- Menu
-
- Help & Support
- Contact Us
- Request a Quote (Legalisation)
- About Us
Leaving so soon?
Fill in the form below we'll send you our latest blog posts as soon as they're published, so you can keep up-to-date with the legalisation and travel situation across the globe.
Egypt legalisation – attest your documents for use overseas
If you're relocating to Egypt, or have some business or legal matters, you'll likely be required to present official paperwork. If the documentation has been issued outside of Egypt, such as a UK Degree certificate or a Power of Attorney (POA), it will need to go through the process of legalisation, also known as attestation.

In this article
So, what is Egyptian legalisation?
Legalisation, sometimes referred to as attestation, is the process of making documents from one country legally recognised for use in another country. This process varies dependent on where the documents were issued and the country in which they will be presented, but generally speaking, there are three main steps to legalising a document.
- Authorisation stamp by the government authorities in the country that issued the document.
- Consular stamp in the country that issued the document, applied by the embassy of the country where the document will be presented.
- Legalisation by the appropriate government authorities in the country where the document will be used.
How do you legalise a UK document for Egypt?
If you have a document from the UK that you wish to use for official purposes in Egypt then there are three or four steps required, depending on the document.
- Certification – Unless the document is a birth, marriage, adoption or death certificate, the original document is first presented to a registered UK solicitor. They will make a copy of the document, before stamping and signing the copy to verify that it is a true copy of the original.
- Apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – The FCDO affix an apostille to the document to prove that it is a genuine UK-issued document. For birth, adoption, marriage and death certificates, this is applied to the original. For all other documents, this is applied to the solicitor certified copy.
- Consular Stamp from the Egyptian Embassy in London – The Egyptian Embassy checks the document and verifies that it can presented officially in Egypt by affixing their Consular stamp.
- Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Egypt – This is usually the final step of the process and your document can then be used legally in Egypt.
Document Language guidelines
In addition you might be required to get the document translated to Arabic; this will depend on who is requesting the documents to be attested. It is always best to ask the question beforehand to ensure there are minimal delays in you being able to use your legalised document. Often Powers of Attorney (POA) are requested in dual-language.
Is this process the same wherever my document was issued?
Although the steps involved are broadly the same wherever the document is issued, there are significant variations based on how the documents should be presented and where you obtain the stamps themselves. Here we have outlined the basic process based on UK-issued documents. If you have paperwork issued elsewhere, the process will be different.
For example, if this is a document issued in the Republic of Ireland or the USA, there are two types of Apostille. They will be issued dependent on whether you are presenting the Apostille within another Hague country, or are presenting it outside of the zone and having another Consular stamp applied alongside it.
In the USA, these two variants are also issued by different departments and carry a different checking process.
How do I know which process I need?
Determining which documents you need to be legalised should be decided by whomever you are dealing with in Egypt. That could be your new employer’s HR Department, government department or legal representative. Once you are aware of which documents you will need to process, our specialist team can assist you with the legalisation itself.
Wherever your documents were issued, we can help, so just get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
FAQs
Does the attestation expire?
Generally speaking, once a document is attested for use in Egypt, that attestation is valid indefinitely. That said, there are rare occasions when attestation done a very long time ago may be rejected due to the age or changes in policy since the attestation was done. If you’re unsure, speak to our team who will be able to help.
Can’t I just attest my documents when I get to Egypt?
Documents need to be attested in their country of issue in the manner mentioned previously in order for them to be legally accepted by the Egyptian authorities. Whilst you can wait until you get to Egypt attest them, the documents will still need to be couriered back to their issuing country to be properly processed, therefore taking longer and costing more money.
I’m selling property in Egypt, is the paperwork handled the same?
If you have a Property of Sale (PoS) to be used in Egypt, the Egyptian Consulates will no longer handle these documents. You will need to have a solicitor within Egypt draft this for you and deal with the process within the country itself.
Are company documents for Egypt legalised in the same way?
Yes, though the cost of the Consular stamp at the Egyptian Embassy carries a higher fee than that of any other document type. If you have an Articles of Association and a Memorandum, these can be legalised as one document.
Does it matter how long my document is?
Yes, it can have a bearing on the process. If your document is more than one page long, it will need to be bound together with a cover sheet by a Public Notary before it will be accepted by the Egyptian Embassy. This does not apply to Commercial documents, however.
What language does it need to be in for Egypt?
The Egyptian authorities accept documents in English, however the requirement for an Arabic translation can differ and also depends on the type of document that is being legalised.
If you’d like help attesting your documents, give us a call directly on +44 (0) 330 088 1142, send us a message via WhatsApp, use our live chat system, or e-mail us at sales@vitalconsular.com. Our friendly team of specialists are on hand to answer all of your queries.
Popular Topics
Other Topics
Stay up to date...
Sign up to our monthly round-up newsletter, where we will let you know about any news, exciting new services we can offer and other information we think you'll enjoy.
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Distance Learning Part 2 – Do Overseas Employers Accept Onlin...
Last time we turned the spotlight on online and distance learning qualifications, we identified which foreign embassies wouldn’t accept these for legalisation. This could deter candidates from even applying for ...
Online Qualifications – Which Embassies Won’t Accept Them?
Have you received any online qualifications from the Open University, or any other distance learning program? It’s possible that the document will not be accepted by certain foreign embassies.
How to Legalise an Education Document for China
Are you trying to legalise your education documents for use in China? We understand this process can seem complicated, that’s why we’re here to help with our step by step ...
e-Apostilles: What are they and how do they work?
In some cases you can have an apostille applied electronically – these are known as e-Apostilles. We go through what they are and how they compare to normal apostilles.
Canada joining The Hague Apostille Convention: What does it mean?
Canada are joining the Hague Apostille Convention, which is going to have a big impact on those looking to move over there or do trade with the country.
Bahrain Document Legalisation: Getting documents ready for Bahrain
If you ever need to present your documents in Bahrain, you’ll need to put them through the document legalisation process first.
Are Apostille services legit? How to look out for scams
There are loads of companies out there offering Apostille services – but how do you know whether they’re legitimate or not? We take a look at the scams that are ...
Legalising documents for use in Iraq: What’s the process?
Starting a new life in Iraq? Before you can make the move, you’ll need to get through the document legalisation process.
Getting married abroad: The administrative side
When you dream of getting married abroad you’re thinking of sandy beaches, romantic sunsets and idyllic seas. You aren’t thinking about the boring, administrative process. Unfortunately, though, you can’t have ...
Kuwait Attestation: How do I easily attest my documents for use in ...
Kuwait document legalisation can be a tricky process, but there’s no way around it – you need to get it done if you’re wanting to present your documents in Kuwait. ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a ...
Saudi Attestation: How do I attest my documents for Saudi Arabia?
If you’re planning on moving to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to know about the Saudi legalisation process. You won’t be able to move over without it. Find out the most ...
Vital Consular: Your International Attestation Office
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your documents legalised, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Vital Consular we can legalise any documents you need!
A Dummies Guide to: Legalisation
If you have no idea what legalisation is or how it works, you’re in the right place!
True cost to legalise a document
At Vital Consular, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent. We regularly receive amazing feedback from customers who have not only saved a lot of time and money using ...
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
Relocating to Spain can feel like a confusing process when you have so many documents to gather. Even if you’ve been living there for a while, changes in status due ...
Medical Letters For Residency Visas – Step-by-Step Guide on L...
As COVID restrictions begin to ease, migration is on the rise now that travel is becoming possible again. With Brexit causing paperwork nightmares for many expats, gathering necessary medical documents ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Intellectual Property – Do you have the correct legal procedu...
Trading overseas is often the next step for entrepreneurs looking to expand their markets to new audiences. You may have an idea or product which you’ve specifically designed to target ...
Who can witness a Power of Attorney in the UK – Solicitor or ...
A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document which transfers authority to act from one group or individual, to another. Learn about they do, and what is required ...
Certified or Notarised Translation – Which Do You Require?
A document often has to undergo translation if being used for any official purpose in an overseas country. If you were married abroad and didn’t have an English version produced ...
Certified or Notarised – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to legalisation, unfamiliar terminology can often cause confusion to those who are not well versed in the processes involved. Some terms, such as “legalisation” and “attestation” can ...
e-Apostilles: What are they and how do they work?
In some cases you can have an apostille applied electronically – these are known as e-Apostilles. We go through what they are and how they compare to normal apostilles.
Canada joining The Hague Apostille Convention: What does it mean?
Canada are joining the Hague Apostille Convention, which is going to have a big impact on those looking to move over there or do trade with the country.
Bahrain Document Legalisation: Getting documents ready for Bahrain
If you ever need to present your documents in Bahrain, you’ll need to put them through the document legalisation process first.
Are Apostille services legit? How to look out for scams
There are loads of companies out there offering Apostille services – but how do you know whether they’re legitimate or not? We take a look at the scams that are ...
Legalising documents for use in Iraq: What’s the process?
Starting a new life in Iraq? Before you can make the move, you’ll need to get through the document legalisation process.
Getting married abroad: The administrative side
When you dream of getting married abroad you’re thinking of sandy beaches, romantic sunsets and idyllic seas. You aren’t thinking about the boring, administrative process. Unfortunately, though, you can’t have ...
Kuwait Attestation: How do I easily attest my documents for use in ...
Kuwait document legalisation can be a tricky process, but there’s no way around it – you need to get it done if you’re wanting to present your documents in Kuwait. ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a ...
Saudi Attestation: How do I attest my documents for Saudi Arabia?
If you’re planning on moving to Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to know about the Saudi legalisation process. You won’t be able to move over without it. Find out the most ...
Vital Consular: Your International Attestation Office
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your documents legalised, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Vital Consular we can legalise any documents you need!
A Dummies Guide to: Legalisation
If you have no idea what legalisation is or how it works, you’re in the right place!
True cost to legalise a document
At Vital Consular, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent. We regularly receive amazing feedback from customers who have not only saved a lot of time and money using ...
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
Relocating to Spain can feel like a confusing process when you have so many documents to gather. Even if you’ve been living there for a while, changes in status due ...
Medical Letters For Residency Visas – Step-by-Step Guide on L...
As COVID restrictions begin to ease, migration is on the rise now that travel is becoming possible again. With Brexit causing paperwork nightmares for many expats, gathering necessary medical documents ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Intellectual Property – Do you have the correct legal procedu...
Trading overseas is often the next step for entrepreneurs looking to expand their markets to new audiences. You may have an idea or product which you’ve specifically designed to target ...
Who can witness a Power of Attorney in the UK – Solicitor or ...
A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a legal document which transfers authority to act from one group or individual, to another. Learn about they do, and what is required ...
Certified or Notarised Translation – Which Do You Require?
A document often has to undergo translation if being used for any official purpose in an overseas country. If you were married abroad and didn’t have an English version produced ...
Certified or Notarised – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to legalisation, unfamiliar terminology can often cause confusion to those who are not well versed in the processes involved. Some terms, such as “legalisation” and “attestation” can ...
Police Clearance Now Required in the State of Qatar
British Nationals applying for a Qatari residence permit, work permit, transfer of sponsorship, Ministry registration, or for any other reason will be required to provide a valid Legalised Police Clearance ...
Legalisation for Thailand – The Complete Guide
Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular expat destination, especially for those wishing to teach ESL (English as a Second Language). Due to changes brought in by the government in May ...
Travelling to Vietnam – What if the name on your documents do...
When you’re presenting documents in Vietnam, the names on them need to match the name on your passport. But what if this isn’t the case?
The Vietnam Legalisation Process: How to legalise your documents
Moving to Vietnam is an exciting experience, but the document legalisation process can throw a spanner in the works. Don’t worry, though – this blog will tell you everything you ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Teaching in Vietnam – How To Legalise Your Documents
Vietnam continues to gain the attention of those looking for a location to teach ESL, for the beautiful landscapes, friendly people and cost of living being low compared to other ...
Moving To Dubai From UK – 101 Insider Tips You Need To Know
As exciting as it is moving to the Middle East, it’s normal to feel a bit nervy! It’s a massive change of lifestyle. As it happens, every member of staff ...
Attesting UK documents for the UAE – all you need to know
If you dream of living in the sunshine with beaches on your doorstep, then you might be considering moving to the UAE, a place renowned for it glamorous social scene, ...
What Can Go Wrong With UAE Attestation?
Legalisation is a tricky subject – it’s easy to slip up and make a mistake. This article, the second in our Legalisation Fixers series, should help you avoid a few ...
Abu Dhabi or Dubai: which Emirate is for you when moving to the UAE...
Dubai has always been the forerunner in expat destinations in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a tourist hotspot in the GCC. However, it’s neighbour has more than enough ...
Getting A UAE Police Clearance Certificate – The Complete Guide
If you previously lived in the United Arab Emirates and have since relocated to a new country, you will likely need to provide a UAE Police Clearance Certificate for your ...
Driving as an expat – can I use my UK license abroad?
If you’re moving overseas you may be thinking about how you’re going to get around whilst you’re there. Some people who live in a city are more than happy to ...
UK-Issued Islamic Marriage Certificates – Where Are They Reco...
At present, Islamic marriages are not recognised as legally binding by UK law. This is out of step with many other religious ceremonies which are recognised such as Jewish and ...
UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
In an about-turn from their notification earlier this year, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) has now issued a directive to all Embassies worldwide that from ...
UK Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates now available in the UAE
In the UAE and don’t have access to your birth certificate? Maybe you’ve just moved to a new job and want to call your spouse over, but they’re tearing their ...
Five Great Reasons To Move to Dubai
Winter is coming. The days are getting shorter, skies are getting gloomier, and the sun’s packed up and gone south for the next 6 months. As you stare out of ...
Related Posts
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a really easy solution in this blog.
Can a Distance Education Certificate be Attested for use in Qatar?
When deciding on a degree course to study, your main focus is choosing a quality provider and ensuring that the structure of study will fit in with your life. With so many adults deciding to re-train or boost their expertise ...
Qatar Accepts Islamic Marriage Certificates – Service Update
Following an update from the Qatari Embassy, we can advise that Islamic Marriage Certificates can now be legalised for use in Qatar. There may be further requirements once you reach the country, but this is a step towards making things ...
Chinese Application Form For Legalisation- Complete Step By Step Guide
If you need to get your documents legalised for a job in China, you will need to complete the official application form. This can be confusing and is full of ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected ...
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Getting A Job In China – Complete Guide To Paperwork
As a legalisation and visa company, we have extensive experience in helping clients with the paperwork required to obtain their dream jobs in China. We’ve been dealing with documentation for ...
The UK Legalisation Process for China Is Changing – New Costs...
As of the 8th of November 2019, the process for legalising UK documents for China has changed. There have also been increases in the costs levied by the Chinese authorities ...
How to Legalise an Education Document for China
Are you trying to legalise your education documents for use in China? We understand this process can seem complicated, that’s why we’re here to help with our step by step ...