Can I Get an e-Apostille Overseas?
Can I Get an e-Apostille Overseas?
UK nationals living or travelling abroad can obtain an e-apostille without returning to the UK. This guide explains how the process works when you’re overseas, what documents you’ll need, and how long it typically takes to receive your e-Apostille from abroad.
Key points:
- e-Apostilles can be obtained from anywhere in the world
- No need to post original documents for qualifying PDFs
- How to submit documents securely from overseas
- Typical turnaround times and delivery options
Everything You Need for a Fast Legalisation Service
Your e-Apostille is issued directly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Our team will verify the document and organise valid electronic solicitor certification to avoid delays.
Getting an e-Apostille While Abroad
Getting an e-Apostille While Abroad
One of the main advantages of the e-apostille system is that it can be entirely digital for qualifying documents. The important point is that there simply needs to be a means to verify the digital document. If you’re a UK national overseas and need a UK document legalised, you may be able to complete the entire process online without needing to return to the UK or use international postal services.
The Process Works From Anywhere
As long as you have access to the internet, you can order an e-apostille from any country. The FCDO processes e-apostille applications digitally, which means there’s no requirement to visit an office in person or be physically present in the UK during the application.
Which Documents Can Be Processed Overseas
Any UK-issued document that qualifies for an e-apostille can be processed while you’re abroad. The document simply needs to contain a valid form of electronic certification from a recognised legal official. This will usually be added by a UK based solicitor.
Why This Matters for Urgent Situations
UK nationals abroad often need apostilled documents at short notice – for visa applications, job offers, university enrolment, or legal proceedings. The e-apostille system allows you to meet these deadlines without the delays and costs associated with international courier services or travelling back to the UK.
How to Apply for an e-Apostille From Overseas
How to Apply for an e-Apostille From Overseas
The application process from overseas is identical to applying from within the UK. The key difference is that you’ll receive your e-apostille by email rather than by post.
You start by placing your order online and providing details about the document you need apostilled and where it will be used.
If the digital version of the document can be verified electronically, you can then simply email the digital version of the document to us with a note of your order number. If the document cannot be verified electronically, we may still need the original to be posted to us.
The document is then verified, electronically certified by a solicitor and legalised with the e-Apostille by the FCDO. This usually happens within just a few days. The legalised document is then provided to you securely via email.
If your document is a physical original that requires a paper apostille, the process is more complicated from overseas. You would need to arrange for the document to be sent to the UK by international courier, which can add significant time and cost. In these cases, it’s worth checking whether an e-Apostille is possible, as it may avoid the need for physical postage entirely.
How The e-Apostille Process Works
The process is simple. Follow the steps below and we will arrange the e-apostille for you.
