Top 5 Apostille Providers in the UK
If you need a UK apostille urgently, choosing the right provider can save you time, money, and stress. Apostille services legalise UK documents for use abroad under the Hague Convention, and turnaround time, accuracy, and support matter more than price alone.
This guide compares the top 5 apostille next-day service providers in the UK, based on speed, reliability, service scope, and customer experience.
What Is an Apostille and When Do You Need One?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It confirms that a UK document is genuine and legally valid for use in another Hague Convention country.
You typically need an apostille for:
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Birth, marriage, and death certificates
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Degree certificates and academic transcripts
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Power of attorney documents
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Company documents (Certificates of Incorporation, Articles, etc.)
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Court documents and notarised paperwork
1. Fast Track Apostille
Website: fasttrackapostille.co.uk
Fast Track Apostille is one of the largest and fastest apostille providers in the UK, specialising in next-day and express apostille services. The company handles everything from document checking to certification, apostille, and optional embassy legalisation.
Key features:
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Next-day and same-day apostille options
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Full document checking before submission
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Support for individuals and businesses
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Optional solicitor certification and translations
Best for:
Urgent apostilles, complex documents, and clients who want an end-to-end managed service with minimal risk of rejection.
2. 12 Apostille
Website: 12apostille.co.uk
12 Apostille is an FCDO-registered apostille partner, offering reliable next-day apostille services across the UK. They also assist with embassy legalisation and certified translations where required.
Key features:
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FCDO next-day processing
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Clear pricing structure
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Free document checks before ordering
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Nationwide service
Best for:
Straightforward apostille requests where speed and official processing are the priority.
3. The Apostille Service
Website: theapostille.co.uk
The Apostille Service is a long-established provider with a strong reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. They handle a wide range of personal and commercial documents.
Key features:
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Large volume processing experience
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Strong customer reviews
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Covers personal and business documents
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UK-wide postal service
Best for:
Clients who value reputation and consistency over extreme urgency.
4. The Hague Apostille
Website: thehagueapostille.co.uk
The Hague Apostille focuses on online apostille ordering with express turnaround times. They offer apostille, solicitor certification, and embassy legalisation services.
Key features:
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Online ordering and tracking
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Express apostille options (1–2 working days)
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Additional legalisation services available
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International client friendly
Best for:
Overseas clients or those who want a fully online apostille process.
5. Apostille Online
Website: apostilleonline.co.uk
Apostille Online is a digital-first provider aimed at simplifying the apostille process through online ordering. It is typically suited for standard apostille requests without complex requirements.
Key features:
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Online-based ordering
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Simple apostille workflows
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Competitive pricing for basic documents
Best for:
Non-urgent apostilles where convenience matters more than speed.
How to Choose the Best Apostille Provider
When choosing an apostille service, consider the following:
Turnaround Time
If you need documents urgently, ensure the provider offers next-day or express apostille services and handles submission directly with the FCDO.
Document Type
Some documents require solicitor certification or notarisation before apostille. Choose a provider that checks this upfront.
Customer Support
Clear communication reduces delays. Providers offering document pre-checks significantly lower rejection risk.
Additional Legalisation
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, embassy legalisation may be required in addition to the apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UK apostille take?
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Standard: 2–5 working days
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Next-day / express: 1 working day (provider dependent)
Can I apostille a copy?
Only if the copy has been properly certified by a solicitor or notary.
Is an apostille valid forever?
Yes. Apostilles do not expire, though the receiving authority may impose document age limits.
Final Thoughts
All five providers listed offer legitimate UK apostille services, but the best choice depends on urgency, document complexity, and required support.
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For urgent, high-risk or complex cases: Fast Track Apostille
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For official next-day processing: 1st Apostille
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For trusted long-term reliability: The Apostille Service
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For online and overseas clients: The Hague Apostille
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For basic online requests: Apostille Online