Our solicitor can verify, certify, apostille & legalise
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About the Author
KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every apostille and legalisation case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.
KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory
If you need to use a BASI qualification overseas, you may need to verify, certify and legalise your certificate first.
We provide a complete BASI certificate apostille UK service for qualifications issued by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI).
Our service can include:
- solicitor verification and certification;
- UK FCDO paper Apostille;
- UK FCDO e-Apostille;
- embassy or consular legalisation where needed;
- international courier delivery.
For urgent cases, we offer:
- FCDO paper Apostille – express 2 working day service
- FCDO e-Apostille – same day or next working day
We can assist with BASI Ski, Snowboard, Adaptive Ski, Cross Country, Telemark, Coaching, Mountain Safety and International Mountain Safety qualifications.
The correct process depends on your certificate, the destination country and the requirements of the organisation that will receive it.
What is a BASI qualification?
BASI stands for the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
It provides professional qualifications for ski, snowboard and other snowsports instructors.
BASI qualifications cover several disciplines, including:
- Ski
- Snowboard
- Adaptive Ski
- Cross Country
- Telemark
- Coaching
- Mountain Safety
- International Mountain Safety
Many BASI programmes also sit within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
BASI instructors often use their qualifications when applying for work, training or professional recognition outside the UK.
An overseas employer, ski school, regulator or government authority may therefore ask you to legalise your BASI certificate before they accept it.
Why might I need to legalise my BASI certificate?
You may need legalisation when you use your BASI qualification outside the UK.
Common reasons include:
- applying for work at an overseas ski school;
- proving your professional qualifications;
- applying for a work permit or visa;
- registering with a professional body;
- completing an immigration application;
- applying for further training;
- presenting qualifications to an overseas government authority;
- meeting an employer’s document requirements.
Each country follows its own rules.
The receiving organisation may ask for a simple certified copy, an Apostille, or further embassy legalisation.
Before starting the process, check exactly what the overseas authority needs.
BASI certificate verification and solicitor certification
Some BASI documents need solicitor certification before the FCDO can legalise them.
We first review your certificate and confirm the correct route.
Where necessary, we can arrange:
document review → verification → solicitor certification → FCDO Apostille
The solicitor confirms the document or copy in the correct form for legalisation.
For an e-Apostille, the document must also meet the requirements for electronic certification.
Using the correct certification from the start can help prevent delays or rejected applications.
BASI qualifications we can assist with
We can assist with a wide range of BASI qualifications.
BASI Ski qualifications
Our service can cover:
- BASI Ski Level 1 – SCQF Level 6, 8 Credits, EQF Level 4
- BASI Ski Level 2 – SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits, EQF Level 5
- BASI Ski Level 3 Teaching – SCQF Level 9, 24 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Ski Level 3 Technical – SCQF Level 9, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Ski Level 4 Teaching – SCQF Level 10, 24 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Ski Level 4 Technical – SCQF Level 10, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
Clients often need these certificates for overseas employment, professional recognition or instructor registration.
BASI Snowboard qualifications
We can also arrange legalisation for:
- BASI Snowboard Level 1 – SCQF Level 6, 8 Credits, EQF Level 4
- BASI Snowboard Level 2 – SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits, EQF Level 5
- BASI Snowboard Level 3 Teaching – SCQF Level 9, 24 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Snowboard Level 3 Technical – SCQF Level 9, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
BASI Adaptive Ski qualifications
We can assist with:
- BASI Adaptive Ski Level 1 – SCQF Level 6, 8 Credits, EQF Level 4
- BASI Adaptive Ski Level 2 – SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits, EQF Level 5
- BASI Adaptive Ski Level 3 – SCQF Level 9, 8 Credits, EQF Level 6
BASI Cross Country qualifications
Our service can include:
- BASI Cross Country Level 1 – SCQF Level 6, 8 Credits, EQF Level 4
- BASI Cross Country Level 2 – SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits, EQF Level 5
- BASI Cross Country Level 3 Teaching – SCQF Level 9, 24 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Cross Country Level 3 Technical – SCQF Level 9, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
BASI Telemark qualifications
We can assist with:
- BASI Telemark Level 1 – SCQF Level 6, 8 Credits, EQF Level 4
- BASI Telemark Level 2 – SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits, EQF Level 5
- BASI Telemark Level 3 Teaching – SCQF Level 9, 24 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Telemark Level 3 Technical – SCQF Level 9, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
BASI Coaching and Mountain Safety qualifications
We also handle:
- BASI Coaching – SCQF Level 9, 4 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI Mountain Safety – SCQF Level 9, 5 Credits, EQF Level 6
- BASI International Mountain Safety – SCQF Level 10, 10 Credits, EQF Level 6
If you do not see your BASI qualification above, send us a clear scanned copy.
We can review it and advise you on the correct process.
UK FCDO paper Apostille for BASI certificates
A paper Apostille gives you a physical legalisation document for use overseas.
This route often suits clients who need to present original or certified paper documents to an employer, regulator or government authority.
We offer an:
Express UK FCDO paper Apostille service – approximately 2 working days
Our service can cover the full process:
document review → verification → solicitor certification → FCDO paper Apostille → embassy legalisation if needed → return delivery
Some receiving authorities insist on paper documents.
Others may accept an e-Apostille.
Check the recipient’s requirements before choosing the service.
UK FCDO e-Apostille for BASI certificates
An e-Apostille provides an electronic form of legalisation.
It can work well when the overseas recipient accepts digital documents.
For eligible BASI certificates, we offer:
UK FCDO e-Apostille – same day or next working day
The process can include:
document review → verification → electronic solicitor certification → FCDO e-Apostille → digital delivery
An e-Apostille may suit:
- overseas employers;
- ski schools;
- immigration advisers;
- professional organisations;
- training providers;
- authorities that accept electronic documents.
The e-Apostille route can save time because you do not need to wait for physical delivery.
However, not every receiving authority accepts an electronic Apostille.
Always check before proceeding.
Should I choose a paper Apostille or an e-Apostille?
The answer depends on the recipient.
Choose a paper Apostille if:
- the authority asks for a physical document;
- you need to submit an original certificate;
- the recipient asks for a paper Apostille;
- an embassy needs to legalise the document afterwards;
- the organisation does not accept electronic documents.
Consider an e-Apostille if:
- the recipient accepts digital documents;
- your BASI certificate qualifies for electronic legalisation;
- you have an urgent deadline;
- you want electronic delivery;
- you do not need further paper legalisation.
If you are unsure, ask the overseas organisation whether it accepts an FCDO e-Apostille.
This simple question can save time and unnecessary costs.
Does my BASI certificate need embassy legalisation?
Some countries require more than an FCDO Apostille.
In these cases, the document may need further legalisation through an embassy or consulate.
The process may look like this:
solicitor certification → FCDO Apostille → embassy legalisation
We can arrange embassy legalisation where the destination country requires it.
Rules vary from country to country.
The type of application also matters.
For example, an employment application may follow different rules from a professional licence or immigration application.
Tell us where you plan to use the certificate and why.
We can then review the likely legalisation route.
Using a BASI qualification to work overseas
Many BASI instructors use their qualifications when looking for work outside the UK.
A ski school or professional body may ask for proof of your training before accepting your application.
Legalising the certificate can help prove that the document follows the correct UK authentication process.
However, an Apostille does not give you permission to work in another country.
It also does not guarantee professional recognition.
You may still need:
- a work visa;
- a residence permit;
- local instructor registration;
- recognition from a national professional body;
- insurance;
- local training;
- additional qualifications.
Always check the local employment and professional rules separately.
BASI qualifications, SCQF and EQF levels
Many BASI programmes have an SCQF level.
Some also show an EQF level.
These frameworks help describe the academic or professional level of a qualification.
They do not replace legalisation.
For example:
SCQF and EQF information describes the qualification level.
An Apostille authenticates the document for use abroad.
The Apostille does not confirm that your BASI qualification equals a specific foreign qualification.
The overseas authority decides whether it recognises your qualification.
Can you legalise a copy of my BASI certificate?
In many cases, yes.
You may not need to send the original certificate.
A solicitor may certify a copy where the legalisation route allows it.
The correct option depends on:
- the BASI document;
- FCDO requirements;
- the country of use;
- the receiving authority;
- whether you choose paper or electronic legalisation;
- whether an embassy needs to legalise the document afterwards.
Send us a scan before posting your original document.
We can review it first and tell you what you need.
I only have a digital BASI certificate
A digital BASI certificate may qualify for an e-Apostille.
The document still needs to meet the relevant legalisation and electronic certification requirements.
Send us the digital certificate for review.
We can confirm whether the e-Apostille route appears suitable.
If the recipient insists on a paper document, we can also discuss the paper legalisation route.
Can I get a BASI Apostille urgently?
Yes.
For suitable documents, we offer:
FCDO e-Apostille – same day or next working day
and
FCDO paper Apostille – express 2 working day service
These services can help if you have an upcoming:
- job start date;
- visa deadline;
- ski school application;
- registration deadline;
- professional recognition application;
- overseas move.
Tell us your deadline when you contact us.
We can then advise which route fits your timeline.
What documents do I need to provide?
To start the process, please send:
- a clear colour scan of your BASI certificate;
- the country where you will use it;
- the reason you need legalisation;
- your deadline;
- any instructions from the overseas authority;
- confirmation of whether they accept an e-Apostille.
If you need embassy legalisation, tell us which country or embassy is involved.
We can then review the case and advise on the next step.
Our BASI Apostille process
We aim to keep the legalisation process simple.
Step 1 – Send us your BASI certificate
Email us a clear scan of the document.
Please also tell us the destination country and purpose.
Step 2 – We review the document
We check the certificate and identify the correct legalisation route.
Step 3 – We arrange verification and certification
Where needed, we arrange document verification and solicitor certification.
Step 4 – We submit the document for FCDO legalisation
You can choose the suitable service:
Paper Apostille – express approximately 2 working days
or
e-Apostille – same day or next working day
Step 5 – We arrange embassy legalisation if required
Some countries require an extra embassy or consular stage.
We can coordinate this where applicable.
Step 6 – We return the legalised document
We can send paper documents by secure courier.
For e-Apostilles, we provide the electronic legalised document digitally.
Why use our BASI certificate legalisation service?
Legalising a professional qualification can involve several stages.
A mistake at the beginning can cause delays later.
Our service helps you manage the process through one point of contact.
We can help you avoid:
- using the wrong document;
- obtaining the wrong type of certification;
- choosing paper when an e-Apostille would work;
- choosing an e-Apostille when the authority requires paper;
- missing an embassy legalisation step;
- delays caused by incorrect document preparation;
- problems with international delivery.
We can coordinate the process from initial review through to final legalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BASI certificate Apostille?
A BASI certificate Apostille authenticates the relevant UK document or certification so you can present it overseas.
The UK FCDO handles Apostille legalisation.
Can a solicitor Apostille my BASI certificate?
No.
A solicitor can verify or certify the document.
The UK FCDO then issues the Apostille.
Can I get an e-Apostille for a BASI qualification?
Yes, if the document meets the e-Apostille requirements and the overseas recipient accepts electronic legalisation.
We can review your certificate before you proceed.
How fast can you obtain a BASI e-Apostille?
We offer a same day or next working day e-Apostille service for suitable documents.
How fast can you obtain a paper Apostille?
Our express paper service takes approximately 2 working days, subject to document eligibility and processing.
Do I need to send my original BASI certificate?
Not always.
A certified copy may work in some cases.
The receiving authority may also insist on the original.
Send us a scan first so we can review the requirements.
Do I need embassy legalisation?
That depends on the destination country and the organisation receiving the certificate.
Some countries accept the FCDO Apostille as the final stage.
Others require further embassy or consular legalisation.
Does an Apostille prove that my BASI qualification is recognised abroad?
No.
An Apostille authenticates the document.
The overseas employer, regulator or authority decides whether it recognises your BASI qualification.
Can you legalise several BASI qualifications at the same time?
Yes.
You can send us several certificates for review.
For example, you may need to legalise:
- BASI Ski Level 2;
- BASI Ski Level 3 Teaching;
- BASI Mountain Safety;
- another professional qualification.
We can review the documents together and advise on the most suitable route.
Can you return the documents overseas?
Yes.
We can arrange international courier delivery for paper documents.
For an e-Apostille, we can send the final electronic document digitally.
Get a BASI Certificate Apostille
If you need to use a BASI Ski, Snowboard, Adaptive Ski, Cross Country, Telemark, Coaching or Mountain Safety qualification overseas, send us a clear scanned copy of your certificate.
Please tell us:
1. Which country will receive the certificate?
2. Why do you need the legalisation?
3. What instructions has the overseas authority given you?
4. When do you need the document?
We can then advise on the suitable route and arrange:
Solicitor verification and certification
UK FCDO paper Apostille – express 2 working day service
UK FCDO e-Apostille – same day or next working day
Embassy or consular legalisation – where required
Contact Us

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Suite 161, 30 Red Lion Street, London, TW9 1RB, England

