A certificate of incorporation is a legal document produced when a company establishes itself as an individual legal entity. Once you register your company with Companies House, they will issue the certificate.

If you need to provide international parties with a verified copy of your certificate, a notary public can help. We will access the document digitally from Companies House, create a certified copy for notarisation purposes, and apply an apostille when necessary.

Our professional notary services guarantee the authenticity and accessibility of the document so you can have peace of mind as you carry out business overseas.

Jump to…

  1. Notarising a Certificate of Incorporation for Use Abroad
  2. Do You Need an Apostille for a Certificate of Incorporation?
  3. Why choose us to notarise your documents
  4. Check your document
  5. What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
  6. How do you get a Certificate of Incorporation?
  7. Changing Your Company’s Name
  8. Next Steps
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Notarising a Certificate of Incorporation for Use Abroad

A notarised certificate of incorporation (or CoI) is a vital document for any company trading abroad. It verifies the legitimacy of your business in an international context. Whether you are looking to establish new branches, enter into a legal agreement, or develop business partnerships across borders, you may need to provide a notarised copy of your CoI.

We specialise in notarisation of certificates of incorporation and similar documents. Also, we offer a same-day service so you can tick it straight off your to-do list. (For our apostille service, we offer a premium next-day return or a standard 3-5 working days option.)

Our experienced notaries are knowledgeable in the legal frameworks and the latest regulations surrounding certificate of incorporation notarisation. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about your company documents.

Do You Need an Apostille for a Certificate of Incorporation?

Some international entities require UK companies to provide a certificate of incorporation with an apostille certificate.

When you request this service, a notary public will verify your certificate of incorporation and submit the notarised certificate to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) who will affix the apostille. The apostille provides an extra layer of authentication and reassurance that the document is valid.

By entrusting us with the apostille for your certificate of incorporation, you can feel confident entering international business landscapes with the correct documentation. Verification of your CoI will help you establish trust with foreign partners and guarantee compliance with the legal frameworks of the countries in which you operate.

Why choose us to notarise your documents

Here’s how we make getting an apostille simple, fast, and accessible:

  • Effortless communication: We listen to your needs and respond promptly via email or inquiry within minutes.
  • Transparent solutions: We explain everything clearly and provide an effective plan to get your apostille quickly.
  • Reliable delivery: We keep our promises and deliver exactly what you need, with minimal hassle.
  • Need speed? We can often get your apostille completed the very next day! We understand deadlines and work tirelessly to meet them.

We offer a fully mobile notary service and can meet you at various appointment locations. Additionally, many tasks can be completed remotely – we’ll advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.

Whether you’re based in the UK or abroad, we are here to assist you throughout the apostille process. Join over 700 satisfied clients! See why we consistently earn a stellar 5-star rating on Google Reviews. We’re committed to providing exceptional service and exceeding your expectations.

Check your document

We notarise many types of documents and can provide different types of certification to meet your needs.

The most popular documents we see are powers of attorney, passports, educational certificates and Companies House documentation. However, there are many other types we see regularly and are familiar with.

If your document is not listed and you are unsure if we can help, email us at info@notary.co.uk and we will be happy to confirm.

What is a Certificate of Incorporation?

A certificate of incorporation verifies that you have registered your business with the UK Government. The document will include:

  • Name of the company
  • Registration number
  • Date of incorporation

Once you have enrolled with Companies House, basic details about your company will be available to the public.

You might use a CoI to set up a business bank account or extend your company’s activity in a new country. For international verification, a notarised copy is required. This is where Notary.co.uk comes in.

We can provide you with a certified copy of your certificate of incorporation and attach a certificate of notarisation and/or apostille. Focus on your business endeavours and let one of our trusted notaries take care of your documentation.

How do you get a Certificate of Incorporation?

In the UK, you can obtain a Certificate of Incorporation through Companies House, the government agency responsible for company registrations. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Obtaining the Certificate:

  • There are two options:
    • Free digital copy: You can access a scanned copy of your certificate for free through the Companies House Service online. Simply search the company name, go to “Filing History,” and open the “Incorporation” file for a downloadable PDF.
    • Certified paper copy: For an official certified copy, you can order it online through the Companies House Service.

Documents needed:

When incorporating your company, you’ll need to file the following documents with Companies House:

  • Company name reservation (optional): To secure your desired name beforehand.
  • Memorandum of Association: Defines your company’s objectives and outlines its share structure.
  • Articles of Association: Sets out the internal rules governing how your company operates.
  • Appointment of directors: Details of the company directors, including their names, addresses, and nationalities.
  • Registered office address: The official business address for your company.

Processing Time:

  • If you incorporate online using the Web Incorporation Service, the certificate is typically issued within a few hours after successful registration.
  • For applications with more complex structures, the processing time may take longer.

Changing Your Company’s Name

If you change your company’s name, you will need to request a certificate of incorporation on change of name from Companies House. Contact us to arrange notarisation of a ‘change of name’ certificate.

Next Steps

If you are not sure what services you require, check the requirements of the countries you are working in. If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you should check if the body requesting the certificate requires an apostille.

Assuming you are already registered with Companies House, your next step is to get in touch with us via the contact form below.

Please include your company’s name and registration number and indicate whether you require notarisation or apostille services. We can offer guidance if you are unsure.

FAQS

  • How much does notarising a Certificate of Incorporation cost?

    The minimum charge for handling a single document is normally:

    • £100 plus VAT (£120) for business documents.
  • How long does notarising a Certificate of Incorporation take?

    We notarise documents on the same day as your appointment, in fact, we do it right then and there.

    For apostille services, we still offer two options:

    1. Premium next-day return: Need it quickly? Get your apostilled documents back the next business day.
    2. Standard 3-5 working days: A more affordable option with a turnaround time of 3-5 business days.
  • Do I need a Certificate of Incorporation?

    While not mandatory for all business operations, it’s highly recommended. It establishes legitimacy, builds trust with clients and partners, and is often required for opening a business bank account or obtaining licenses.

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