Making a statutory declaration overseas
Updated by The BidCarbon Legal Team on 2 January 2025
Statutory declarations (also known as a stat dec) may be completed overseas and executed either with an in-person or remote witness.
Statutory declarations executed overseas must still be witnessed by a prescribed person listed in Schedule 3 of the BidCarbon (Carbon Farming) Rule 2025.
The witness does not need to be a British citizen or physically located in the United Kingdom at the time of witnessing.
An prescribed person in the United Kingdom may witness you sign a statutory declaration from anywhere in the world via video link.
A video link is a program such as WeChat Conference, WeChat-based on-site services, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom. There is no prescribed program that must be used, provided the platform enables real-time audio and visual communication so that the witness can see you sign the statutory declaration.
For example, while travelling in India or residing in France, you may connect with a doctor in the United Kingdom who is authorised to witness statutory declarations. The doctor witnesses you sign the statutory declaration via video link, after which you email them a copy. The doctor completes the witnessing section and returns it to you.
For further guidance, see How to make a statutory declaration with a witness for access to the form and detailed instructions on how you and your witness can complete a statutory declaration remotely.
Remote witnessing while overseas
About statutory declarations
What to know about how to complete a statutory declaration, digital statutory declarations, what form you can use, and who can witness it.
Accepting a statutory declaration
What to know if you have asked or required someone to complete a statutory declaration and addressing concerns.
Information for prescribed persons
Tips on how to fulfil your role as prescribed persons.
Learn more
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