Apostille Certificates and Document Legalisation Service

Welcome to apostille.biz the on-line document legalisation and Apostille Certificate service providing document legalisation services since 1998

SFS are a professional UK legalisation firm that specialises in acquiring Apostille certificates and document legalisation from all over the world. For more information click here - Who are SFS?

Key benefits of using Apostille.biz

• Prices start from as little as £59.99 + VAT
• No additional charges for multiple documents under the same apostille certificate (where possible)
• Highly experienced team will advise you on the most suitable legalisation for your personal circumstances - the last thing you need is for your documents to be rejected by overseas authorities!
• Average turn around time is approximately 5 working days although it can vary depending on seasonal peak periods.
• Expedite 2 day service available for a very competitive price

Follow this link to our Apostille Prices Page to see how much your document will cost.

We understand the complexity and variety of documents requiring UK Apostille Certificates and are happy to discuss your needs and quote a price based on your legalisation requirements. Please feel free to call us on 0800 328 7494 or +44 2476 631 613 for non-UK callers.

We are often asked how to pronounce the word Apostille so hopefully this phonetic interpretation will assist you "a - poss - steal"

Contact us now for fast, friendly service and professional advice.

Complete the form to your left or call 0800 328 7494.

The following information will hopefully provide you with more information about our service.

What is an Apostille?

Put simply an Apostille certificate authenticates the signature of the public official who has signed the document in your home state. The Apostille certificate confirms the person that signed the document has the authority to do so and that the document should therefore be recognised as legal without further evidence in another member state. A member state being any country which has joined the Hague Convention.

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Why have an Apostille certificate?

Prior to the introduction of Apostille certificates the burden on international courts and authorities to judge foreign documents as authentic was quite considerable. On the 5 October 1961 the Hague Convention abolished the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents. The Convention reduces all of the formalities of legalisation to the simple delivery of a certificate in a prescribed form, entitled "Apostille", by the authorities of the State where the document originates. This certificate, placed on the document, is dated, numbered and registered. The verification of its registration can be carried out without difficulty by means of a simple request for information addressed to the authority which delivered the certificate.

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Which countries recognise Apostille certificates?

There are currently over 60 member states of the Hague convention, follow the link to a list of these countries. In addition to those countries which are members of the Hague convention many other countries will also recognise an Apostille certificate. We recommend you check with the entity you intend to present the Apostille certificate to as to whether the Apostille certificate will be acceptable.

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What type of document can be certified by an Apostille?

Virtually any official document can be legalised through the Apostille process. Follow the link to a list of the most popular documents. If the document you want legalised for use overseas is not listed please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the details.

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I have multiple documents, do I need multiple Apostille Certificates?

When ever possible we will legalise your documents under one Apostille to keep your costs to a minimum, this is however not always possible. For example, multiple Company Documents can be legalised under one Apostille but two Birth Certificates would require two separate Apostille's. We will advise on the most cost effective way to legalise your documents if you are not sure.

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What information is contained on the Apostille?

The certificate contains the following information:

Country of origin
Name of signatory on the document
The capacity in which that signatory has acted
If the document has been sealed/stamped instead of signed then the details of the authority
Place of certification
Date of certification
Issuing authorities details
Certificate number
Stamp of issuing authority
Authorised signature of authority

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How long does it take?

We aim to have your Apostille certificate issued within five working days from receipt of your documents and payment. Delivery time is dependant on the delivery service you order. Usually you will receive your Apostille certificate within two weeks of us receiving the documents from you.

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How do I use your Apostille service?

Please complete this order form or contact us by calling free on 0800 328 7494. One of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements, arrange payment and receipt of your documents for issue with the Apostille.

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Where can I read the Hague Convention document?

Please follow this link to read the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents

Company Formation - Company Registration - Scottish Company Formation - Limited Company Formation - Company Formation UK - Off the Shelf Company - Registered Office - Company Secretary - Limited Liability Partnership - Company Limited by Guarantee - Company Seal

Apostille - Company Formation Agent - Company Formation