What is attestation?

Attestation (or Legalisation) is the process of authenticating a document so that it is accepted as genuine in another country.

For a foreign embassy to attest any document, it must first be stamped by the issuing government. For UK documents, this involves processing through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to obtain an Apostille Stamp. This paper certificate is affixed to the document, with the FCDO seal stamped through both the Apostille and the document.

In some cases, the process ends here. However, different types of documents have varying legalisation requirements. For example, degree certificates require additional steps. The FCDO cannot verify the authenticity of a degree certificate immediately. It must first be countersigned by a UK Notary Public or Solicitor before it can be Apostilled.

At Vital Consular, we have been handling attestation for businesses and individuals since 2006. With extensive experience working with embassies and government offices worldwide, we ensure a seamless process tailored to your needs. Our comprehensive service covers all the necessary steps, so you can focus on preparing for your move abroad.

If you'd like more information, call us at +44 (0)330 088 1142. One of our specially trained advisers will be happy to help you.