FrancoLegal / Practical guides

UK company documents for overseas use: what to check first

UK companies may need to present a certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, registry extracts or governance records to banks, public authorities or business partners overseas. The relevant documents and certification chain depend on their purpose and destination.

Published 22 October 2026 · FrancoLegal

FrancoLegal guide: UK company documents for overseas use: what to check first

Get the receiving organisation’s list

Ask for the precise documents, acceptable issue dates, certification format and any translation requirements. A bank, regulator or notaire may specify different evidence.

Do not assume every item needs an apostille. A private company document, a Companies House extract and an officially signed certificate may take different routes.

Avoid mismatched records

Check company names, registration numbers, dates and resolutions across the pack. Evidence of signing authority may require more than an incorporation certificate.

If the final recipient requires French, ask whether certified or locally sworn translation is specified.

Where FrancoLegal fits

We help identify the document and recipient, coordinate certification where required, arrange FCDO apostille for eligible documents, and organise translation within the agreed scope.

We do not advise on legal validity of resolutions, corporate powers or local regulatory compliance. Those decisions remain with the relevant professionals.

Key takeaway. The recipient’s evidence list and intended use determine the route; start there, not with a fixed package.

General information only. Requirements may change and vary by procedure and receiving organisation. FrancoLegal does not provide legal, tax or immigration advice.

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