The purpose of the legalisation of a document is to satisfy a person or entity of the validity of a signature appearing on a document. For example, if a person wishes to appoint a solicitor to oversee or safeguard his property in UK he could prepare a Power of Attorney in favour of the solicitor and sign his same in the presence of a Consular official.   The consular official will witness the signature appearing on the document (i.e. legalising the document).

Types of Legalisation

Apostille : An apostille is issued by those countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention Agreement of 1961. It is issued by the legalisation section of that countries Ministry of Foreign Affairs and serves to certify that the signature thereon is valid. 

Notarisation : An endorsement made by a consular official that is applied to documents in countries that are not signatories to Hague Convention Agreement e.g. Saudi Arabia.

The following are examples of some of the notarial functions that a Consular official may perform:

• Making and certifying translations or copies of legal documents or statements required for legal or private purposes.
• Administering oaths and taking/witnessing affidavits and declarations.
• Witnessing signatures on deeds, contracts and instruments of all kinds including Divorce documents, conveyances of property, testamentary instruments and commercial contracts.  

A full list of the services that may be performed by a Consular official is set out in the table of fees.