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Got documents issued outside of the UK? How to easily legalise them
Modern life dictates that the country you grew up in isn't always the one you studied, got married or had children in. But the legalisation of these documents has to take place in the country of origin. If you're looking to move yourself or your family elsewhere but have documents issued from a number of different countries, where do you turn?
If you’ve just got a new role overseas or you’re moving abroad with family, the chances are you’ll need documents legalising to process your visa. The thing is, legalisation requirements differ massively depending on where you are, where you’re going, and what the documents are going to be used for. Legalisation can get complicated.
Let me give you an example. The submission guidelines at the UAE Embassy in Canada are different to the submission guidelines at the UAE Embassy in the UK. Same documents, same destination, but different processes because of the country they were issued in.
That might not sound too bad, but every document needs to be legalised in the country it was issued in. So, for example, if you studied at a university in Canada, you’d need to get your degree legalised in Canada. If you got married in Greece, you’d need your marriage licence legalised in Greece.
But that can cause you a headache. Imagine you’re a UK citizen who studied in Canada, got married in Greece, and now you’re wanting to move over to the UAE. You’d need to get your documents legalised before you could move to the UAE, but where do you start? You’d need to get your degree legalised in Canada, your marriage licence legalised in Greece, and you’ve probably got other documents that need to be legalised in the UK. Where do you even start?
I mean, sure. You could fly to each country individually and try sort the legalisation yourself, but that’s a lot of time and effort, not to mention how much it’d cost you in travel and accommodation. You’d still have to try figure out all the complicated processes yourself, and even one tiny little mistake could cause massive issues and delays.
Full Service Countries
Partial Service Countries
It’s an issue that we’ve seen more and more of the past 5 years or so. Before Brexit and Covid, at least, people were choosing to broaden their horizons and study overseas. We’ve also seen a surge in the popularity of overseas marriages (probably something to do with the dreary weather over in the UK).
If you’ve got a wanderer’s soul; if you’ve got documents from all over the world and you need to get them all legalised, it can feel like you’ve got a mountain to climb.
Non-UK legalisation: A solution
But that’s where Vital Consular can help. Experts in document legalisation, we’ve got a unique, long established network across the whole world. Our network lets us undertake legalisation other UK-based companies can’t. Even if your documentation is issued across several different countries, Vital Consular can take care of the whole legalisation process for you – we’re the only company in the UK who can handle documents from over 150 countries, including:
Europe
– Austria
– Belgium
– Bulgaria
– Croatia
– Cyprus
– Czech Republic
– Denmark
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Gibraltar
– Greece
– Guernsey
– Hungary
– Ireland
– Italy
– Jersey
– Lithuania
– Luxembourg
– Netherlands
– North Macedonia
– Norway
– Poland
– Portugal
– Romania
– Russian Federation
– Serbia
– Slovakia
– Slovenia
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland
– Ukraine
– United Kingdom
Asia
– China
– Hong Kong
– India
– Indonesia
– Japan
– Kazakhstan
– Lebanon
– Malaysia
– Pakistan
– Philippines
– Singapore
– South Korea
– Sri Lanka
– Taiwan
– Thailand
– Turkey
Africa
– Egypt
– Kenya
– Madagascar
– Mauritius
– Nigeria
– Saint Helena
– Seychelles
– South Africa
– Sudan
– Uganda
– Zimbabwe
Oceania
– Australia
– Fiji
– New Zealand
North America
– Antigua and Barbuda
– Aruba
– Bahamas
– Barbados
– Bermuda
– British Virgin Islands
– Canada
– Cayman Islands
– Dominica
– Dominican Republic
– Jamaica
– Turks and Caicos Islands
– United States
Central America
– Costa Rica
– Mexico
– Panama
South America
– Argentina
– Brazil
Middle East
– Bahrain
– Iran
– Israel
– Jordan
– Kuwait
– Oman
– Qatar
– Saudi Arabia
– United Arab Emirates
If you need documents legalising for a country that isn’t on this list, don’t worry – just get in touch with us. I haven’t covered every country we can legalise for, and the chances are we’ll still be able to help you.
With our experienced team and one-of-a-kind global network, we’re well placed to deal with all of your legalisation needs for you. You don’t need to worry about where your documents were issued, or the hoops you need to jump through to get them legalised. All you need to do is get in touch with us, and we’ll sort everything out for you.
Wherever your documents were issued, and wherever you’re planning to move to, you can get documents legalised with us. Simply visit our site and request a personalised quotation based on your requirements. You can also give us a call directly on +44 (0) 330 088 1142, send us a message via WhatsApp on mobile, or e-mail us at sales@vitalconsular.com. Our friendly team of specialists are on hand to answer all of your queries.
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Ashraf Vachhiat
Articles: 137
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
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Education document attestation for Saudi Arabia – the SACB
Degrees and college awards for use in Saudi Arabia must be verified by the SACB before the attestation, also known as legalisation, process can begin. Read how to get this initial stage completed, as well as the full attestation procedure.
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 guide on the process.
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 circulating and how you can tell if your Apostille is the real deal.
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 one without the other!
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. This blog talks about the most stress-free way to legalise documents for use 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...
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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 efficient way to legalise your documents for use in Saudi in this blog.
Vital Consular: Your International Attestation Office
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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 our services, but have appreciated the confidence our friendly and professional team have given them. In this article, we wanted to give true costs of doing...
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
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Medical Letters For Residency Visas – Step-by-Step Guide on L...
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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 a host of reasons, including marriage, divorce, Deed Poll or simply not including your full name. To avoid experiencing delays and additional costs, this article will...
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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 an audience abroad, but prefer to conduct your business in a different country. Whatever your business setup, it's important to understand that your Intellectual Property is...
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 for these documents to be legally accepted overseas,
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 at the time, or are travelling to a country and require your English certificate for identification purposes, it can get confusing very quickly. Here we look...
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 be used interchangeably, but essentially mean the same thing. Others, such as "certified copy" and "notarised copy", require a clear distinction and can be the difference...
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 circulating and how you can tell if your Apostille is the real deal.
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 one without the other!
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. This blog talks about the most stress-free way to legalise documents for use 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 really easy solution in this blog.
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 efficient way to legalise your documents for use in Saudi in this blog.
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 our services, but have appreciated the confidence our friendly and professional team have given them. In this article, we wanted to give true costs of doing...
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 to Brexit is leaving lots of people in an urgent situation trying to apply for their residence visas in order to stay in the country. Here...
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 for the move has become a stressful task for many. Here we explain why, as well as how you can get your paperwork through as quickly...
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 a host of reasons, including marriage, divorce, Deed Poll or simply not including your full name. To avoid experiencing delays and additional costs, this article will...
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 an audience abroad, but prefer to conduct your business in a different country. Whatever your business setup, it's important to understand that your Intellectual Property is...
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 for these documents to be legally accepted overseas,
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 at the time, or are travelling to a country and require your English certificate for identification purposes, it can get confusing very quickly. Here we look...
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 be used interchangeably, but essentially mean the same thing. Others, such as "certified copy" and "notarised copy", require a clear distinction and can be the difference...
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 Certificate from the UK in order to obtain their Qatari Certificate of Good Conduct.
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 2018 which now require all documents to be legalised in-country before travelling to Thailand, we've put together a complete guide on these processes.
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The Vietnam Legalisation Process: How to legalise your documents
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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 a host of reasons, including marriage, divorce, Deed Poll or simply not including your full name. To avoid experiencing delays and additional costs, this article will...
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 locations. As a legalisation for Vietnam specialist, we have extensive experience in helping those looking to start a new adventure.
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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 at our Dubai office is an expat from somewhere around the globe, so we asked them if they had any tips for those looking to make...
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, year-round sun and large expat community. But before you pack your suitcase it’s important to understand the paperwork involved in moving abroad whether it’s for work...
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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 new residence permit or work visa. Obtaining these from overseas can be a pain, but it doesn't have to be complicated, as our Dubai team provides...
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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 rely on public transport, which you might find is vastly superior to services in your own country! But if you need to drive, can you use...
UK-Issued Islamic Marriage Certificates – Where Are They Reco...
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UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
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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 hair out looking for your Marriage Certificate! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
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I have a document sent to me from the UK without a stamp. I need to know the procedures required to obtain document authentication electronically. I can not understand how to get by pc
Hi Marinela, thanks for commenting. If you require authentication via an Apostille or Consular stamp, this isn’t possible to obtain electronically. If this is a UK document the original will need to be returned to the UK for the stamp to be applied. If you need any further assistance please drop us an e-mail at sales@vitalconsular.com and one of our team will assist you in getting this process completed.