Express consular legalisation services
Quick, trusted, and complete consular legalisation services for your international documents.
Welcome to our Express consular legalisation services, offering fast and efficient solutions for your document authentication needs. Our experienced team guides you through the process, ensuring your documents are correctly legalised and meet international standards.
Our consular legalisation services are designed to facilitate cross-border recognition, helping your documents gain official acceptance in foreign countries. To access this service, please get in touch with our team.
The difference between consular legalisation and Apostille
Consular legalisation
Apostille
Consular legalisation is required for countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Apostille services apply to documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
This process involves several stages: first, the document is notarised by a notary public; next, it is certified by the relevant government authority; and finally, it must be validated by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
An apostille is a standardised certificate issued by the designated government authority in the country of origin, confirming the authenticity of the document.
Unlike the apostille, consular legalisation provides an additional level of verification and often requires translation of the document into the official language of the receiving country. Because it passes through multiple authorities, this procedure is more complex and usually takes longer to complete.
This streamlined process removes the need for consular legalisation, making international recognition much simpler. Since it requires only one official step, obtaining an apostille is usually faster and more straightforward than other forms of legalisation.
Frequently asked questions – Consular legalisation
What is consular legalisation?
Consular legalisation is a process required for countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies that your document is genuine and officially recognised by the destination country through its consulate or embassy.
How does consular legalisation differ from an apostille?
Unlike an apostille, which is a standardised certificate used for Hague Convention countries, consular legalisation involves multiple steps: notarisation, certification by the relevant government authority, and final authentication by the foreign consulate.
Which documents can be legalised?
We can assist with a variety of documents, including personal certificates, company documents, and official records. Government-issued documents such as birth, marriage, or criminal records often require specific procedures.
How long does the consular legalisation process take?
The process can vary depending on the document type, the issuing authorities, and the consulate’s schedule. Typically, it takes longer than obtaining an apostille due to multiple verification steps.
Do documents need to be translated?
Often, yes. Many consulates require documents to be translated into the official language of the destination country. Our team can advise on translation requirements for your documents.
Can multiple documents be legalised together?
In some cases, documents relating to the same individual or company can be collated into a single set, with a digital cover sheet issued for the set. However, certain official documents may require individual legalisation.
How do I get started with consular legalisation?
To begin the process, please contact our team. We will guide you step by step, ensuring your documents meet all legal requirements and are correctly prepared for consular authentication.
Contact our team
Getting an apostille for your documents can be confusing and time-consuming — especially when different document types, authorities, and verification steps are involved.
With over 20 years of combined experience providing official apostille services in London, our team understands exactly how to prepare, certify, and submit your documents correctly the first time. From solicitor certification and notarisation to FCDO processing and international delivery, we manage the entire process with precision and care.
Whether you need your documents legalised for personal, academic, or business use abroad, we ensure they are apostilled quickly, securely, and in full compliance with international standards — giving you peace of mind and guaranteed global recognition.
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