Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) merged with the Department for International Development to be replaced in September 2020 by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) which now deals with legalisation including Apostilles.
Governtment Deparrtment Merger
In September 2020, the UK government introduced a significant structural change to its international affairs and aid administration by merging the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with the Department for International Development (DFID). This merger created the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), a single department responsible for diplomacy, international development, and consular services. One of the important functions now overseen by the FCDO is the legalisation of documents, including the issuing of Apostilles for use overseas.
Prior to the merger, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office handled diplomatic relations, consular services, and document legalisation, while the Department for International Development focused on overseas aid and development programmes. The decision to merge the two departments aimed to align the UK’s diplomatic efforts with its international development objectives, ensuring a more cohesive and strategic global approach. By bringing these responsibilities together under one department, the government intended to improve coordination, streamline processes, and enhance the UK’s influence abroad.
As part of this restructuring, responsibility for the Legalisation Office — which issues Apostilles — moved to the newly formed FCDO. Apostilles are certificates attached to UK documents to confirm their authenticity for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. These documents often include birth certificates, marriage certificates, powers of attorney, academic qualifications, and business documents. The Apostille confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on the document is genuine, allowing it to be accepted by foreign authorities without further authentication.
The transition to the FCDO did not change the core process of obtaining an Apostille, but it did centralise services under the new department. Applicants can still submit documents by post or use authorised service providers to obtain legalisation. The FCDO continues to operate the Legalisation Office, processing thousands of documents each week for individuals and businesses needing to use UK-issued documents abroad. Common reasons for requesting Apostilles include working overseas, buying property in another country, setting up international business operations, or getting married abroad.
The creation of the FCDO also reflects a broader effort by the UK government to modernise its international services. By combining diplomatic and development expertise, the department aims to provide more integrated support for British citizens and organisations operating internationally. This includes improved coordination between embassies, consulates, and legalisation services, ensuring that document authentication fits seamlessly within wider consular support.
For individuals and companies requiring document legalisation, the key takeaway is that Apostille services remain available, but they are now administered by the FCDO rather than the former FCO. The process remains straightforward, and the Apostille continues to be recognised internationally in over 100 countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Whether for personal, legal, or commercial purposes, the FCDO now serves as the central authority for ensuring UK documents are properly authenticated for international use.
