The simplified certification process for Romania
For use in Romania, most documents from the UK go through a single-step certification rather than full consular legalization for Romania. This is because Romania accepts the simplified certification on documents intended for official use. The process involves obtaining a certification mark from the UK government agency responsible for such validations.
Manchester residents can send their certified copies to the Legalisation Office (FCDO) in Milton Keynes for the required stamp. The Legalisation Office at PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX examines each document to confirm that the signature, seal and position of the official who signed or sealed it are genuine.
If you hold original vital records like a birth or marriage certificate from Manchester Register Office - located at Heron House, 47 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5LE - you can order a fresh certified copy for the document legalization for Romania process rather than risking the original. This certified copy is what you will send for the official stamp.
What you will need from Manchester
To begin the legalize documents for Romania process, you will need the correct certified copies of your original documents. The exact format depends on the type of record: public registers like births, marriages and deaths must be certified by the relevant General Register Office, while court orders or official letters should be verified by the proper government department.
The system for getting your papers certified before they can be used in Romania is designed to work by post. You do not need to appear in person at any counter, and the Manchester Register Office will mail your fresh certified copy directly to the Legalisation Office if required. All you need to do is provide the correct details when ordering.
No additional embassy legalization for Romania from Manchester is currently needed for most documents, as the single stamp from the Legalisation Office is sufficient for official use in Romania. This remains true even if your papers were originally issued elsewhere in the UK but are being processed through the Manchester system.
How to submit your documents
The submission process for the embassy attestation for Romania replacement is straightforward. You complete the Legalisation Office application form, attach your certified copy and payment, then send everything by secure post to Milton Keynes. The Legalisation Office team will examine your document to confirm it meets their criteria before applying the official stamp.
Standard processing takes seven to ten working days once received, though you can pay extra for an express service that completes within two to three working days. The office recommends using trackable delivery for your peace of mind, especially when sending original documents or time-sensitive papers.
Once stamped by the Legalisation Office, your document will be returned to you via recorded delivery. The certification stamp confirms to Romanian authorities that the document is genuine and can be accepted for official purposes. There is no need for any further steps or validations from Romanian consular staff.
How the stamped document is used in Romania
Your certified and stamped document serves as proof of the original record's authenticity for all official purposes in Romania. This certification is widely accepted across Romanian administrative bodies, educational institutions and legal entities that need to verify UK-issued personal, educational or professional papers.
The stamp from the Legalisation Office carries the same weight as the more complex embassy attestation process would. It tells Romanian officials that the UK government has verified the document's origin and the authority of the person who signed or sealed it, meeting all local requirements.
When this simplified process does not apply
While most common documents can be certified through this single-step process, some specialized papers may still require additional validation. Documents issued by foreign embassies in the UK, or certain commercial or commercial property records, might need a different approach or further verification steps before they can be used in Romania.
If Romania's specific receiving authority has explicitly asked for full consular legalisation despite our advice that this is not the usual route, then embassy attestation might become necessary. In such rare cases, the standard process starts to involve the Brazilian Consulate in London, though you should first clarify with the receiving party whether they really need this extra step.