At First Law Solicitors, we help individuals, families and businesses prepare their documents for Apostille certification and legalisation by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Our solicitors make sure that your paperwork is complete, correctly signed and properly certified before it is submitted for official legalisation.
We handle the details of the process so that your documents are accepted first time, saving you unnecessary delays or rejections.
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the FCDO confirming that a UK document is genuine.
It allows the document to be recognised abroad under the Hague Convention of 1961, which standardises the acceptance of foreign public documents.
Common documents that may require an Apostille include birth and marriage certificates, academic qualifications, company records, court orders, Powers of Attorney, and Statutory Declarations.
The FCDO will only issue an Apostille if the document has been properly certified or signed by a UK solicitor or authorised official.
Our solicitors ensure that your document meets every requirement before it is submitted, reducing the risk of delay or refusal.
Our Apostille support service covers every stage of the legalisation process.
We check your documents carefully, confirm whether solicitor certification is required, and prepare any necessary supporting statements or declarations.
Once verified, we can submit the document for Apostille legalisation directly or provide you with a fully prepared pack ready for your own submission to the FCDO.
We also assist with multi-jurisdiction requirements, where documents must be both Apostilled and then legalised by a foreign embassy or consulate for international use.
If you are overseas, we can arrange remote certification and digital preparation under the Digital Verification Services (DVS) framework, ensuring that your documents meet both UK and international evidentiary standards.
Since 2025, the FCDO and related agencies have expanded digital submission options for Apostille applications.
Our solicitors can prepare certified electronic documents verified through the DVS framework and signed using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) where accepted.
We also offer remote witnessing by secure video conference, ensuring that your documents are certified in accordance with the Electronic Identification and Trust Services standards and the updated 2025 electronic notarisation rules.
This service is particularly useful for clients working abroad, managing cross-border business interests, or handling personal matters from outside the United Kingdom.
We treat every document and item of personal information with strict confidentiality.
All materials are handled and stored in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, under the supervision of the Information Commission (formerly the ICO).
Our firm follows secure verification and chain-of-custody protocols to ensure that your original documents are protected and returned promptly.
At First Law Solicitors, we combine legal precision with practical efficiency.
We understand how important international document recognition is, especially for business, education, immigration or family purposes.
Our solicitors ensure that your documents are correctly certified, digitally verified and ready for submission to the FCDO or any foreign authority.
We also advise on additional embassy or consular legalisation when required.
With clear guidance, secure handling and fixed-fee transparency, you can trust us to manage your legalisation process from start to finish.
If you need help preparing documents for Apostille certification or FCDO legalisation, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Our solicitors provide clear, efficient and reliable support for clients across the United Kingdom and abroad.
Call +44 161 768 9908
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange your consultation.
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