For those who are new to requesting that a notary public notarise a document for them, terms such as ‘apostille’, ‘consularise’ and ‘legalise’ can be unfamiliar and confusing....
On 3 April 2025, Spain ended its Golden Visa programme with the passing of the Organic Law 1/2025, which was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) back...
Naturalisation is one of two legal processes (the other being registration) by which an adult with no automatic claim to British nationality can formally become a British national...
Whether when opening a bank account, buying or selling your home or dealing with a loved-one’s inheritance, at some point you’ll most likely have been asked to provide...
There were 890,684 company incorporations in the UK during the financial year ending 31 March 2024. When you register a company with Companies House − the government agency...
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, families often face the overwhelming challenge of navigating complex legal processes while grieving. For some, understanding the role of a coroner’s...
With its borders established in 1139, Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations. In fact, its capital, Lisbon, is older than Rome. The country is a leading global...
In the United Kingdom, criminal records checks were formerly known as CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks or certificates. Since 1 December 2012, however, these have been called DBS...
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with their estate during such a difficult time can feel overwhelming, but understanding the legal requirements can help guide...
With its wealth of ancient history, unique cuisine, captivating landscapes and hospitable culture, Greece offers tourists a variety of exciting and novel experiences. It’s no wonder, then, that...
Naturalisation and registration are two different legal processes by which an adult or a child with no automatic claim to British nationality can become a British national, thereby...
A birth certificate is the first document that’s issued in relation to our identity, and it’s an essential document needed to prove this important life event to third...
As notaries, we often encounter situations where the documents we notarise for clients require translation from one language into another − or, occasionally, into multiple languages. Clients may...
According to various reports and the UK Deed Poll Service, it’s estimated that around 60,000 people legally change their name by deed poll in the UK each year,...
When travelling abroad, there are factors to consider beyond simply booking your tickets and applying for a visa. One important question is: Do you need a medical certificate...
With the increase in emigration and remote working, people are increasingly considering alternative home bases abroad. British expats are often drawn to Thailand, ‘the land of smiles’, thanks...
Misplacing or losing documents can cause inconvenience and hassle in our daily lives. However, when a document related to a truly important life event is lost, this can...
Throughout the life of a company, whether in the UK or elsewhere, there will be numerous decisions to be made during meetings held by the board of directors...
Over 1 million conveyancing transactions occurred in the United Kingdom during the 2024−2025 fiscal year, with about 1.08 million in 2024 and growth expected in 2025. This figure...
Whether you’re applying for a work or visitor’s visa overseas or applying for a new job locally, it’s likely that you’ll be required to produce some form of...
When clients approach us for document notarisation, they often need assistance with a specific type of legal document called a ‘deed’. But what constitutes a deed, and what...
Every limited company registered in the United Kingdom must have a set of Articles of Association. Nevertheless, many UK companies – particularly start-up enterprises – are often unfamiliar...
As UK businesses look to grow through international trade, one document often becomes crucial when exporting to certain markets: the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS). But what is...
A witness to a signatory of a legal document plays an important role as part of the validity/authentication process for any legal transaction. Their presence establishes a powerful...
Certified copies of documents may be required in a number of situations so as to reassure the recipient as to the accuracy and/or veracity of the underlying document....
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional time. This can make funeral planning and arranging a memorial, burial, or cremation feel completely overwhelming. One of...
A birth certificate is a vital document that records the details of a person’s birth. In the UK, there are two main types of birth certificates: the short...
What is a Certificate of Incumbency? You may ask, What exactly is a certificate of incumbency, and why might your business need one? In this article, we’ll explain...
At various stages of life, people living in the UK who originate from other countries may need to share their immigration status. Whether you’re applying to rent a...
Educational qualifications such as certificates, diplomas, and degrees serve as important markers of achievement, representing varying levels of study, expertise, and skill. But how do they differ? Understanding...
Buying property abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a complex and confusing undertaking. One of the most important aspects of the...
A bank statement is more than just a record of transactions − it’s a critical tool for managing your finances, proving income, and safeguarding against fraud. In this...
At some point in life, you might become unable to make decisions or sign for yourself − whether due to illness, an accident, or simply being unavailable....
In the UK, different situations require different forms of identification. There are widely recognised guidelines to ensure that your ID is valid. This guide will help you understand...
You may need to apply for a Letter of Administration if a loved one has passed away without leaving a will. This document makes you responsible for managing...
Your utility bills aren’t just worth keeping for budgeting and accounts purposes. They can also serve as crucial documentation when you need to prove your identity. From confirming...
Attestation is the process of authenticating a document at the Embassy or High Commission of the country where you intend to use it. This is often called...
In the UK, you must formally record a person’s passing with the General Register Office (GRO) within five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or within eight...
When opening a bank account, applying for a job or making other important arrangements, you often need to provide proof of your home address. If an organisation requests...
To apply for a British passport, you need certain documents that prove your identity and citizenship. Though the application process is usually straightforward, it’s important to ensure that...
Tying the knot is an exciting milestone, and doing it abroad can make this special occasion even more memorable. But there’s a catch – UK citizens getting married...
If you’re planning to get married abroad, you may need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). But first things first: What is a CNI? A CNI is a...
Thinking about working overseas? It can be a thrilling adventure pursued for a number of reasons. Exploring new cultures, gaining valuable work experience, and expanding your personal and...
If you’re thinking of selling your property abroad, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and processes involved. This can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unfamiliar...