Notarial Services for Businesses

 

A Notary Public can certify all kinds of commercial documents that may be required to carry out business abroad. The items listed below are examples of the types of document that may need authentication by a notary but this is by no means an exhaustive list so please do contact me to discuss your requirements.  Translations can be arranged for any country in the world.

  • Power of Attorney being granted by companies for all kinds of commercial reasons e.g. renewing patents, conducting litigation, representing the English company overseas
  • Confirmation of the existence of the English company - attaching certificates of incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, details of the company officers, annual return etc.
  • Certified copy passports of company officers
  • Confirmation of accreditations for export purposes
  • Arrange legalisation


Legalisation

Legalisation is the process whereby the notary’s signature and seal are verified and confirmed by an independent authority.

For many countries, legalisation is required from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (the FCO) which endorses documents with a certificate known as the ‘Apostille’. The FCO charges £28.80 per document for the Apostille and currently returns documents within 3/4 days.

Some countries require legalisation by their own Consulate in England either instead of or in addition to the Apostille. Consular fees vary enormously from as little as £1.20 to £400 depending on the type of document being legalised and the particular Consulate involved.

Once legalised, the document will usually be accepted (subject to any necessary translation) by the authorities in the destination country as evidence of the matters stated in the document.

Allowing more time for legalisation keeps the costs of legalisation down.

The FCO's premium legalisation desk in London provides an over the counter service for registered business users which can be helpful if time is very short although the legalisation fee there is currently £71 per document.

 

How to proceed

  • It is helpful if you can send me your draft document by email or fax or give me an idea of the kind of document you need and confirm which country it will be sent to;
  • I will determine whether there are other requirements e.g. a covering certificate or extra witnesses, confirm my fee and any disbursements e.g. legalisation fees;
  • We arrange a convenient appointment prior to which I finalise the document (if it is not already complete) and send it to your overseas adviser for approval if appropriate (e.g. if amendments are needed or you have not been provided with a full draft document);
  • We meet so that I can check your ID (passport and evidence of address) and you sign the document;
  • I arrange any necessary legalisation;
  • I return the document to you or alternatively send it overseas at your request – courier or special delivery charges will apply.