Same Day Apostille UK & Certified Translation Support
Need a UK document legalised for overseas use, with translation as well? We provide certified translation with apostille support, including document checks, translation or notarisation where required, and preparation for the appropriate FCDO legalisation route. Same-day apostille is restricted to pre-approved applications from registered businesses; e-Apostille and next-day options are available only where the document and applicant are eligible. For translation-only requirements, see our certified translation service.
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, but only in limited pre-approved cases. Current GOV.UK guidance lists four routes: standard paper apostille, next-day paper service for registered businesses, e-Apostille, and a restricted urgent same-day service for registered businesses. Standard paper service is usually up to 25 working days plus delivery time, e-Apostille is up to 2 working days, next-day service is the next working day, and restricted urgent applications can be completed the same day once pre-approved.
Eligibility depends on the document and service route. Some document types cannot use e-Apostille, so we check the document before recommending the fastest suitable option.
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?
- Route checking: We assess the document and identify whether standard paper, e-Apostille or a business-only urgent route may apply.
- Coordinated service: Translation, notarisation or solicitor certification can be arranged where the document or receiving authority requires it.
- Document accuracy: Names, dates, reference numbers, stamps and certification details are checked before submission.
- Clear pricing and timescales: We confirm the service route, professional fees and expected turnaround before you proceed.
- Confidential handling: Documents are handled securely, with NDA support available on 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.
When Apostille and Certified Translation Are Both Needed
Apostilles are generally used when a UK document must be recognised by an authority overseas. If the document also needs translation, the order of translation, certification, notarisation and apostille depends on the receiving authority and document type. For a UK visa application, the requirement is usually a certified translation of foreign-language evidence rather than an apostille on a UK document. For visa-only translation, use our UK visa translation service; for overseas legalisation, we will review the destination requirement before recommending the apostille route.
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
- Restricted urgent: same day for registered businesses only, with FCDO pre-approval.
- Next-day paper: next working day for registered businesses.
- e-Apostille: up to 2 working days for eligible electronically signed documents.
- Standard paper: usually up to 25 working days, plus courier or postage time.
We confirm the appropriate route and expected timescale before you proceed.
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.
Official UK apostille guidance
The UK Legalisation Office explains which UK documents can be legalised, whether paper or electronic apostille is available, current fees and processing times.
- GOV.UK: Get your document legalised — eligibility, apostille types, fees and current timescales.
- GOV.UK: Apply for legalisation — official application process for paper and e-Apostille.
For non-urgent or general legalisation support, see our UK apostille service.
If the organisation receiving your document has given you specific legalisation, translation or notarisation instructions, send them with the document so the correct route can be checked before work begins.
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.