Company Documents

Your company will most probably need the advice and assistance of a notary lawyer if it is involved in certain legal or administrative matters abroad, whether that be setting up a branch office or dealing with one or more legal or procedural issues in a foreign country.

We can assist your company with the certification of a wide range of documents and the follow on procedures which are usually apostille and consular legalisation.

Most commonly, basic company information needs to be certified as a ‘true copy’ or a Power of Attorney needs to be drafted or signed in the presence of a notary who acts as a legal witness.

You can come to us here at SH Notaries with confidence knowing that the relevant procedures required for the foreign jurisdiction will be explained and then professionally dealt with in the most cost-effective way for your company.

There are usually one, two or all three of the following procedures required when it comes to notary involvement with regard to company documents:

  • Notary certification – this is usually the first stage.
  • Apostille – this stage can follow but not with regard to all documents.
  • Legalisation at the Embassy – this third ‘layer’ of certification is common for documents destined for use in China, India and The U.A.E.

Allow us to explain and help you with these procedural and legal requirements because they do tend to vary depending on the document concerned and the procedures that the receiving party abroad requires. It is important that precise instructions are obtained from the receiving party as to what is required; for example, the document may need to be translated here in the UK from the original English and we would need to know from you about this specific requirement when we receive instructions.

Please call us on 020 8575 3147 for no obligation advice and assistance or email info@shnotaries.co.uk


The types of business documents that are frequently notarised vary considerably but they are usually relating to Company records held at Companies House and notary procedures usually involve certified copies of those documents and the signing of Powers of Attorney that are to be used abroad by company representatives or lawyers in order to deal with the setting up of or management of a subsidiary.

Below is a brief list of documentation and procedures (not exhaustive):

  • Attesting the signature and execution of documents
  • Certification and authentication of companies’ constitutional documents
  • Administering oaths and declarations
  • Annual returns
  • Providing notary certified copies of documents
  • Obtaining Apostille and consular legalisation once documents notary certified
  • Powers of Attorney and Declarations by Directors
  • Certified copy of  Articles & Memorandum of Association and Incorporation Certificate
  • Trade Mark documents
  • HMRC documents
    • Companies House Certificates of good standing
    • Certification of identity of the Directors, Company Secretary or other Company officers Company resolutions, minutes of meetings and other company documents
    • Share Issues and related documentation
    • Other documentation where a notarial signature and seal have been requested