If you are sponsoring a family member, partner or relative who is applying to come to the UK, you may be asked to provide a formal Letter of Invitation as part of their visa or immigration application. In many cases, that letter needs to be legalised before the overseas authority handling the application will accept it. The legalisation confirms that the signature on the letter is genuine - specifically, it confirms the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp of the UK solicitor or Notary Public who certified it. Here is what you need to know as the person writing and providing the letter.
When legalisation is required
A legalised Letter of Invitation is commonly required when a relative is applying for a UK family visa from overseas; when you are providing proof of accommodation and sponsorship for a partner; when you are helping parents relocate to the UK under an elderly dependent route; when a foreign authority needs confirmed proof of relationship or living arrangements before processing the application; or when your relative's home country requires legalised documentation before issuing exit clearance. Overseas immigration offices frequently refuse informal or uncertified documents - legalisation is what gives the letter official standing internationally.
What your letter must include
For immigration purposes, the letter should clearly state who you are, who you are inviting, your relationship to that person, where they will live in the UK, confirmation of financial support where applicable, and the intended duration or purpose of the stay. The letter should be formally written and signed in wet ink - an unsigned or informally worded letter will not meet legalisation requirements.
Accepted formats
The FCDO accepts a Letter of Invitation in two formats only: the original signed letter certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public, or a photocopy or printout of the letter certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public. In both cases certification is mandatory before the letter can be submitted to the FCDO. An uncertified copy - regardless of how clearly it is signed or how formally it is worded - will be rejected. The FCDO authenticates the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp of the certifying solicitor or notary, not the letter itself.
Solicitor or Notary Public
For most UK visa purposes, solicitor certification is sufficient. If the overseas authority has specifically requested notarisation, a Notary Public should be used instead - a Notary Public carries a higher level of internationally recognised standing for document legalisation purposes. If you are unsure which is required, confirm with the receiving authority before instructing either professional.
Hague and non-Hague destinations
For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille is the final step. For countries outside the Convention, the apostilled letter must also go through embassy attestation in London before it will be recognised. Always confirm the full requirements of the overseas authority before submitting the letter for legalisation. Call our team on +44 (0) 204 630 7500 and we will confirm what is needed and manage the process.