Embassy Attestation Services in the UK

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What Is Embassy Attestation?

Embassy attestation is the process of legalising UK-issued documents so they are officially recognised by a foreign country. This is only required if a document created, signed, or issued in the UK is to be used abroad. If the document is being used in the UK, no apostille or embassy attestation is needed. 

The process usually involves two steps: first, obtaining an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); second, legalisation by the relevant embassy or consulate.

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How Embassy Attestation Differs from Apostille

Some countries only require an apostille for a document to be accepted. Others, especially those not part of the Hague Convention (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt), need embassy attestation and an apostille.

When is Embassy Attestation Required

Embassy attestation is needed when presenting UK-issued documents abroad for purposes such as employment (e.g. a teaching role in the UAE), residency (e.g. moving to Qatar under a family visa), education (e.g. studying at a university), or setting up a business (e.g. registering a company branch). Countries that require this process often have specific embassy rules, such as requiring Notary certification first or accepting only originals.

Who Needs This Service

  • Professionals taking up overseas roles (e.g. engineers moving to Abu Dhabi, teachers relocating to Kuwait)

  • Students enrolling in foreign universities (e.g. applying to institutions)

  • Businesses expanding internationally (e.g. UK firms opening offices)

  • Individuals dealing with property or legal matters abroad (e.g. power of attorney for family)

Countries That Require Embassy Attestation

We provide embassy attestation for many countries, with specific requirements based on the destination.

Popular Countries We Cover:

We most frequently assist clients with Embassy Attestation services for the following countries:

  • UAE

  • Qatar

  • Vietnam

  • Egypt

  • Kuwait

  • Lebanon

  • Sri Lanka

  • Algeria

  • Taiwan

  • Thailand

  • TRNC (North Cyprus)

These countries require consular legalisation after the apostille. Each embassy has different document requirements, fees, and processing times. For example, the UAE embassy requires a Notary-certified degree for work visas.

Country-Specific Legalisation Requirements

We provide dedicated services tailored to each country’s embassy requirements. This includes document checks, certified translationsand direct submission to embassies. For example, Qatar requires degree certificates to be supported by transcripts and will require a verification letter from the issuing institution.

  • Embassy Attestation for UAE

  • Embassy Attestation for Qatar

Our Embassy Attestation Process

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Send us your documents by post, courier, or hand-deliver them to our office.

  2. We check whether your document needs an apostille before embassy legalisation and advise if a notary certification or translation is required.

  3. Once your order is confirmed, payment is taken securely by card over the phone.

  4. We obtain the apostille (if required) from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) using the registered next-day service.

  5. Our team prepares your documents for embassy legalisation, including any translations.

  6. Your documents are hand-delivered directly to the relevant embassy or consulate by our own couriers – no third parties are involved until final dispatch.

  7. Once attested, we return them by DHL (UK or international) or make them available for collection from our office.

Collection and Delivery Options

  • Documents can be submitted to us by post, courier, or hand-delivered to our office.

  • Completed documents are returned via DHL Domestic (UK), DHL International, or made available for collection in person.

  • All deliveries are tracked and secure.

Documents We Can Attest

Personal (Birth, Marriage, Degrees)

We handle a wide range of personal documents required for visa, study, or family-related purposes:

  • Birth and marriage certificates (e.g. for family visa applications to UAE or Qatar)

  • Degree and qualification certificates (e.g. required for work permits)

  • Police clearance and medical reports (e.g. employment procedures)

Business (Certificates of Incorporation, POAs)

We assist UK-based companies and law firms with:

  • Company registration documents (e.g. for setting up an entity in Egypt or Oman)

  • Power of attorney (POA) for legal or property matters abroad

  • HMRC, tax and accountancy records (e.g. for compliance in Middle East jurisdictions)

Translations and Certified Copies

We provide certified translations (e.g. English to Mandarin or Arabic). Where embassies require copies rather than originals, a Notary Public’s certification is usually necessary, as a solicitor’s certification is not valid outside the UK. Apostille Express cannot offer notarial services directly, but we can refer you to a trusted local notary if required.

Why Use Our Service?

Trusted by Individuals, Law Firms, and Businesses

We support solicitors, educational institutions, corporate HR departments, and private individuals needing reliable embassy attestation. Most of our clients are first-time users, unfamiliar with the process, and rely on us to handle everything efficiently.

Experienced Professionals

Apostille Express was founded in January 2023, but our team brings almost 30 years of collective experience in document legalisation.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

We are proud of our excellent reputation and consistently high Trustpilot reviews.

Secure Handling & Delivery

Your documents are handled securely and tracked throughout the process. All embassy submissions are made in person by our couriers at consulates in London – no third parties are involved until final dispatch. 

Experience with Over 50 Embassies

We have direct experience with over 50 embassies and consulates in London, including the embassies of the UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, and Egypt. We’re familiar with their varying rules, closure days, and peak processing periods.

Embassy Attestation FAQs

Do I need an apostille first?

In most cases, yes. The UAE, Qatar, and Vietnam all require an FCDO apostille before embassy legalisation. Some documents may also require notarial certification if they do not bear an original registered signature. We will advise you if this applies.

Can I post my documents?

Yes. Documents can be sent to us by post, courier, or delivered in person to our office. We do not collect documents ourselves.

Can you handle commercial documents?

Yes, we assist with commercial, corporate, and legal documents, including powers of attorney, contracts, and board resolutions.

Do you provide updates during the process?

Yes. We update you at each stage - document receipt, apostille, embassy submission, and dispatch. Once complete, we scan your documents for proof and provide a DHL tracking number (unless you are collecting in person). 

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is needed to use our service. However, if you drop off documents at our office in person, please contact us first to arrange a time.

How do I pay?

Once we review your order, payment is taken securely over the phone by card. Processing cannot begin until payment has been received.

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Get a Quote or Submit Documents

Send your documents securely via our online submission form or request a quote first.

Contact Us for Advice

Contact us to discuss your requirements with a document legalisation specialist.