Legalisation of Documents
Legalisation, Authentication & Attestation of Documents
Legalisation of documents issued in Sri Lanka
For the purpose of Legalisation, Authentication & Attestation of documents issued in Sri Lanka, applicants must submit the original documents. (Photocopies/scanned or tampered documents will not be accepted). A translated document will be attested only if it has been translated by a Sworn Translator registered at the Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka. The sworn translator should indicate clearly in his/her letter head or the official stamp the languages in which he/she is authorized to translate.
Attestation of documents issued by the British Government
Any document issued by the British Authorities should be verified/authenticated by the Legalisation Section of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK before submitting to the Sri Lanka High Commission for attestation or legalisation.
Please note that Educational/Degree Certificates issued in the UK will not be legalised by this High Commission unless they are certified by the relevant Institution/University and legalised by the oreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK. (www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised)
Fees
- Legalisation of documents
{Normal service £58/- (Within 10 working days)}
{Same day Service – £90/- per document}
- Affidavits /Attestation of Documents– £ 58/-
- Power of Attorney – £58/-
- Issue of Confirmation letter – £23/-
- Issuance of certified true copy/Original seen – £10/-
*Other applicable charges will apply
Other Information
Payments can be made in cash or Debit/Credit card at the counter if the application is submitted in person. If sent by post, payment should be made by Postal Orders/Bank Drafts written in favour of the “Sri Lanka High Commission” . Personal cheques or Debit/Credit cards will not be accepted.
All original documents will be returned after perusal.
If the certificates and documents are to be returned by post, a self-addressed prepaid special delivery envelope to the weight of 500g should be sent along with the documents. The special delivery cover should not be stamped with a postage printout issued by the post office for same day post. Applications sent without prepaid special delivery cover will be retained until the applicant collects it personally or sends a self-addressed prepaid special delivery envelope.
Note: The High Commission will not take any responsibility for documents lost in the post.
If the applicant is unable to collect the documents from the High Commission personally, they may authorise another person, in writing. The person who collects the documents on behalf of the applicant should produce their identification document and the original cash receipt issued by this High Commission.
Power of Attorney & Affidavit – Sri Lankan & Dual Nationals
Any Sri Lankan national holding a valid Sri Lankan Passport and a valid visa for the UK is eligible to sign a Power of Attorney or an Affidavit in the presence of a Consular Officer at the Sri Lanka High Commission.
Dual Citizens should submit the Original Dual Citizenship certificate & valid Passport.
Consular Officers of Sri Lanka cannot administer the signing of Powers of Attorney & Affidavits of a person who is not a Sri Lankan or a Dual Citizen of Sri Lanka. Such persons, should sign Powers of Attorney & Affidavits to be used in Sri Lanka before a Solicitor in the UK and legalised by the Legalisation Section of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK before submitting for attestation by the High Commission.
Other Requirements:-
– Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settlement Visa granted within a year should submit confirmation of Non Acquisition of British Citizenship (Form NQ 1& 2 forms from UK Home Office).
Note: Applicants should not sign the Power of Attorney or the Affidavit in advance. They should sign them in the presence of a Consular Officer at the High Commission.
If the Power of Attorney or Affidavit signed before a Solicitor in the UK, the document should be legalised by the Legalisation Section of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK before submitting for attestation by the High Commission.
IMPORTANT: SUBMISSION OF FORGED DOCUMENTS AND MAKING FALSE DECLARATIONS IS AN OFFENCE. SUCH CASES WILL BE REPORTED TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.