Apostille and legalisation are related to document authentication, not translation quality. A certified translation can be part of the document package, but an apostille does not certify that a translation is accurate. It confirms specified signatures, seals or stamps on an eligible document.
In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office can legalise certain eligible UK documents by attaching an apostille. Documents issued outside the UK cannot use the UK Legalisation Office and normally need to be legalised in the country where they were issued.
If you need help with the translation side, see our apostille and legalisation support for translated documents.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate used to legalise certain documents for use abroad. The UK Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, stamp or seal on an eligible document matches its records. If it does, the office can legalise the document by attaching an apostille.
The apostille does not confirm the truth of the document’s contents and it does not verify the linguistic quality of a translation.
What does “legalisation” mean?
Legalisation is the process used to authenticate a document for use in another country. In the UK FCDO process, this can mean the issue of an apostille. Depending on the destination country and the recipient, additional steps may sometimes be required after the apostille.
The receiving authority should tell you what it needs. Do not assume that every document being used abroad automatically requires an apostille.
Can the FCDO legalise any document?
No. The UK Legalisation Office only legalises certain eligible documents. GOV.UK lists examples including documents issued by courts, public registries and government departments, provided the relevant signature, stamp or seal can be checked.
If a document was issued outside the UK, the UK Legalisation Office cannot legalise it. You normally need to follow the legalisation process in the country where the document was issued.
Does a certified translation need an apostille?
Only if the receiving authority requires the relevant document or translation to be legalised and the item is eligible for the legalisation route being used.
A certified translation, notarised translation and apostille are separate concepts:
- Certified translation: a translation supplied with a statement confirming its accuracy and identifying the translator or translation company.
- Notarised translation: a translation that includes a notarial step where required.
- Apostille: an official legalisation certificate attached to an eligible document after the competent authority verifies the relevant signature, stamp or seal.
Should the original document or the translation be apostilled?
That depends on what the receiving authority asks for and on which document is eligible for legalisation. In some situations the original public document is legalised before translation. In others, a notarised or otherwise authenticated translation may form part of the legalisation process.
Check the destination authority’s wording before ordering translation or legalisation so you do not pay for unnecessary steps.
Paper apostille vs e-Apostille
The UK Legalisation Office offers paper-based apostilles and, for eligible documents, e-Apostilles. The receiving authority should be asked whether it accepts an electronic apostille before you choose that route.
What information should you check before starting?
- Where was the document issued?
- Which country will it be used in?
- Which authority or organisation will receive it?
- Has the recipient specifically asked for an apostille or legalisation?
- Does the recipient require a translation as well?
- Does it specify certified, notarised or sworn translation?
- Does it accept an e-Apostille?
Common mistakes
- Assuming an apostille validates the translation. It authenticates an eligible signature, stamp or seal, not the linguistic accuracy of the text.
- Trying to legalise a foreign-issued document through the UK Legalisation Office. Foreign documents normally follow the process in their country of issue.
- Ordering notarisation automatically. Add a notarial step only when the recipient or legalisation route requires it.
- Legalising the wrong document. Confirm whether the recipient wants the original, the translation or both authenticated.
- Using outdated guidance. Legalisation eligibility, service options and processing arrangements can change.
Official FCDO guidance
Before applying, check the current GOV.UK Legalisation Office guidance:
Frequently asked questions
Will the FCDO “accept” a certified translation?
The Legalisation Office does not operate as a general approval body for translation providers. It legalises eligible documents by checking specified signatures, seals or stamps. Whether a translation itself forms part of the legalisation route depends on the document and the steps taken before submission.
Does every translation for use abroad need legalisation?
No. The receiving authority decides whether legalisation is required.
Can a foreign birth certificate be apostilled by the FCDO?
Not if it was issued outside the UK. GOV.UK states that documents issued outside the UK cannot be legalised through the UK Legalisation Office.
Can you help identify the right route?
Send the document type, issuing country, destination country and any instructions from the recipient. We can then identify the translation requirement and explain which legalisation route appears relevant before you proceed.