Important Notice
Romania generally does not require full consular legalization for UK documents. Instead, most papers need only a single-step certification valid for use there. This simpler route applies to public records like marriage certificates and educational qualifications. The FCDO Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes can complete this process by post, so you do not need to involve the Romanian Consulate. This applies to documents from Cardiff and across the UK that must be presented to Romanian authorities.
Understanding the Work
The process to legalize documents for Romania begins with making sure you have the right paper to work with. For civil records like birth or marriage certificates from Cardiff Register Office, you will need a fresh certified copy rather than your only original. Once you have this, the FCDO Legalisation Office will place their certification on it, which Romanian authorities recognize as proof of authenticity. This meets the standard requirement for document legalization for Romania without needing further steps at an embassy or consulate.
How to Proceed
To prepare embassy legalization for Romania from Cardiff, start by ordering a certified copy of your document if it is a civil record. Cardiff Register Office at City Hall can issue these official duplicates. Then, send the copy to the FCDO Legalisation Office by post; they handle the entire process in 7–10 business days using their standard service. An express option completes their certification in 2-3 business days for a faster turnaround when needed.
Special Cases
While most positions do not require consular legalization for Romania, some specialized papers might need extra steps. For example, corporate documents or court orders could face different rules. The FCDO website maintains an up-to-date list of what falls outside the standard route. Always verify the specific needs of the office where your file will go, as their internal rules might differ from the norm.