Ginkgo Advisory | UK Embassy Attestation & Legalisation Experts

Embassy Attestation

Solicitor-led support for documents that need to be accepted overseas

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Embassy Attestation & Consular Legalisation

We help prepare UK documents for use in countries that require embassy legalisation.

Our solicitor-led service assists with solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy submission.

We advise on the correct route based on the document type and destination country.

From £138 per document

Email: embassy@ginkgoadvisory.com

KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England and Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

He is registered with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for apostille purposes. KH personally oversees Ginkgo Advisory’s document certification and apostille work to help ensure careful, accurate and consistent handling of each matter.

KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory

How our embassy attestation service works

Document Review

We review your document and confirm whether it can go directly to the FCDO or needs prior solicitor certification.

Solicitor Certification

Where required, our solicitor certifies the document with appropriate wording for FCDO apostille submission purposes.

FCDO Apostille

We arrange submission to the UK FCDO and manage the apostille application through the official process.

Embassy Attestation

We arrange embassy attestation after FCDO apostille when the destination country requires legalisation.

Clear, professional and reliable service

I had a very positive experience with Ginkgo Advisory and would happily recommend them.

They were professional, responsive, and very easy to work with. What really stood out was that even at an early stage—before I had formally engaged the firm—they were already willing to join discussions, help us think through the process, and clarify requirements with the overseas party. This was extremely helpful, as the other side was not very clear about what documents were needed or in what format.

They helped bring structure and clarity to what could otherwise have been a confusing situation. Once everything was confirmed, the notarisation and Apostille work was handled efficiently and without unnecessary back-and-forth. Communication throughout was clear and timely, which made the whole process much less stressful.

Overall, a reliable, well-organised, and trustworthy service. I would definitely work with Ginkgo Advisory again.

Valen M.

Super friendly and helpful

Ginkgo were so helpful with me. They took what was a stressful situation and made everything so easy for me. They were really helpful through every step and were prompt with communication. 1000% would recommend them. I owe them so much!!

Rob B.

Embassies and consulates we commonly assist with

We assist with embassy attestation for destinations, including:
UAE ｜Qatar ｜Kuwait｜Taiwan｜Thailand

What is embassy attestation?

Embassy attestation is the process where the destination country’s embassy, consulate or representative office adds its stamp or certificate to a document so it can be recognised in that country.

In many cases, the document must first be properly prepared, certified where required, and apostilled by the UK FCDO before embassy attestation can be completed. Some embassies may also require additional checks, translations or supporting documents.

When do I need embassy attestation vs. just an apostille?

If the destination country accepts apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention, a UK FCDO apostille is usually enough.

If the destination country does not accept apostilles alone, the document may also need embassy, consular or representative-office attestation after the FCDO apostille.

Requirements vary by country, document type and intended use, so you should always confirm the exact requirements with the receiving authority before proceeding.

China changed the rules—what’s the position now?

China now accepts apostilles. The Apostille Convention entered into force for mainland China on 7 November 2023.

For most UK public documents intended for use in mainland China, Chinese consular legalisation is no longer required after the document has received a UK FCDO apostille.

However, requirements may still vary depending on the document type, local authority and intended use. You should confirm with the receiving authority if they have any additional requirements.

Which destinations “usually” require Apostille + Embassy Attestation?

Destinations that commonly require embassy, consular or representative-office attestation include the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Thailand and Taiwan.

Requirements can change and may depend on the document type, receiving authority and intended use. Some authorities may also require translation, pre-approval or additional supporting documents.

Do commercial documents need extra stamps?

Often, yes. Commercial documents may need additional chamber of commerce or trade body certification before embassy or consular attestation.

For some Middle East and North Africa destinations, this may include Arab-British Chamber of Commerce certification or other chamber stamps before the embassy will complete attestation.

Requirements vary by country, document type and intended use.

What kinds of documents are commonly attested?

Common documents include personal, academic and commercial documents.

Personal and academic documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, ACRO police certificates, degree certificates, transcripts and medical letters.

Commercial documents may include certificates of incorporation, powers of attorney, board resolutions, contracts, invoices and certificates of origin.

How long does embassy attestation take?

Processing time depends on the embassy, document type and current workload.

Many embassy attestation applications take a few working days once all prior steps are complete, such as solicitor certification, FCDO apostille or chamber of commerce certification.

Some cases can take longer, especially where the embassy requires additional verification, cultural-office approval, translation or supporting documents.

Can you help if I’m outside the UK?

Yes. We can assist overseas clients with UK document preparation, FCDO apostille and embassy or consular submission.

You can send documents to us by courier, and we can return the completed documents to your overseas address.