Apostilles and Notarisation in Ireland: Legalising Documents for Use Abroad
If you need to use an Irish document — such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, company document, or court order — in another country, you may need to have it legalised. The most common method is an apostille, issued under the Hague Convention.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the competent authority of one country that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another Hague Convention member country. Over 120 countries are members of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation.
Who Issues Apostilles in Ireland?
In Ireland, apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. You submit the document (or a certified copy) along with a completed application form and the appropriate fee. The process typically takes a few working days for standard requests.
What Is Notarisation?
A notary public is a solicitor admitted to the Faculty of Notaries Public who is authorised to certify documents, take oaths, witness signatures, and authenticate documents for international use. For many countries, a notarised document is required before the apostille can be attached.
Documents for Non-Hague Countries
For countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, a longer legalisation process applies: notarisation, then authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs, then authentication by the consulate or embassy of the destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an apostille in Ireland?
The Department of Foreign Affairs typically processes apostille applications within a few working days for standard requests. An express service is available for urgent cases.
Do I need a solicitor to get an apostille?
For simple documents like birth or marriage certificates, you can apply directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs. For complex documents or those requiring notarisation first, legal assistance is recommended.
Can a solicitor certify a copy of a document in Ireland?
Yes — a solicitor can certify a copy as a true copy of the original. However, for most international purposes a notarial certificate is required rather than a simple solicitor’s certification.
This article is for informational purposes only. Read our guide to consulting a solicitor of your choice, or use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, if you need documents legalised for use abroad. We don’t currently have an Irish solicitor working with us, but we are looking for one.
