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Understand exactly what your documents need before they are accepted abroad
Preparing documents for use overseas is rarely just a matter of obtaining a translation. Some countries accept a Hague Apostille as the final stage of legalisation, while others require additional embassy or consular legalisation. The sequence of translation, notarisation and legalisation can also vary depending on the destination country and the authority requesting the documents.
Every country has its own legal system and documentary requirements. Some countries accept a Hague Apostille on its own. Others require embassy legalisation, consular legalisation, sworn translations, official translators or additional notarisation. For this reason, Manchester Speak always asks which country your documents are intended for before recommending the correct process.
If you are unsure which steps apply to your circumstances, simply send us a copy of your documents and tell us where they will be used. We will explain the services we can provide and guide you through the usual document preparation process.
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. In these countries, an FCDO Apostille is generally recognised by the destination country.
Sworn Romanian translations and specialist support from Tradregat, now part of Manchester Speak.
Romania (Tradregat)Sworn Spanish translations for visas, residency, property and business matters.
Documents for SpainCitizenship by descent, weddings, property and notarial documents for Italy.
Documents for ItalyPersonal, legal, educational and commercial documents for the Russian Federation.
Documents for RussiaWe are expanding this library to cover further Hague Convention countries, including Poland, France and Germany. Get in touch if you need help with one of these now — we can still assist.
Not every country accepts a Hague Apostille on its own. One of the biggest misconceptions is that obtaining a Hague Apostille means your document can automatically be used anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, this is not always the case — some countries require an additional stage known as Embassy Attestation or Consular Legalisation.
This means that after your document has been legalised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), it must also be presented to the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country for further authentication. Manchester Speak can help coordinate this process and arrange the translations required at each stage.
Notarisation, FCDO legalisation and UAE Embassy attestation for personal and company documents.
UAE & Embassy LegalisationNotarisation, FCDO legalisation, Egyptian Embassy legalisation and Arabic translation.
Documents for EgyptFCDO legalisation, Cuban Embassy legalisation and official Spanish translation.
Documents for CubaWe are expanding this library to cover further embassy attestation countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China, Vietnam and Thailand. Get in touch if you need help with one of these now — we can still assist.