How Long Is An Apostille Valid For?
Updated: Nov 19, 2020
One of our most asked questions is ”how long does the Apostille last?” or “how long is the Apostille valid for?”. The answer, in short, is Apostille Certificates do not have an expiry date. They do have a date of issue, however, they do not run out or expire.
The preponderance of the time an Apostille should be accepted any time after the date of issue, but note there may be a handful of occasions where a recent Apostille may be requested on a document. For example, some companies may request a recent Apostille for a criminal record check (usually less than 3 to 6 months old).
Additionally, some countries may request that an Apostille is no more than 3, 6 or 12 months old. Please be wary of this, it is entirely the prerogative of the requesting authority as to how they want the apostille presented.
Apostille Certificates that are given in the UK will be accepted in the following countries without any further legalisation:
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, China (Macau & Hong Kong), Colombia, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Republic of, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Republic of, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, FYR of Macedonia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela.
For help and assistance obtaining an Apostille in the UK, contact us today.