To get an apostille for a document to be used in Italy, you need to follow a process that verifies the authenticity of the document for use in a country that is a member of the Hague Convention (Italy is one such country). An apostille is a certificate attached to a document, verifying its legitimacy, and is generally used for public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic degrees.

Steps to Get an Apostille for Italy:

1. Obtain the Document:

• The document you wish to have apostilled must be a UK-issued official or public document. Common documents include:
  • Birth, marriage, or death certificates.
  • Academic qualifications and transcripts.
  • Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, contracts).
  • Court judgments or other legal documents.

1. Notarization (if required):

• Some documents may need to be notarized by a solicitor or public notary before they can be apostilled. This step is typically required for private documents (such as contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney), but not for official UK documents like birth or marriage certificates.

1. Apply for the Apostille:

• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is responsible for issuing apostilles in the UK. You can apply for an apostille in one of the following ways:
• Online: For most public documents (e.g., birth, death, or marriage certificates), you can apply online through the FCDO’s legalisation service.
• By Post: If you are submitting a document by post, you can send it to the FCDO’s Legalisation Office, along with any required documents and payment.
• In Person: If you are in London, you can apply in person at the FCDO’s Legalisation Office, though this requires an appointment.

1. Documents Eligible for Apostille:

• Public Documents: UK documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates, issued by government authorities, do not require notarization and can directly be apostilled.
• Private Documents: If the document is a private document (such as a signed contract, powers of attorney, or a notarized document), it may need to be notarized before an apostille can be applied.

1. Pay the Fee:

• The fee for applying for an apostille in the UK is typically £30 per document, though there may be additional fees if you’re using the online service or if you are requesting expedited services.

1. Processing Time:

• The process typically takes 3-5 working days if done online or in person, but can take longer if done by post (allow at least 10 working days).

1. Translation Requirements:

• Once your document has been apostilled, if the document is in English and needs to be presented to Italian authorities, you may need to have it translated into Italian. Translation should be done by a sworn translator, also known as an official translator, as Italian authorities may require the translation to be certified.
• Note: The apostille itself does not require translation.

1. Receiving the Apostilled Document:

• After your document has been apostilled, it will be ready to be presented in Italy for any legal or administrative purpose (e.g., for use in marriage, visa applications, business dealings, or academic matters).

Where to Get the Apostille in the UK:

• FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office):
• You can apply online or by post via the FCDO Legalisation Office. You can also attend in person if you’re in London.
• Website: FCDO Legalisation Service
• Address (for postal submissions):
  • Legalisation Office
    Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
    PO Box 6255
    Milton Keynes
    MK10 1XX
    United Kingdom

Final Considerations:

• Additional Legalisation at the Italian Embassy: Generally, documents that are apostilled in the UK are valid for use in Italy. However, in some cases, the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the UK may ask for further verification, although this is rare for apostilled documents. You can contact the Italian Consulate for more information if needed.
• Embassy or Consulate Legalisation: While apostilles are typically sufficient, if you need any further legalisation or clarification on specific documents (e.g., documents for use in legal proceedings or certain specific administrative processes), you can reach out to the Italian Embassy or Consulate for additional guidance.

Italian Embassy or Consulate Contact:

• Embassy of Italy in London:
• Address: 14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 20 7312 2200
• Website: www.amblondra.esteri.it
• Italian Consulates in the UK: There are also consulates in Manchester, Edinburgh, and other cities if you are based outside London.

Example of Documents Typically Used for Apostille in Italy:

• Academic documents: Diplomas, transcripts, or certificates from UK universities.
• Family records: Birth and marriage certificates (if needed for residency, inheritance, or family reunification).
• Business documents: Articles of incorporation, powers of attorney, and other corporate documents that are needed for business or legal transactions in Italy.

Once apostilled, these documents should be accepted as valid in Italy for the relevant legal or administrative purposes.