UK Birth Certificate Apostille
UK Birth Certificate Apostille
A UK birth certificate apostille is one of the most commonly requested documents for expatriates relocating to the UAE. Whether you are sponsoring a dependent, enrolling a child in school, or processing a UAE residency visa, the authorities in the UAE will require your UK birth certificate to carry a valid apostille issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the United Kingdom.
The FCDO is the sole authority in the UK authorised to issue apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Your birth certificate — whether a full or short-form certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or a local register office in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland — must meet specific criteria before the FCDO will accept it for apostille. Green Apple Attest reviews every document before submission to ensure it qualifies, saving you from costly rejections and delays.
Our team in Dubai coordinates directly with our UK-based partners to collect, verify, and submit your birth certificate to the FCDO. Once apostilled, the document is couriered to your address in the UAE or wherever you need it. The entire process typically takes 5 to 8 working days from the point we receive your document in the UK.
If your birth certificate is older, damaged, or a photocopy, we can also arrange a replacement certificate from the GRO before proceeding with the apostille. This end-to-end service means you have a single point of contact for everything.
Documents Required
- Original UK birth certificate (full or short form) issued by the GRO or local register office
- Clear colour scan of the birth certificate for pre-assessment
- Copy of your valid passport (photo page)
- Completed Green Apple Attest service request form
- Proof of UAE address for courier delivery
- Power of attorney or authorisation letter (if the certificate belongs to another person)
How It Works
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1Submit a scan of your UK birth certificate through our website or WhatsApp for a free pre-assessment.
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2Our team confirms the document is eligible for FCDO apostille and provides a fixed quote.
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3Send the original birth certificate to our UK partner address via tracked courier.
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4We submit the document to the FCDO for apostille processing.
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5Once apostilled, the certificate is couriered directly to your UAE address via DHL or Aramex.
Insider Tips
Insider Tips
- Always send the original certificate, not a photocopy. The FCDO will reject photocopies unless they are notarised copies certified by a UK solicitor.
- If you plan to use the birth certificate for UAE visa purposes, request the full (long-form) certificate to avoid any issues with UAE authorities.
- Keep a high-quality colour scan of your birth certificate before sending the original, as a backup for your personal records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The FCDO accepts both short-form and long-form (full) UK birth certificates for apostille. However, some UAE authorities specifically require the full certificate. We recommend checking with the receiving authority first, and we can advise you on which version you need.
Standard FCDO processing takes 4 to 6 working days once they receive the document. Including courier time to and from the UK, the total turnaround is typically 5 to 8 working days. An express same-day FCDO service is available for an additional fee.
Yes. Birth certificates from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all eligible for apostille through the FCDO. Scottish certificates issued by the National Records of Scotland are fully accepted.
No. Green Apple Attest manages the entire process remotely. You send your document to our UK address, and we handle submission to the FCDO and return delivery to the UAE. You do not need to be present in the UK at any stage.
We can arrange a replacement certificate from the General Register Office (GRO) before apostille. Replacement certificates are exact legal copies and are fully accepted by the FCDO for apostille.
Quick Facts
- Processing Time
- 7-12 business days
- Pricing From
- AED 350
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Delivery
- Free across the UAE
Questions About This Service?
Our specialists know United Kingdom requirements inside out — call or message for free guidance.
Other United Kingdom Services
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Complete FCDO Apostille service for university degrees, diplomas, and professional qualifications from UK-accredited institutions for UAE employment applications.
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ACRO Police Certificate Apostille
Priority FCDO Apostille processing for ACRO-issued police certificates with expedited handling to preserve validity periods for UAE residency applications.
Commercial Document Apostille
FCDO Apostille for UK company registrations from Companies House, notarized commercial agreements, and corporate documents for UAE business operations.
Not Sure What Your Documents Need? We Are.
Tell us what you are trying to accomplish — visa, job, university, business setup — and we will map out every step. No obligations.