Publication date: 29.09.2025
An apostille in the United Kingdom is a key element in authenticating documents for use abroad, including Ukraine, where compliance with UK legal requirements ensures that legal documents are recognised. The apostille process involves certifying documents through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which is the official apostille authority for the UK. This article will reveal where and how to get an apostille, with a focus on apostille services for Ukrainian documents, and the Legal Marketplace ‘Consultant’ offers legal services for full legalisation. We will help with fast apostille, document preparation and ensuring their compliance, engaging clients on our platform for the correct algorithm of actions.
In the UK, an apostille is a stamp that confirms the authentication of documents for countries that are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention, including Ukraine, where no additional legalisation is required. UK legal requirements stipulate that apostilles for the UK are issued by the FCDO for public documents such as birth certificates or diplomas. Document certification takes place online or by post, with a premium service option for fast apostilles. For Ukrainian documents issued in Ukraine but certified in the UK (e.g. notarial copies), an apostille ensures their recognition as legal documents. If the document is Ukrainian, it is first certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for a Ukrainian apostille, but for UK-issued documents, it is certified by the FCDO.
The apostille process begins with eligibility verification: documents must be originals or certified copies signed by a UK official. Apostille services include standard (by post, 15 days), premium (same-day in London) and e-apostille for digital documents. Legal services from Consultant help with document authentication, including translation for use in Ukraine. Legal documents, such as marriage certificates, require an FCDO apostille for legalisation, and business documents require solicitor certification before apostille.
Benefits of Fast Apostille through FCDO
- Speed: Premium service in London allows same-day apostille, ideal for urgent legal matters.
- Accessibility: Online application for standard process, with postal submission for convenience.
- International Recognition: UK apostille simplifies legalization for 120+ countries, including Ukraine.
- Savings: Standard fee £45, e-apostille £35, with courier options for quick delivery.
Steps to Obtain an Apostille
- Document Check: Ensure documents are eligible (UK-issued originals or certified copies); for Ukrainian documents – check Ukrainian apostille first.
- Online Application: Register on FCDO site, upload scans for e-apostille or prepare for postal.
- Payment: Pay fee (£45 standard paper, £35 e-apostille, £100 urgent premium).
- Submission: Send by post to Milton Keynes for standard or visit London for premium.
- Processing: Wait 15 days for standard or get same-day for premium; FCDO verifies document authentication.
- Receipt: Receive apostilled documents by post or in person; for Ukraine – add certified translation.
- Legalization in Ukraine: If needed, attest at Ukrainian MFA for full recognition, though Hague Convention simplifies this.
Legal services from Consultant provide full support, from verification to apostille, so that an authorised representative can act effectively. For example, for a birth certificate, the standard apostille fee is £45, with 2–5 days of processing.
The risks of doing it yourself include refusal due to improper certification, which delays legalisation. From 2025, updates to FCDO regulations will tighten requirements for e-apostilles, making professional assistance critical. Document certification for Ukraine requires compliance with the Hague Convention, and Consultant helps you avoid mistakes.
Practical examples: For a marriage certificate from the UK for use in Ukraine – FCDO apostille (£45) + translation. For business documents – solicitor certification before apostille. Apostille services through agents offer fast apostille (£82–130), but FCDO is official and cheaper. For Ukrainian documents in the UK – notary copy with FCDO apostille.
Advantages of FCDO: Reliability, low cost and international recognition. For fast apostille, premium service is ideal for urgent cases. Legal services from Consultant include a free initial consultation to assess your documents.
Questions and Answers
Question
Where to get a UK apostille?
Answer
Apostille is issued by FCDO in Milton Keynes (postal) or London (premium same-day).
Question
What are UK legal requirements for apostille?
Answer
Documents must be originals or certified copies, signed by UK official, with apostille for Hague countries.
Question
Is apostille needed for Ukrainian documents?
Answer
For UK-issued – FCDO apostille; for Ukrainian – MFA Ukraine for Ukrainian apostille.
Question
What does the apostille process involve?
Answer
Online application, payment, submission, and receipt; for e-apostille – digital docs.
Question
When to use apostille service?
Answer
For fast apostille contact agents or FCDO premium for urgent matters.
Tips for Getting an Apostille
Check Eligibility: Ensure documents are eligible for UK apostille, like birth certificates.
Choose Type: Use standard for savings or premium for fast apostille.
Order Legal Services: Consultant offers full document authentication, including translation for Ukraine.
Add Apostille: For legalization in Hague countries, FCDO apostille is sufficient, no further steps.
An apostille in the United Kingdom is a process of certifying documents for recognition abroad, including Ukraine, where the legal requirements of the United Kingdom ensure effective legalisation. To correctly obtain an apostille and ensure the authentication of documents, contact the Consultant Legal Marketplace. Our legal services will help with the apostille process, including fast apostille, and the preparation of legal documents for Ukrainian cases. Get professional support today for a safe solution to your issues!
