Company documents for cross-border business.

Identify the source and required form

Record the company name, company number, document title and issuing body. Ask whether the recipient requires a registry-issued certificate, an original signature or a certified copy. Share its written instructions before ordering additional documents.

Check who must certify or sign

GOV.UK lists company certificates issued by Companies House as examples of public-registry documents. Privately prepared business papers may need certification by a UK notary or solicitor. Authority to sign and certification of a copy are different issues.

Choose paper or electronic after preparation is settled

If the document is eligible and can be prepared as the required electronically signed PDF, an e-Apostille may be considered. Where the receiving authority requires physical papers, plan the paper route and delivery.

Make a useful corporate enquiry

Provide the purpose, country of use, document list and deadline. Tell us whether the signatory is available, whether overseas counsel has approved the wording and whether separate documents must carry separate apostilles.

Common questions

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