After months of campaigning and debate, the result of, arguably, one of the most important referenda has now been announced. With 51.9% to 48.1%, the British people have voted to leave the European Union. The question now is just what will Brexit mean for you and how can the team at Vanner Perez Notaries help you meet the challenges of this new legal landscape.
Whilst it is difficult to predict what will exactly happen, there are a number of key things to be aware of:
- The requirement for notarisation of company documents, such as certificates of good standing, certificates of incorporation and articles of association, will not change – these requirements are usually the product of domestic law, both from within the EU, and countries elsewhere in the world.
- The use of an Apostille when legalising documents for Europe is governed by a multilateral international treaty (Hague Convention of 1961) and not EU legislation. Therefore Brexit will not alter the current situation and, where an Apostille is currently required, that will remain the case. For more information keep an eye out for our new legalisation guide, which should be going live soon.
- Some EU legislation affects corporate clients and their company structures. The Societas Europaea or European Public-Limited Liability Company is a direct product of an EU Regulation (2157/2001/EC). Similarly, for clients operating a UK limited company or LLP in Germany, there is a risk that the German courts would no longer recognise the limited liability protections afforded to their shareholders/members. Further information can be found here.
- Likewise, private clients dealing with property, finances and investments abroad may experience some changes. Although it is not yet clear what the position will be in relation to inheritance matters (the UK had already opted out from the EU Succession Regulation), there may be visa and taxation issues to contend with. In the field of cross-border matrimonial affairs, Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 (otherwise known as Brussels II) does apply to the UK, and so, in the absence of any specific agreement for mutual recognition post-Brexit, will cease to apply; this will particularly affect the recognition of divorces or parental responsibility rulings, i.e. notarisation and legalisation of Art. 39 certificates.
- Our services help companies and people based in England process their documentation efficiently for several of our other key trading partners including China, UAE and Brazil as well as for other jurisdictions around the world. The requirements for these countries and other non-EU states, as well as the way in which we deal with your requests, won’t alter at all. Check out our Country Profiles for South Africa, the UAE or Cuba, for example.
Finally, a reassuring message: although the next few days, weeks and months will be full of uncertainty, you can be sure of one thing – the team at Vanner Perez Notaries will continue to provide high-quality, fast and efficient notarisation, legalisation and translation as normal. Whatever happens post-Brexit, you can count on Vanner Perez Notaries to help you steer your business safely through the changes.
If you would like to discuss the impacts of Brexit on your business in more detail, or need help with notarisation, legalisation or translation work, please contact one of the Vanner Perez team (info@vpnotaries.co.uk or 0203 668 6626). We’re ready to help.