7th November 2023 was an important day for our clients. Documents for China now only need to be notarised and then apostilled by the Foreigin and Commonsesalth Development Office (FCDO). China Embassy is no longer required. Why the change? Well, China has joined the Hague (or Apostille) Convention which harmonises legalisation of documents between signatory countries. This change is welcomed by many of our clients with China interests. This is a big improvement.  It will give clients much-needed certainty and access to quicker turnaround times. This legalisation change will also save costs.

At Company Notary, we notarise documents to support investment visa and nationality applications.  With changes to non-domicile tax status under the November 2024 UK budget, some clients have responded by leaving the country, and others are considering a move to another country.  We also support clients who are purchasing property or investing in businesses in other countries.  In some cases, this may enable them to receive residency in that country.  A notary may be needed to support the documents being signed or authenticated. Here are our top 3 tips: Work backwards from any deadline or application closing date. There is little opportunity to extend. If your documents need notarisation or legalisation, and only wet ink or originals will be accepted, you may run out of time. Involve us early in the process. Engage with us early – at the same time you engage those who are managing your project. That way, we can help you navigate any implications arising from notarisation and legalisation. Some countries have embassies with specific requirements( like translations) and can take over 3 weeks to deal with documents. Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates – get additional official copies from the registry. If you are asked to provide originals to support an application you are making, you may not get the document back. Always wise to have a back-up copy and use that. We can help you obtain UK certificates.

In a flash, Dawn’s notary practice has been around for 25 years.  Licenced to practice 2 November 1999 (at 25 years old). Coupled with consultant Iain MacLeod recognised 35 years practice in 2024, Company Notary and Family Office Notary celebrates 60 years of collective experience. When Dawn first started, documents always had to be sewn (!) and notarial practice was considered archaic.  Whilst numbers of notaries remain less than 770 in England and Wales, there remains a steady flow of new entrants to the profession and with that new approaches to delivering notarial practice. Dawn remembers a time in 1999 when a client remarked on opening their door ‘But you can’t be the notary, you are a young woman’. Since 1999, countries have split, political diplomacy has changed, borders have changed, countries have gone in and out of transaction favour (we have been around long enough to see trends), UK is out of EU, and being ‘international’ is commonplace for UK business.  All of this has impacted the work Dawn and her team do.  We are seeing technology compliment practice management, and electronic notarisation and e-Apostille beginning to make its mark. As with all progress, there are teething problems and unforeseen challenges, but there are also welcome efficiencies and improvements in rigour, best practice and client experience. Dawn remarks “Whilst I doubt I will be a practising notary 25 more years from now, I am committed to continuing to ensure Company Notary and Family Office Notary play their part in document integrity and responds to both the client need and evolving notarial practice and legalisation, and supports the next generation of new notaries as well as those retiring from mainstream law firm practice.  Through our notary and legalisation work, we meet the most fascinating people and dynamic businesses.  Rarely is a conversation ”void” – every interaction counts and we are grateful for all our experiences these past quarter century.”