Countries That Are Part of the Hague Apostille Convention
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention recognise an apostille certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as complete legalisation. This means no additional embassy or consular verification is required, making the process faster and more efficient. More than 90 countries are members, including:
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Poland
View the complete list of Hague Convention member countries. For these destinations, Fast Track Apostille offers next-day apostille services for eligible UK documents.
Countries That Require Consular Legalisation
For countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille from the FCDO may still be required before further legalisation by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UK. This multi-step process can take longer and may involve higher fees. Examples of non-member countries include:
- Afghanistan
- Egypt
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Vietnam
- Yemen
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your UK documents must first receive an Apostille from the FCDO and then be further authenticated by that country’s consulate in London.
Can’t find the service you need?
Contact us today and our experienced team will help you find the best solution for your document legalisation needs. Whether it’s a specific embassy requirement, company document, or personal certificate, we’ll guide you through the process and make sure your paperwork is accepted worldwide.
FAQ — Consular Legalisation
Everything you need to know about apostille certificates, processing times, and document requirements.
When do I need Consular Legalisation instead of an Apostille?
You need consular legalisation if your document is being used in a country that does not recognise the apostille under the Hague Convention — for example, the UAE, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Vietnam, and others. These countries require additional embassy or consulate authentication after the apostille stage.
How long does Consular Legalisation take?
Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Most embassies take 2 to 7 working days, though some may offer express services. At 12 Apostilles, we handle the entire process efficiently and keep you updated every step of the way.
What documents can be consular legalised?
Almost any UK-issued document can be legalised — including birth and marriage certificates, degrees, company incorporation papers, powers of attorney, and commercial documents. Our experts will confirm the exact requirements for your document and destination country before submission.
How will I receive my documents back?
Once legalised, your documents are securely returned via Royal Mail Special Delivery, DHL, or FedEx — depending on your location and preference. We provide tracking details and ensure all documents are handled safely and confidentially from start to finish.
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