant regulatory body before submitting the Single Permit application.

Therefore, an applicant may need to complete several stages:

1. academic-document preparation;
2. MQRIC recognition, where requested;
3. professional registration;
4. employment or residence application.

Medical and Dental Qualifications

Doctors and dentists must apply to the Medical Council Malta.

The Council operates separate procedures for:

• provisional registration
• full registration
• temporary registration
• specialist registration
• medical practitioners
• dental surgeons
• applicants with non-EU qualifications

The Council assesses the professional qualification and the applicant’s eligibility for registration.

An applicant may need to provide:

• the medical or dental Degree Certificate
• the complete Academic Transcript
• internship or foundation-training evidence
• proof of professional registration
• a recent Certificate of Good Standing
• identity documents
• evidence of English or Maltese proficiency
• specialist-training certificates
• direct verification of qualifications

Medical Council Statutory Examination

The Medical Council may require a doctor or dentist whose primary qualification is not from Malta or an EU Member State to pass a professional and linguistic proficiency examination.

The exact route for a UK qualification can depend on when it was obtained and whether acquired-rights or previous-recognition provisions apply.

The Council’s current guidance should determine whether the applicant needs:

• the Medical Council Malta Statutory Examination
• an adaptation period
• further clinical training
• English-language evidence
• another registration route

An FCDO apostille does not itself grant Medical Council registration.

Certificates of Good Standing

Healthcare and other regulated professionals may need a recent Certificate of Good Standing from their UK regulator.

For example, the Medical Council’s examination guidance refers to a Certificate of Good Standing issued within three months of the application.

The Maltese regulator should confirm:

• the maximum age of the certificate
• whether it must be sent directly by the UK regulator
• whether it requires an apostille
• whether electronic delivery is accepted
• whether separate professional-status documents are needed

Nursing and Midwifery Qualifications

A person cannot practise nursing or midwifery in Malta without registration with the Council for Nurses and Midwives.

The applicant must submit the relevant registration application and supporting documents. If approved, the Council enters the applicant’s name in the appropriate professional register.

Applicants may need:

• the nursing or midwifery qualification
• the Academic Transcript
• theoretical and clinical training details
• proof of professional registration
• a certificate of good standing
• language evidence
• identity documents
• primary-source verification
• a bridging course

UK-Trained Nurses and Midwives

The correct registration route for a UK-trained nurse or midwife depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

A UK qualification may fall within a non-EU route unless the applicant benefits from EU rights, acquired rights or another applicable recognition arrangement.

For applicants following the non-EU route, the Council states that:

• registration may initially be temporary;
• a primary-source verification certificate is required for applications submitted from 1 January 2025; and
• nursing applicants must complete an approved non-EU bridging course.

Therefore, nurses should obtain the Council’s current document checklist before arranging certification and apostilles.

Teacher’s Warrant in Malta

A person may need a teacher’s warrant before working in a regulated teaching position in Malta.

Current teacher-warrant guidance requires qualification documents that include:

• the Degree Certificate; and
• the Europass Diploma Supplement or an official detailed Academic Transcript.

Applicants who have lived in Malta for less than ten years may also need a police-record search from their country of origin.

The Council may additionally require:

• teacher-training qualifications
• teaching-practice records
• MQRIC recognition
• identity documents
• employment information
• a police certificate
• certified copies

An apostille or enhanced verification may support the process where the recipient requires authenticated UK records.

Company Documents for Malta

UK company documents may support:

• registering an overseas company
• establishing a Maltese branch
• incorporating a Maltese subsidiary
• opening a corporate bank account
• tax or VAT registration
• investment transactions
• commercial contracts
• proving directors or shareholders
• appointing a Maltese representative

Official Companies House certificates may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation where they carry the appropriate public-official signature.

Company-created documents usually need an appropriate signature or solicitor certification before the FCDO can issue an apostille.

Examples include:

• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• company powers of attorney
• registers of directors
• registers of members
• authorised signatory letters
• commercial agreements

Malta Business Registry

The Malta Business Registry, known as MBR, registers Maltese companies and documents relating to commercial partnerships and overseas companies.

MBR also issues certified company records, including certificates of good standing and beneficial-ownership certificates.

Its digital system supports company filings and access to public registry information.

Registering an Overseas Company in Malta

A foreign company can establish a branch or place of business in Malta.

MBR’s official forms include Form M, which records information under Article 385 concerning an overseas company establishing a branch or place of business in Malta.

A branch application may involve documents or information concerning:

• the UK parent company
• its Certificate of Incorporation
• its constitutional documents
• its registered office
• its directors and company secretary
• the Maltese branch address
• the persons authorised to represent the company in Malta
• the representative’s powers
• the company’s accounting arrangements

The Maltese corporate lawyer or service provider should confirm the exact requirements.

Documents for a Maltese Branch

A UK company may be asked to provide:

• a Certificate of Incorporation
• a Certificate of Good Standing
• the Articles of Association
• a board resolution approving the Malta branch
• evidence of current directors
• evidence of the company secretary
• a power of attorney
• beneficial-ownership information
• certified passport copies

The recipient may require:

• official Companies House documents
• solicitor certification
• notarisation
• an FCDO apostille
• separate apostilles
• recently issued records

An apostille does not itself register the branch. The company must still complete the MBR filing and comply with ongoing reporting obligations.

Malta Subsidiary or Branch?

A UK company may operate in Malta through:

• a Maltese-incorporated subsidiary; or
• a branch of the UK company.

A subsidiary is a separate Maltese legal entity.

A branch remains part of the overseas company but must register its Maltese place of business and file the required information.

The appropriate structure depends on:

• liability
• tax
• commercial operations
• banking
• licensing
• reporting obligations
• regulatory requirements

The Maltese lawyer, accountant or corporate adviser should confirm the suitable structure before documents are prepared.

Powers of Attorney for Malta

A UK power of attorney may support:

• company incorporation
• branch registration
• banking
• property transactions
• court proceedings
• inheritance
• tax matters
• representation before a Maltese authority

The Maltese lawyer or notary should provide the required wording before the document is signed.

Depending on the transaction, the power may require:

• execution before a solicitor or notary
• identity verification
• witness details
• an FCDO apostille
• a physical original
• filing or registration in Malta

Some transactions may require notarisation rather than ordinary solicitor certification.

Therefore, do not rely on a general power-of-attorney template without checking the local requirements.

Court Documents for Malta

UK court documents may need legalisation for:

• divorce matters
• probate
• inheritance
• family proceedings
• civil claims
• debt enforcement
• commercial disputes

Examples include:

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court judgments
• consent orders
• Grants of Probate
• Letters of Administration

A UK court document carrying a recognised wet-ink court seal may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation.

By contrast, an electronic court document may first need solicitor verification and certification.

The Maltese court, lawyer, Public Registry or authority may also request:

• the physical original
• a paper apostille
• a certified true copy
• evidence that the judgment is final
• separate recognition or registration proceedings

Confirm the required format before choosing the e-Apostille route.

Recognition of a UK Divorce in Malta

An apostilled UK Final Order or Decree Absolute confirms the authenticity of the relevant UK court signature or seal.

However, the apostille does not automatically update a Maltese civil-status record or make the judgment effective for every Maltese purpose.

Depending on the case, the applicant may need:

• the complete final court order
• evidence that the order is final
• an FCDO apostille
• notification to the Public Registry
• judicial recognition
• identity and civil-status documents

The Maltese family lawyer or Public Registry should confirm the correct procedure.

Does Malta Require Translation?

English and Maltese are Malta’s official languages.

Therefore, UK documents written fully in English will not normally require translation for many Maltese procedures.

MQRIC also states that authorised translations are required where the programme documents are not in Maltese or English.

However, translation may still be required where:

• part of the document is in Welsh
• an annex is written in another language
• foreign-language stamps contain material information
• a supporting record comes from another country
• the recipient specifically requests a Maltese translation

Always follow the receiving organisation’s instructions.

Translation Rules for Identità and the Public Registry

Identità may request a translation where information needed for registration is not in English or Maltese.

For non-EU documents, a translation completed outside Malta or the European Union may itself need to be apostilled or fully legalised.

Therefore, where a UK document contains material text in another language, ask whether:

• an authorised Maltese translator is required
• the translation can be prepared in the UK
• the translator’s signature needs an apostille
• every stamp and annotation must be translated
• the translation must be attached to the original

Identità also publishes a list of authorised translators for Public Registry procedures.

Immigration and Residence Documents

UK documents may support Maltese applications involving:

• employment
• the Single Permit
• study
• family reunification
• long-term residence
• the Key Employee Initiative
• the Specialist Employee Initiative
• investment or business activity
• proof of qualifications
• proof of family relationships

Identità states that documents issued by non-EU countries in their original form or as certified true copies must be apostilled or fully legalised.

Possible supporting records include:

• Degree Certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• professional-registration certificates
• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• police certificates
• employment letters
• company records
• powers of attorney

The exact requirements depend on the residence category.

Work-Permit Qualification Evidence

Maltese employment and residence applications can require certified copies of qualifications, warrants or evidence of relevant professional experience.

Certain high-skilled routes require an MQF Level 6 or higher qualification related to the proposed employment, or suitable alternative qualifications and experience.

An MQRIC statement may therefore help establish:

• the MQF level
• the qualification type
• the relationship between the qualification and the proposed role

However, an MQRIC statement does not guarantee approval of a work or residence permit.

Police Certificates for Malta

A UK ACRO Police Certificate may support:

• employment
• professional registration
• teacher-warrant applications
• residence procedures
• background screening
• regulated-profession applications

The FCDO does not issue e-Apostilles for ACRO Police Certificates.

Therefore, an ACRO certificate must use the paper apostille route.

The Maltese recipient may also require:

• the original certificate
• a recent issue date
• a paper apostille
• direct delivery
• police certificates from other countries of residence
• a separate Malta police-record application

Check the validity requirement before ordering the certificate.

Birth, Marriage and Civil-Status Documents

UK civil-status documents may support:

• registration of an overseas birth
• registration of an overseas marriage
• civil-union matters
• divorce notification
• citizenship
• residence applications
• family reunification
• inheritance

Common documents include:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates
• civil partnership certificates
• adoption certificates
• divorce orders

Identità’s Public Registry recognises foreign public documents in connection with foreign births, marriages and deaths. Such documents may need an apostille or full legalisation according to their country of origin.

The recipient may also require:

• the original paper certificate
• a long-form certificate
• a recent issue date
• supporting identity documents
• registration forms
• a translation where the document is not in English or Maltese

Documents That Need a Paper Apostille

The FCDO does not issue an e-Apostille for certain document types.

These include:

• UK birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates
• civil partnership certificates
• adoption certificates
• other General Register Office documents
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Scottish and Northern Irish disclosure certificates
• fingerprint certificates
• ACCA membership certificates

These documents normally require a paper apostille.

A Maltese recipient may also require a physical document even where the document type technically qualifies for an e-Apostille.

Separate or Combined Apostilles?

Several related documents can sometimes form one solicitor-certified PDF.

However, this approach does not suit every Maltese application.

Separate apostilles may work better when:

• the Degree Certificate and Transcript serve different purposes
• MQRIC or a regulator expects separate academic records
• each document will go to a different authority
• a professional council requires individual documents
• an MBR filing involves several independent company records
• the documents come from different issuing bodies

The FCDO advises applicants to ask whether the recipient requires one apostille for a group of documents or a separate apostille for each document.

Our Process

Step 1: Send the Document

Send us a clear PDF of the UK document.

Step 2: Provide the Maltese Requirements

Include any instructions from the Maltese:

• authority
• employer
• university
• professional council
• Identità office
• court
• bank
• lawyer
• notary
• company-registration adviser

Step 3: Check Whether Legalisation Is Needed

We first determine whether the recipient requires an apostille.

Step 4: Select the Correct Route

We check whether the document needs:

• an e-Apostille
• a paper apostille
• solicitor certification
• enhanced source verification
• notarisation
• separate legalisation

Step 5: Verify the Document

Where possible, our solicitor checks the document with its issuing source.

Step 6: Prepare Enhanced Certification

We draft the appropriate certification wording and apply the solicitor’s electronic or wet-ink signature.

Step 7: Arrange the FCDO Apostille

Our team submits the document through the suitable FCDO route.

Step 8: Send the Completed Document

Finally, we provide the completed electronic file or arrange return delivery of the paper documents.

A Maltese recipient can verify a UK paper or electronic apostille using its issue date and apostille number.

Need an Apostille for Malta?

Send Ginkgo Advisory:

• a copy of the UK document
• its intended use in Malta
• the name of the recipient
• any written document requirements
• whether MQRIC recognition is required
• whether professional registration is involved
• whether the applicant needs a work or residence permit
• your required completion date

We will check whether an apostille is necessary and confirm the appropriate verification, certification and legalisation route.

Eligible express e-Apostille cases may take a few hours to one working day, subject to document checks and FCDO processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Malta accept an FCDO apostille?

Yes. Malta and the United Kingdom are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. An eligible UK document carrying an FCDO apostille should not need further Maltese consular legalisation.

Does an apostilled UK document need Maltese High Commission legalisation?

Normally, no. The FCDO apostille replaces the longer diplomatic or consular legalisation process for eligible UK documents.

Does Malta accept an FCDO e-Apostille?

A UK e-Apostille may suit a digital application. However, the receiving Maltese organisation should confirm that its procedure accepts an electronically signed PDF.

Is true-copy certification enough?

It depends on the purpose. Some Maltese recipients may also want confirmation that the solicitor verified the document with the issuing university, company or public body.

Can you verify a UK Degree Certificate?

Yes, where the issuing university provides a reliable verification route.

What is MQRIC?

MQRIC is the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre. It recognises national and international qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework and European Qualifications Framework.

Does every UK degree need MQRIC recognition?

No. The requirement depends on the employer, university, authority, professional council or work-permit route.

Does MQRIC need the Academic Transcript?

Yes. MQRIC identifies the final certificate and official Academic Transcript or mark sheet as core documents for a recognition application.

Does an apostille replace MQRIC recognition?

No. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature or seal. MQRIC separately assesses the qualification against the MQF and EQF.

Does an MQRIC statement grant professional registration?

No. The relevant professional council decides whether the applicant can practise a regulated profession.

Are UK professional qualifications automatically recognised after Brexit?

Not always. The correct route depends on the profession, qualification date, nationality, acquired rights and the competent Maltese authority.

Must a regulated professional register before applying for a Single Permit?

Jobsplus guidance states that where the proposed role is a regulated profession, the employer should ensure that the applicant is registered with the relevant regulatory body before the Single Permit application is submitted.

Who registers doctors and dentists in Malta?

The Medical Council Malta handles medical and dental registration. It operates separate procedures for provisional, full, temporary and specialist registration.

Can a doctor be required to take an examination?

Yes. The Medical Council may require a doctor or dentist with a non-EU primary qualification to pass a professional and linguistic proficiency examination. The treatment of a particular UK qualification depends on the applicant’s circumstances.

Who registers nurses and midwives?

The Council for Nurses and Midwives handles professional registration. A person must enter the appropriate Council register before practising in Malta.

Do non-EU nursing applicants need primary-source verification?

Yes. The Council states that from 1 January 2025, non-EU trained nursing and midwifery applicants must submit a primary-source verification certificate.

Do non-EU nurses need a bridging course?

The Council currently requires nursing applicants following the non-EU route to complete an approved bridging course.

What documents are required for a teacher’s warrant?

Current guidance includes the Degree Certificate, Europass Diploma Supplement or detailed Academic Transcript and, where applicable, a police-record search from the applicant’s country of origin.

Do English UK documents need translation in Malta?

Usually not. English is an official language of Malta, and MQRIC requires authorised translations only where documents are not in Maltese or English.

Can Identità still request a translation?

Yes. Identità may request translation of information that is not written in English or Maltese.

Do UK documents submitted to Identità need an apostille?

Identità states that documents issued by non-EU countries in their original form or as certified true copies must be apostilled or fully legalised.

Can a UK company register a branch in Malta?

Yes. MBR provides a specific overseas-company registration form for a foreign company establishing a branch or place of business in Malta.

Can you apostille an Academic Transcript?

Yes. We can review, verify and certify an eligible Academic Transcript before arranging the FCDO apostille.

Can an ACRO Police Certificate receive an e-Apostille?

No. An ACRO Police Certificate must use the FCDO paper apostille route.

Do UK birth and marriage certificates need a paper apostille?

Where an apostille is required, General Register Office certificates must use the paper route because they cannot receive an e-Apostille.

Can several documents share one apostille?

Sometimes. However, MQRIC, Identità, a professional council, court, employer or Malta Business Registry filing may require a separate apostille for each document.