Same Day Apostille
Need your document legalised today? Certified Visa Translation delivers urgent apostille legalisation with end-to-end handling: document checks, solicitor certification/notarisation (if required), e-Apostille or paper apostille submission, and secure same-day or next-day turnaround where eligible. We also provide certified legal translations aligned to UK visa and international authority requirements—so you get it right the first time.
What is an apostille and when do you need one?
An apostille is an official certificate confirming the authenticity of a UK public document (or a notarised/solicitor-certified copy) so it can be recognised abroad in countries that are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. The UK’s Competent Authority issues apostilles for paper and electronic (e-Apostille) formats.
Typical reasons: work visas, overseas company formations, marriage abroad, education equivalency, property transactions, or court matters outside the UK.
Can you get a same day apostille in the UK?
Yes—in limited, pre-approved cases. The UK Legalisation Office lists multiple service levels. Standard paper typically takes up to ~15 working days (plus postage). e-Apostille can complete within up to 2 working days. There is a restricted urgent (same-day) route, but it’s only for registered businesses and must be pre-approved. We manage eligibility and submission for the fastest lawful route available for your case.
Note: The former public premium same-day counter service in central London was closed on 29 December 2023; urgent pathways now operate via structured processes with the Legalisation Office.
Fast apostille London & UK: how we achieve urgent turnarounds
Outcome-first process designed for speed and acceptance:
Free document triage (minutes). We confirm apostille eligibility, whether notarisation/solicitor certification is required, and whether e-Apostille is possible for a faster digital issue. (We’ll also flag if translation is needed.)
Same-day preparation. We arrange any required certification and prepare your file for FCDO submission; for e-Apostille we ready compliant PDFs and digital signatures.
Submission via the fastest lawful route.
e-Apostille: fastest in most cases (target up to 2 working days).
Registered next-day (paper): where eligible.
Restricted urgent (same-day): pre-approval required; we handle the request and logistics.
Delivery options. Instant digital delivery for e-Apostille; bike courier/Royal Mail Special Delivery for paper apostilles and notarised originals.
Some private providers advertise same-day cut-offs (e.g., morning receipt for afternoon issue) in limited cases; availability depends on eligibility and pre-approval. We’ll advise transparently at triage.
Why choose Certified Visa Translation for urgent apostilles?
- Speed without risk: We chase the fastest lawful route (often e-Apostille), handle pre-approvals where applicable, and manage certification in-house/with partner notaries.
- One team for everything: Notarisation, certified translation, apostille, and consular steps if the destination country still requires embassy legalisation.
- Visa-grade accuracy: Our legal translation workflows are built around immigration and court standards.
- Clear pricing & updates: Live tracking, courier options, and proactive timeline updates.
- Data security: Confidential handling, NDAs upon request.
Which documents can we apostille fast?
UK birth, marriage, death certificates
ACRO/Police certificates, DBS letters
Degrees, transcripts, letters from UK schools and universities
HMRC, GP/NHS, local authority letters
Company documents (Certificates of Incorporation, Good Standing, resolutions, powers of attorney)
Notarised copies of passports and identity papers
If your document is not in English, we provide certified legal translation first—accepted by authorities and consulates—and then proceed to apostille. This aligns with our legal document translation pillar for UK visa and international use.
Same day apostille for UK visa—when is it relevant?
Apostilles are usually for presenting UK documents to authorities overseas. For UK visa (UKVI) applications, you typically need certified translations of foreign-language documents rather than an apostille on UK documents—but some overseas agencies or employers may ask for UK apostilles on supporting UK documents. We’ll confirm what UKVI or the requesting authority requires before you spend money on the wrong service. (Official apostille guidance: UK Government; Convention background: HCCH.)
How it works (step-by-step)
- Upload your file
- Free triage & quote in minutes
- Certification (if needed)
- Apostille submission
- Digital or tracked delivery
Turnaround targets
Eligible same-day (restricted urgent, pre-approved)
Next-day (registered business route, paper)
e-Apostille (up to 2 working days, fastest in most cases)
Standard paper (usually up to ~15 working days + postage)
We’ll advise the earliest guaranteed hand-back at booking.
Coverage: languages & locations
Languages: Full coverage across European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African languages (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Turkish, Farsi, and more).
Across the UK: Digital service nationwide + post to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Compliance & official guidance (UKVI/Home Office)
We build our certification workflows to align with UK authorities’ guidance. For reference:
UK supporting documents overview (visitor visas, similar expectations apply widely):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-ukUK Home Office note on translations (required elements):
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7b8d01ed915d131105ffb8/translations.pdf
If your caseworker/consulate has specific wording or notarisation requirements, share them and we’ll match the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, yes—but only via restricted urgent processes for registered businesses with pre-approval; the old public premium counter closed in 2023. We’ll confirm eligibility in minutes and propose the fastest alternative (often e-Apostille).
Paper is a physical certificate attached to your document; e-Apostille is a secure digital apostille you can download and share much faster (often within up to 2 working days). Many destinations now accept e-Apostilles—ask us to check your country.
Some documents (e.g., company documents, copies of passports, certain letters) must be notarised or solicitor-certified before apostille. We include this step where required to avoid rejections.
The government fee is £45 (standard paper), £40 (next-day for registered businesses), £35 (e-Apostille), or £100 (restricted urgent for registered businesses); our professional fee covers handling and any needed certification/couriers.
Usually no—UKVI typically requires certified translations of non-English documents. However, overseas employers/authorities may request apostilles on UK documents supporting your application abroad. We’ll verify the exact requirement before proceeding.