Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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Immigration document certification guidance in Ireland helps you understand how documents for an Irish immigration application need to be certified, notarised, apostilled or legalised. A service of this kind typically provides solicitor guidance on notary and certification requirements for Irish immigration documents, including accepted notaries, apostille and embassy legalisation. A solicitor would advise on what certification each document needs and provide solicitor-certified copies where these are accepted.
Please note the scope: notarial acts are carried out only by an independent Irish Notary Public, which we can arrange, and your solicitor does not notarise documents. Getting certification wrong is a common reason for documents being returned or queried, so checking the requirements before you submit can save time.
What’s included
- Solicitor guidance on notary and certification requirements for Irish immigration documents
- Advice on accepted notaries, apostille and embassy legalisation
- Advice on what certification each document needs
- Solicitor-certified copies where accepted
- Arrangement of an independent Irish Notary Public where a notarial act is needed (your solicitor does not notarise documents)
Who this is for
- Applicants with documents issued abroad that need an apostille or legalisation
- People unsure whether a certified copy or a notarised copy is required
- Applicants whose documents have been returned or queried
- Sponsors preparing documents to send to a family member abroad
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would then advise on the certification each document needs and provides certified copies where accepted.
- The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does immigration document certification guidance cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What is the difference between an apostille and legalisation?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a public document for use in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents from other countries may instead need to be legalised through the relevant embassy or consulate.
Can your solicitor notarise my documents?
No. Notarial acts are carried out only by an independent Irish Notary Public, which we can arrange. a solicitor you instruct can provide solicitor-certified copies where those are accepted.
For more on Irish immigration, visas and citizenship, see our Immigration & Citizenship in Ireland guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.