What Is an Affidavit in Ireland? How to Get One Online in 2026
If you have been asked to provide an affidavit — whether for a court case, a housing application, a family law matter, or an official process — you may be wondering what exactly it involves and how to get one prepared in Ireland. This guide explains everything you need to know about affidavits in Ireland, including when you need one, how the process works, and how you can have one drafted and sworn entirely online.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person (known as the deponent) swears or affirms to be true. The statement must be made voluntarily and is signed in the presence of a solicitor, notary public, or Commissioner for Oaths, who then commissions the document — meaning they formally witness the oath and verify the deponent’s identity.
Once sworn, an affidavit carries the same legal weight as testimony given in court. Making a false statement in an affidavit is a criminal offence in Ireland.
When Do You Need an Affidavit in Ireland?
Affidavits are required in a wide range of legal and official situations in Ireland. Common examples include:
- Court proceedings — family law, civil litigation, probate applications, and judicial review
- Housing and social welfare applications — confirming living arrangements, relationship status, or custody
- Property transactions — confirming there is no outstanding mortgage, verifying ownership, or supporting a title
- Immigration and visa applications — confirming facts for submission to the Department of Justice or foreign authorities
- Probate and succession — swearing to the validity of a will or confirming details of an estate
- Name changes — confirming that a name change has occurred for official records
- Company law — various statutory declarations required by the CRO
- Foreign authority submissions — affidavits for use in other jurisdictions (e.g. Portugal, Brazil, India)
Affidavit vs Statutory Declaration — What Is the Difference?
While both are sworn statements, there is a key difference. An affidavit is typically used in the context of court proceedings and is governed by the rules of the relevant court. A statutory declaration is used for non-court purposes — such as confirming a name change, lost documents, or property matters.
Both must be sworn before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths to be legally valid. At Online Legal Services, we draft and commission both types of document.
Who Can Witness an Affidavit in Ireland?
An affidavit must be sworn before one of the following:
- A practising solicitor
- A Commissioner for Oaths
- A notary public
Simply having a friend or colleague sign as a witness is not sufficient. The person before whom the affidavit is sworn must have the legal authority to administer oaths.
Can You Swear an Affidavit Remotely in Ireland?
Yes. Since the introduction of remote commissioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now possible to swear an affidavit via video call with a solicitor. This means you do not need to physically attend a solicitor’s office.
At Online Legal Services, we offer a fully remote affidavit service. Our solicitor will draft your affidavit, send it to you for review, and then arrange a short video call (typically 5–10 minutes) to formally swear the document. The signed, sworn affidavit is then delivered to you digitally.
How Much Does an Affidavit Cost in Ireland?
The cost of an affidavit in Ireland varies depending on the complexity of the document and the solicitor you use. Typically, you can expect to pay between €80 and €250+ depending on the content and urgency.
At Online Legal Services, our Legal Affidavit Drafting & Commissioning service is available at a fixed fee of €150 + VAT (€184.50 total). This includes:
- Drafting by a qualified, Law Society regulated Irish solicitor
- One revision if required
- Remote commissioning by secure video call
- Digital delivery of the signed, sworn affidavit
- Typical turnaround of 24 hours
How to Get an Affidavit Online in Ireland — Step by Step
- Contact us — Email info@onlinelegalservices.ie or book online with the details of what your affidavit needs to cover
- Provide your information — We will ask for your full name, address, date of birth, photo ID, proof of address, and the facts to be included
- We draft your affidavit — Our solicitor prepares the document in the correct legal form and sends it to you for review
- Swear the affidavit via video call — We arrange a short (5–10 minute) video call where you formally swear the document before our solicitor
- Receive your signed affidavit — The completed, sworn affidavit is delivered to you digitally, ready for submission
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
To draft your affidavit, we will typically need:
- Your full legal name (as per your ID)
- Your current address
- Your date of birth
- A clear photo or scan of your passport or driving licence
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)
- The specific facts or statements to be included in the affidavit
- The purpose of the affidavit (e.g. for court, for a housing authority, for a foreign government)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an affidavit sworn in Ireland abroad?
Yes, an affidavit sworn before an Irish solicitor can generally be used abroad. Depending on the country, you may also need an apostille (a form of international certification). We can advise on this.
How long does it take to get an affidavit?
If you provide all required information and documents promptly, we can typically complete your affidavit within 24 hours.
Is a sworn affidavit legally binding?
Yes. A sworn affidavit is a legal document. Making a false statement in an affidavit is a criminal offence under Irish law.
Do I need to go to a solicitor’s office?
No. Our service is entirely remote. Your affidavit is drafted, reviewed, and sworn via video call — you never need to leave your home.
Get Started Today
If you need an affidavit in Ireland, our Law Society regulated solicitors can help. Book our Legal Affidavit Drafting & Commissioning service online, or contact us at info@onlinelegalservices.ie or call 085-804-1664.
