Which authentication route applies? — Namibia
The Apostille Convention is in force for this destination and the UK. Where authentication of an original UK ACRO certificate is required, a UK FCDO paper apostille is the Convention route; further embassy legalisation should not be required for that same authentication. The receiving authority still decides whether it needs an ACRO certificate, a translation and a recently issued original. Some procedures waive authentication altogether.
Convention entry into force for this destination:
HCCH ·
Confirm the recipient’s requirements before sending your original
For use in Namibia, obtain the actual document checklist from the immigration authority, employer, licensing body or other recipient. Check the precise certificate requested, issue-date limit, identity details, original-versus-copy rule and translation requirements. Ask whether the translation must include the apostille and any consular stamps. An apostille verifies the document’s origin; it does not approve a visa, clear a criminal record or guarantee acceptance.
Solicitor-led support from application to return
Ginkgo Advisory coordinates your UK ACRO application, original-document handling, FCDO paper apostille and any additional legalisation needed for the receiving authority. The service is overseen by a solicitor of England and Wales. We act as a private service provider, not as ACRO, the FCDO or a foreign government. Our role is to help prepare and coordinate the required stages, not to guarantee the outcome of an immigration or employment application.
Already have your certificate, or still need to apply?
If you already hold the original ACRO Police Certificate, send us a readable scan and the recipient’s instructions for an initial review, then agree delivery of the original. If you have not applied, you may apply directly to ACRO and instruct us for the apostille stage, or authorise solicitor-led assistance with preparing and submitting the application. We check the information and supporting documents against the current application requirements. ACRO alone decides what checks are necessary and when to issue the certificate. Confirm your order and delivery details with us before asking ACRO to send the original to our office.
Express FCDO paper apostille: two-working-day option
After receipt and checking of a suitable original certificate, Ginkgo Advisory can offer an express FCDO paper apostille option targeting two working days, subject to availability, acceptance and any additional official checks. This is the apostille stage only. It does not include ACRO’s issue time, delivery of the certificate to us, embassy or consular processing, translation or the final courier journey. Please disclose your actual submission deadline so that we can assess the complete sequence rather than treating the express apostille target as an end-to-end promise.
An original ACRO certificate, not an electronic apostille
For the standard service, the original ACRO certificate is submitted directly for FCDO legalisation; a separately solicitor-certified copy is not normally the starting point. The FCDO does not issue an e-Apostille for ACRO certificates. A scan is useful for preliminary review but does not replace the original required for a paper apostille. Do not substitute a DBS disclosure, subject access response or another police document without checking the recipient’s exact instructions.
ACRO priority availability can change
ACRO may suspend its priority or Premium service from time to time. Check the current availability before applying or planning around an urgent deadline. Solicitor-led preparation can help identify avoidable administrative issues, but it does not create a separate ACRO fast-track entitlement or guarantee faster issue. Our express apostille service is separate from any ACRO priority option.
Ginkgo Advisory — ACRO Premium
One point of contact for additional legalisation
Where the destination and the actual procedure require further embassy, consular or representative-office authentication, we can coordinate the agreed steps after checking current availability. Some cases also need an acceptable translation or a final local authentication. A quotation should identify the stages included, the original documents required and any work that must be completed locally. We do not add embassy legalisation automatically to a document covered by the Apostille Convention.
Ginkgo Advisory — legalisation
DHL Express worldwide return, where service is available
Once the agreed work is complete, we can arrange DHL Express return of the original to you or your nominated representative. Confirm the full delivery address, recipient’s telephone number and any deadline before dispatch. Courier availability, destination restrictions, customs and local delivery conditions can affect the journey; direct service to every location cannot be guaranteed. Any alternative delivery arrangement must be agreed in advance. Courier transit is separate from the apostille processing target.
Request a destination-specific quotation
Questions about ACRO and the apostille
Which authentication route applies? — Namibia
The Apostille Convention is in force for this destination and the UK. Where authentication of an original UK ACRO certificate is required, a UK FCDO paper apostille is the Convention route; further embassy legalisation should not be required for that same authentication. The receiving authority still decides whether it needs an ACRO certificate, a translation and a recently issued original. Some procedures waive authentication altogether.
Can my ACRO certificate receive an e-Apostille?
No. FCDO guidance requires a paper apostille for ACRO Police Certificates; an electronically signed copy does not make the ACRO certificate eligible.
Do I need solicitor certification before the apostille?
For the standard service, the original ACRO certificate is submitted directly to the FCDO. A separate solicitor-certified copy is not normally required. We check any exceptional format requested by the recipient.
Does the two-working-day option cover the whole process?
No. It concerns the apostille stage after receipt and checking of a suitable original, subject to availability. ACRO issue time, transport, translation and any further legalisation are separate.
Official sources and service information
ACRO · GOV.UK — FCDO · HCCH · DHL Express