Legalisation, Authentication & Attestation of Documents  

Legalisation of Documents Issued in Sri Lanka

Applicants requesting legalisation, authentication, or attestation of documents issued in Sri Lanka must follow the requirements below when submitting documents to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.

Requirements

• Applicants must submit the original documents. (Photocopies, scanned copies, or tampered documents will not be accepted.)
• Translated documents will only be attested if they have been translated by a sworn translator registered with the Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka.
• The sworn translator must clearly indicate on their official letterhead or stamp the languages they are authorised to translate.
• The translation must correspond exactly with the original Document submitted.
• If the document was issued before 2008, a new extract of the original document must be obtained and translated before submission. (Sri Lankan Birth/ Marriage & Death Certificates)
• Applicants must submit an identification document (Passport or National Identity Card) along with the documents.

Attestation of Documents Issued by the British Government

Documents issued by authorities in the United Kingdom must first be authenticated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before submission to the Sri Lanka High Commission.

Important Information

·        All documents issued by British authorities must be verified by the Legalisation Section of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before submission.

·        Educational or degree certificates issued in the UK will not be legalised by the High Commission unless they:

         o   are certified by the relevant institution or university, and

         o   are legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Document Returning by Post

• All original documents will be returned after verification.
• If documents are to be returned by post, applicants must include a self-addressed prepaid Special Delivery envelope (up to 500g).
• The envelope must not contain a printed same-day postage label issued by the post office.
• Applications submitted without a prepaid Special Delivery envelope will be retained until the applicant collects the documents personally or sends a prepaid Special Delivery envelope.

• The High Commission will not bear responsibility for lost/damaged documents that are sent by post.

Authorising Another Person to Collect Documents

If the applicant cannot collect the documents personally:

• They may authorise another person in writing.
• The authorised person must present their identification document and the original receipt issued by the High Commission.  

Power of Attorney & Affidavit – Sri Lankan and Dual Citizens

• Any Sri Lankan national holding a valid Sri Lankan passport and a valid UK visa may sign a Power of Attorney or Affidavit in the presence of a Consular Officer at the Sri Lanka High Commission.
• Dual citizens must submit: Original Dual Citizenship Certificate and a valid passport

Consular Officers cannot administer the signing of Powers of Attorney or Affidavits for individuals who are not Sri Lankan or not dual citizens of Sri Lanka.

           In such cases, applicants must:

• Sign the document before a UK solicitor, and
• Obtain legalisation from the Legalisation Section of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, before submitting it to the High Commission for attestation

More information: https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Additional Requirements

Applicants holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or a Settlement Visa granted within one year must submit:

• Confirmation of Non-Acquisition of British Citizenship (Forms NQ1 and NQ2 issued by the UK Home Office)

Important:

• Applicants must not sign the Power of Attorney or Affidavit in advance. These documents must be signed in the presence of a Consular Officer at the High Commission.
• If a Power of Attorney or Affidavit has been signed before a UK solicitor, it must be legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before being submitted to the High Commission.

Fees and Payment Details

*  Other applicable charges will apply.

• Method of Payment – Cash, Debit/Credit card, Postal Order (Postal Order should be drawn in favour of the Sri Lanka High Commission)
• Please note that personal cheques will not be accepted.
• Fees paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.