Apostille vs embassy legalisation
For a Hague Apostille Convention country, an FCDO apostille is usually the only UK step. For a country outside the Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait, the destination's embassy normally legalises the document after the apostille.
Published · Last updated · Official fees checked on GOV.UK (Companies House, FCDO)
An apostille is a certificate from the FCDO Legalisation Office that authenticates the signature on a UK public document, such as a Companies House certificate. If the destination is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, that is usually all the UK legalisation it needs. Embassy legalisation is an extra stage for countries outside the Convention: after the apostille, the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UK checks and stamps the document. The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait are common examples.
This guide explains the difference, how to tell which you need, what each costs and how long each takes. UKCOGS is a private agent; apostille and embassy work is quote-only with us.
Side-by-side comparison
| Apostille | Embassy legalisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | FCDO Legalisation Office | Destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UK |
| Used for | Hague Apostille Convention countries | Countries outside the Convention, or recipients that insist on it |
| What comes first | A certified UK public document | Usually an FCDO apostille certificate |
| Official UK fee | £45 paper, £35 e-Apostille (GOV.UK, checked 4 October 2026) | Set by each embassy and subject to change |
| Format | Paper or electronic | Usually paper, stamped or stickered |
| Further steps | Usually none in the UK | Sometimes a ministry stage in the destination country |
How to tell which you need
- Check whether the destination is in the Convention. The HCCH status table lists 130 Contracting Parties (last updated 30 June 2026). Spain, Germany, France, the USA, Australia, Singapore, India and mainland China are members.
- Check the entry-into-force date. Viet Nam joined from 11 September 2026; Thailand is scheduled for 28 February 2027. Until a country’s date, the old route applies.
- Read the recipient’s checklist. A recipient in a member country can still ask for translation or a particular apostille format. A recipient outside the Convention will usually name the embassy step.
- Ask when it is unclear. “Apostilled and legalised” sometimes means just an apostille. Ask the recipient to confirm which authorities must stamp the document.
Why the apostille usually comes first
For non-Hague countries, the UK embassy of the destination generally wants to see that the UK government has verified the signature before it adds its own legalisation. In practice, that means the FCDO apostille certificate goes on first, then the embassy stamp. Some destinations add a further step on arrival, for example with a foreign affairs ministry.
Worked example: Spain vs UAE
Spain (Hague member since 25 September 1978). A UK company needs a Certificate of Good Standing for a Spanish bank. It orders the COGS (£79 ex VAT through UKCOGS, including the £22 Companies House fee) and a quoted paper apostille. The bank may also want a Spanish sworn translation. No embassy stage.
UAE (not a member). The same company needs a COGS for a UAE free zone. It orders the COGS, then the FCDO apostille, then UAE embassy legalisation in London, and the free zone may require a final step with the UAE foreign affairs ministry. More stages, more time and more fees, all quoted before you pay. See our UAE legalisation page.
What the recipient’s wording usually means
Checklists are often written loosely, so it helps to translate common phrases before you order:
| Wording on the checklist | What it usually means for a UK company document |
|---|---|
| “Apostilled” | An FCDO apostille attached to a certified Companies House document |
| “Legalised” (Hague country) | Usually just the apostille; ask to be sure |
| “Legalised by the embassy” or “attested” | The apostille, then the destination embassy’s stamp |
| “Notarised and apostilled” | A UK notary certifies first, then the FCDO apostilles the notary’s signature |
| “Original” | A paper certificate, so a paper apostille rather than an e-Apostille |
If a phrase does not fit any of these, send the checklist with a quote request and we will tell you what we think it means before you spend anything. For a complete pack of certified documents on one timeline, see the company documents pack.
Common mistakes
- Ordering embassy legalisation for a Hague country. It is usually unnecessary and adds cost.
- Skipping the apostille for a non-Hague country. The embassy will normally refuse a document without it.
- Using an uncertified download. The FCDO needs an original signature from a British public official, so order a certified certificate or copy.
- Assuming the embassy fee is fixed. Embassy fees and rules change; confirm when quoting.
- Forgetting translation order. Ask whether translation must be done before or after legalisation.
Costs and timing
FCDO standard paper apostille: £45 plus courier or postage, usually up to 25 working days plus transit. e-Apostille: £35, up to 2 working days. Business-only Next-Day paper: £40. Restricted Urgent: £100, pre-approved (GOV.UK, checked 4 October 2026). Embassy fees and times vary by country. The Companies House certificate itself is £22 standard or £65 express.
Start with the Companies House document on our Certificate of Good Standing page, or use Which document do I need? if the checklist is unclear. Then request a quote for the apostille or embassy stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as legalisation?
An apostille is a form of legalisation used between Hague Convention members. “Embassy legalisation” refers to the extra consular stage needed for countries outside the Convention.
Which countries need embassy legalisation?
Countries not in the Hague Apostille Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, usually do. Always check the recipient’s list.
Does China still need embassy legalisation?
For most UK public documents, no. The Convention entered into force for mainland China on 7 November 2023, so an apostille is usually enough.
Can I go straight to the embassy without an apostille?
Usually not. Embassies generally expect the FCDO apostille certificate first.
How much does embassy legalisation cost?
Each embassy sets its own fee, and fees change. We confirm the current figure when quoting.
Does UKCOGS sell apostilles online?
No. Apostille and embassy work is quote-only, so we can confirm we can fulfil your route before you pay. Companies House documents are buy-now.
Is an e-Apostille accepted by embassies?
Often not for embassy legalisation, which usually needs paper. Ask the embassy and the final recipient before choosing the format.
Ready to order Companies House documents?
Buy-now COGS and certified copies. Apostille and embassy work are quote-only — we confirm official fees on GOV.UK.