What does legalising a TEFL certificate mean?

Legalisation is the process of confirming that your TEFL qualification is authentic and recognised by foreign governments and institutions. While it can take some time, the steps involved are usually straightforward.

Why is it important?

Legalising your TEFL certificate reassures employers abroad that your qualification is genuine and valid for teaching positions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Legalising Your TEFL Institute Certificate

If you need to legalise your TEFL Institute certificate to apply for a teaching visa abroad, we recommend the following steps. 

*Please note that these steps only apply to certificates from The TEFL Institute If you received your TEFL certificate from another provider, we recommend contacting them directly for the correct steps. 

Step 1 – Pay the Legalisation Fee

1 . First things first—head over to this link: Vital Consular TEFL Legalisation.

2 . Select the country you’re planning to travel to.

3 . Once you’ve chosen, go ahead and pay the legalisation fee. This covers the full legalisation of your TEFL certificate as a UK document.

4 . Don’t forget—you’ll receive an order number from Vital Consular once your payment is complete. Keep this safe, you’ll need it later.

Step 2 – Order Your Hard Copy Certificate

1 . Next, visit the TEFL Institute Shop.

2 . Scroll down until you see ‘Hard Copy Certificate by Registered Post’.

3 . Order just one copy of your 120-hour TEFL certificate.

4 . After you place your order, we’ll take care of the rest—your certificate will be printed and sent directly to Vital Consular.

5 . Once it’s fully legalised, Vital Consular will return it straight to your home address.

Step 3 – Email Your Order Details

Almost there! As soon as you’ve completed Steps 1 and 2, send an email to Lisa at hello@teflinstitute.com  with the following details:

1 . Vital Consular Order Number: 

2 . First Name(s) as Shown on Passport:

3. Middle Name(s) as Shown on Passport:

4. Surname(s) as Shown on Passport:  

5. Country You Are Going To: 

Once your details are sent, you can check in for updates anytime by contacting Emma at emma.thompson@vitalconsular.com.

Please note: 

• The TEFL Institute cannot be held responsible if you skip this step; your certificate may be sent directly to your home address instead of Vital Consular. In that case, you’d need to place a new order, which means extra time and cost.
• Also, remember that legalisation isn’t instant—documents need to be posted, processed, and signed by official bodies. To avoid stress, allow at least 3–6 weeks to complete the full process and get your legalised certificate back.

LEGALISATION FAQS

1. What does it mean to legalise a TEFL certificate?

Legalising a TEFL certificate involves verifying its authenticity to ensure it meets the requirements of the country where you plan to work. This process usually includes notarisation, attestation, and obtaining an apostille to confirm the document’s validity.

2. Why do I need to legalise my TEFL certificate?

Many countries require legalised TEFL certificates for work visas to ensure teachers meet professional standards. Legalisation proves your certificate is genuine and issued by a credible institution.

3. What steps are involved in the legalisation process?

The process may vary by country but typically involves:

1. Notarisation: Certification by a notary public.
2. Attestation: Validation by your country’s Department of Education or equivalent authority.
3. Apostille: An international verification for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
4. Embassy Authentication: Additional embassy verification for countries not in the Apostille Convention.

4. Who handles the legalisation process?

You can manage the process yourself or use a professional legalisation service, especially for embassy requirements. We recommend Vital Consular for our certificates.

5. How long does it take to legalise a TEFL certificate?

It can take between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the requirements of the destination country and processing times at government offices or embassies.

6. Are there costs involved in legalising a TEFL certificate?

Yes, costs include fees for notarisation, apostille, attestation, and embassy authentication. If you use a professional service, additional charges may apply

7. Do I need to legalise other documents as well?

Yes, in addition to your TEFL certificate, you may need to legalise your degree, academic transcripts, criminal record check, and other documents required for your visa. We recommend requesting a package deal with Vital Consular.

8. Is the legalisation process the same for every country?

No, each country has its own requirements. Some accept an apostille, while others require additional embassy authentication. Research the specific requirements of the country where you plan to teach.

9. Can I start teaching abroad without legalising my TEFL certificate?

Some schools or countries may not require a legalised certificate initially, but this could limit your visa options or job opportunities. Legalisation is usually mandatory for securing a proper work visa.

10. What should I do if I lose my legalised TEFL certificate?

You’ll need to request a replacement from your TEFL provider and go through the legalisation process again. Keep both digital and physical copies as backups.

11. Is it possible to get my TEFL certificate legalised while living abroad?

Yes, you can usually handle the process through online services or by contacting the relevant authorities in your home country. Some embassies and consulates also offer legalisation services.

12. Can I legalise a digital copy of my TEFL certificate?

Yes, in many cases, you can legalise a digital copy. However, you will first need to print a certified true copy from the issuing organisation, as most authorities do not directly legalise digital files. Once printed and certified, the copy can undergo the legalisation process as a physical document.