Notarisation And Legalisation

Question 1

What is a notary public?

Answer 1

Qualified lawyer who is admitted to certify documents for use abroad

The notary will witness or confirm signatures, can confirm the identity of an individual, confirm details of incorporated companies, AUTHENTICATE

Question 2

What does a notary need to see?

Answer 2

Passports
Company documents/certificate of incorporation
Appointment of company offices
Powers of Attorney

Question 3

What does legalization by Apostille involve?

Answer 3

Sending the documents to Legalisation Office at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who authenticate the Notary’s signature and seal

(For countries that have signed The Hague agreement this is enough, I.e trusts other members to authenticate a document)

In the UK this occurs at the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Question 4

What is consular legalisation?

Answer 4

For countries where are not members of The Hague agreement, and who require notarisation and legalisation - consular legalisation will be necessary in addition

Relevant document must be authenticated at relevant country’s consulate (after authenticated by FCO)

Question 5

What is the Arab British Chamber of commerce?

Answer 5

This Organisation gets involved with the legalisation of documents for some Arab countries e.g Iraq, Syria, Libya