Personal legal documents such as affidavits, statutory declarations and powers of attorney often require Notarisation and an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before they can be used abroad.
Our team coordinates the process from start to finish, including Notary Public appointments, Apostille certification and international courier delivery when required.
- Documents we commonly legalise
Statutory Declarations
A Statutory Declaration is a formal written statement declared to be true in the presence of a Notary Public.
Notarisation and Apostille
For use overseas, statutory declarations often require:
- Signature before a UK Notary Public
- Certification by the FCDO Apostille Office
Some countries may also require Embassy Attestation after the Apostille.
Declarations of Civil Status
A Declaration of Civil Status confirms an individual’s marital status, such as: Single / Married / Divorced / Widowed
These declarations are commonly required for: Marriage abroad / Immigration applications / Residency permits / Civil registry procedures in other countries
Notarisation and Apostille
Most foreign authorities require the declaration to be:
- Signed before a UK Notary Public
- Certified with an FCDO Apostille
Additional Embassy Attestation may apply depending on the destination country.
Affidavits of Residence
An Affidavit of Residence is a sworn statement confirming an individual’s place of residence.
This document may be required for: Banking matters / Property transactions / Visa and immigration procedures / Tax residency confirmation / Administrative procedures abroad
Notarisation and Apostille
To be recognised internationally, the affidavit usually needs:
- Signature before a Notary Public
- Certification by the FCDO Apostille Office
General Power of Attorney
A General Power of Attorney (PoA) authorises another person to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters.
This may include: Managing financial affairs / Handling administrative matters / Signing documents / Representing you in transactions
Notarisation and Apostille
When used outside the UK, a PoA normally requires:
- Signature before a Notary Public
- FCDO Apostille certification
- Embassy legalisation (depending on the country)
Special Power of Attorney
A Special Power of Attorney grants authority for a specific action or transaction, rather than broad authority.
Common examples include: Selling property abroad / Representing someone in a legal case / Managing a specific financial matter / Signing documents on someone’s behalf
Notarisation and Apostille
Most foreign institutions require:
- Notarisation by a UK Notary Public
- FCDO Apostille certification
Property Purchase Power of Attorney
This type of Power of Attorney is frequently required when purchasing real estate abroad.
It allows a trusted representative to: Sign purchase contracts / Register property / Represent the buyer before local authorities / Complete the transaction when the buyer cannot be present
Notarisation and Apostille
Property transactions overseas typically require:
- Notary Public notarisation
- FCDO Apostille
- Embassy legalisation (for certain jurisdictions)
Some countries also require certified translations.
Family Powers of Attorney
Family powers of attorney are commonly used for matters involving: Minor children / Guardianship authorisations / Medical decisions / School enrolment abroad / Travel consent
Notarisation and Apostille
Requirements usually include:
- Notary Public witnessing the signatures
- Apostille certification by the FCDO
Power of Attorney for Use Abroad
A Power of Attorney for use abroad must meet the legalisation requirements of the destination country.
Different countries may require:
- Notarisation
- Apostille certification
- Embassy legalisation
- Certified translations
Pardus Bloom assists clients by coordinating the correct sequence of legalisation steps based on the receiving country’s requirements.
- Common Destinations we process Affidavits & Powers of Attorney for
Spain / Italy / Portugal / France / Germany / Greece / Cyprus / Malta / Poland / Romania
Depending on the receiving authority, these documents typically require notarisation by a UK Notary Public and certification with an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). In certain cases, certified translations may also be required.
Singapore / Hong Kong / India / China / Philippines
Legalisation requirements vary depending on the receiving authority and may include notarisation by a UK Notary Public, Apostille certification issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), or additional embassy legalisation where required.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) / Qatar / Saudi Arabia / Kuwait / Oman / Bahrain
Documents intended for use in these jurisdictions typically require notarisation by a UK Notary Public, certification with an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and embassy legalisation before they can be recognised locally.
United States / Canada
Legalisation requirements vary depending on the receiving authority and the state or province where the document will be used. In many cases, documents must be notarised by a UK Notary Public and may require Apostille certification issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before they can be recognised locally.
Brazil / Mexico / Chile / Argentina / Colombia / Peru
In many countries within this region, documents are typically accepted once they have been notarised by a UK Notary Public and certified with an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Certified translations into Spanish or Portuguese may also be required depending on the receiving authority.
South Africa / Nigeria / Kenya / Morocco
Legalisation requirements vary depending on the destination country and the receiving authority. In most cases, documents must be notarised by a UK Notary Public and may require Apostille certification issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and in some instances additional embassy legalisation.
If your Affidavit or Power of Attorney is intended for a country not listed above, our team can confirm the notarisation and Apostille requirements before processing begins.
- Pricing
Tailoring services to meet your needs
Apostille only
For official UK documents issued by government authorities, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or death certificates, which can be submitted directly to the FCDO.
Standard Apostille Service
£125 per document
Turnaround time:
5–6 working days from the moment the document arrives at our London office.
Includes
- Document preparation and verification
- Submission to the FCDO Apostille Office
- Collection from the FCDO
- Secure handling through our London office
Notarisation + Apostille​
Some documents must first be certified by a UK Notary Public before they can be submitted for an Apostille.
This commonly applies to:
- Certified passport copies
- Deed Poll documents
- Affidavits or declarations
- Copies of personal documents
Typical pricing
Notarisation fees vary depending on the document and number of signatories. Once notarised, the document can then be submitted for Apostille through our service.
Apostille fee following notarisation
£125 per document (Standard)
5–6 working days turnaround
Our team coordinates the notary appointment and the Apostille submission, ensuring the documents move smoothly through each stage.
Express Services
For clients who require documents to be legalised urgently.
Express Apostille Service
£195 per document
Turnaround time
1–2 working days from the moment the document arrives at our London office.
Includes
- Priority document preparation
- Fast-track submission to the FCDO Apostille Office
- Priority collection and handling
Our process
Contact Our Team
Requests are best reviewed by email, allowing our team to assess your documents efficiently and provide clear confirmation of requirements and fees. You can also get in touch through any of the contact forms on our website, where you may securely upload your documents to start the review process and help us expedite your request.
All documents and personal data are handled securely and in accordance with GDPR requirements.
Send Your Documents
Once the requirements have been confirmed, you can send your documents for processing.
Documents can be shared digitally through our secure upload system, which follows UK GDPR and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidelines to ensure the safe handling and protection of personal data.
Alternatively, original documents may be sent by post or courier to our Central London office in Aldwych. Our team will confirm receipt once the documents arrive and processing begins.
Notarisation & Apostille Processing
For certain documents, identity verification and signing may take place during a secure video appointment with a UK Notary Public.Â
Once the original document has been received, the Notary Public completes the notarisation by applying the official signature, stamp and notarial seal required.
Where the destination country requires further legalisation, the document is then submitted to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Apostille Office. Our team coordinates all the steps.Â
Secure Return
Once the notarisation and Apostille have been completed, scanned copies of the documents are provided promptly for your records or immediate use.
The original documents are then carefully prepared for return. Clients may choose secure UK tracked delivery, international courier via DHL Express, or collection from our Central London office. Tracking details are provided so the shipment can be monitored until it reaches its final destination.
Not sure which service applies to your document? Send us a scan and our team will confirm the correct process within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about Notarisation and Apostille services for personal Affidavits and Powers of Attorney
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Most affidavits intended for use abroad must be signed before a Notary Public in order to be recognised internationally.
If the document will be used outside the United Kingdom, an Apostille issued by the FCDO is usually required to confirm the authenticity of the notary’s signature.
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Yes. Many documents can be notarised via secure video appointment, depending on the notary’s requirements and the nature of the document.
In most cases the original signed document is required for Apostille certification.
Yes. We regularly arrange international courier delivery via DHL Express, allowing documents to be sent directly to the destination country.
Standard service typically takes 5–6 working days, while our Express service can take 1–2 working days from the moment the document arrives at our London office.
Enquire about our secure UK return delivery or international courier shipping via DHL Express.
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