Consularis specialises in document legalisation (apostille and consular legalisation), certified translations, notarisation / certification services, and consultancy for cross‑border legal document use. We help individuals, businesses and legal entities get their UK documents recognised abroad, or foreign documents valid in the UK.

The legalisation process involves multiple steps (certification, apostille, embassy / consulate legalisation, translation) which vary by destination country. Mistakes or omissions can lead to rejection. We ensure all steps are done correctly, in order, and liaise with relevant authorities and embassies to reduce risk of delays. We also assist with translations, courier pickup/delivery, and client support. We also have offices in USA, Switzerland, Ireland and Canada and can help legalise documents related to these countries directly as well as providing apostille services for the Embassies only based in those countries.

An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 that authenticates the signature, seal or stamp on a public document so that it is recognised in other countries that are party to that Convention.
In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issues apostilles.

If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, then after obtaining the apostille you often need additional legalisation by the relevant country’s embassy or consulate in London (or relevant jurisdiction). 
Some non‑Hague countries require a three‑step process: (1) UK apostille, (2) embassy legalisation, and (3) approval by that country’s foreign affairs ministry.

It depends on the urgency you require and the destination country.

• The standard FCDO apostille service often takes 1–2 working days (for many documents). 
• Embassy / consular legalisation may take several additional days, depending on the embassy’s internal processing times.

We also offer expedited / urgent services (next‑day, same day) for many destinations (where available), for an extra fee.

Most “public documents” issued in the UK (e.g. birth, marriage, death certificates, court orders, powers of attorney, company incorporation documents) are eligible for apostille, if they meet the FCDO’s requirements (original, authorised signature, correct format). 

If the document was not issued by a recognised UK authority, it may require prior notarisation or solicitor certification before it can receive an apostille.

It depends on the destination country and the embassy requirements.

• If your document is in English (or Welsh), many embassies do not require translation. 
• If the document or certificate is in another language, a certified translation may need to be provided (before or after legalisation), according to the receiving authority’s rules.
• Some embassies require the translated version (alongside original) for legalisation, especially in non‑English speaking countries.

Our sister company Docsbase Limited is certified to offer legal translation services compatible with the requirements of most Embassies and Consulates

The official FCDO fee for apostille is fixed (for example, in the UK it’s £40 for standard service) 
However, total cost depends on additional services such as notarisation, translation, embassy fees, courier, and service premium (for urgency). We will provide a full quote upfront before proceeding.

Payment is typically due before we submit your documents to the FCDO or embassy. We accept bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other payment methods (specify yours). For overseas clients, we may accept international bank transfer or secure online payment.

Yes. We provide secure courier pickup and delivery (both within the UK and internationally). You can send documents to us, and we return them to you once legalisation and translation are complete.

We aim to minimise such issues by reviewing documents beforehand and ensuring conformity with embassy standards. If a rejection occurs, we assist you in rectifying the issue (e.g. resubmission, additional translation, or supplementary certification) wherever possible.

For standard service: about 1–2 working days for apostille + additional days for embassy legalisation (if needed). With translations included, it depends on the length and complexity.
For urgent / express options: same-day or next-day processing (where supported) is available for many jurisdictions (at higher cost).