How To Get An Apostille On Documents Issued In Ireland

Created: Feb 2, 2024 | Updated: Feb 22, 2024

Dealing with legal processes like making documents official and translating them has become important, especially when it comes to things like doing business internationally, moving to another country, or working together with people from different parts of the world. Ireland is not left out of this trend. Whether you're a person trying to make your papers valid or a company doing business around the world, it's super important to understand how to make your documents legal and translated in Ireland.

This guide will help you figure out the steps. We'll break down the process so it's easy to understand, giving you a full picture of what you need to do to make sure your documents are accepted and clear in the eyes of the law in Ireland. From getting your papers ready to getting the thumbs up from the right people, each step is really important to make sure your paperwork is good to go, both legally and in terms of language. Come along with us as we go through the details of making your documents official in Ireland.

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Understanding Document Legalization in Ireland

Document legalization is the process of giving your document an official stamp of approval. It's a process where authorities confirm that your document is genuine and valid. This is important when you're dealing with papers that need to be recognised in another country. It shows that your document follows the rules and standards set by the government or relevant authorities. In Ireland, documents can be legalised in two ways: By apostilles and by Consular Legalisations.
 

Apostilles in Ireland

An apostille is a form of legalization that requires using a special stamp or certificate that makes a document valid and proves its origin by confirming the legitimacy of the signature and the authority of the official who signed it. It's a simplified way of proving that the document is real and official. Apostille legalisation ensures that documents are recognised as valid in countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961 on the Simplification of the Apostille. It simplifies the process of cross-border document recognition, eliminating the need for additional certifications like consular legalisation in member states.
 

What Does the Irish Apostille Look Like? 

Ireland is among the 124 countries that abide by the Hague Convention. The Irish apostille comes in the form of a printed stamp that carries the handwritten signature of an official, an official seal, and a hologram on it. At the top of the apostille stamp reads “Ireland”, with the Irish national symbol somewhere on apostille too. It also has a title or heading indicating that it is an apostille or authentication certificate. The apostille contains specific information about the document it is authenticating, for example, the type of document and the date it was issued.

In Ireland, the authority responsible for issuing apostilles is The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, in Dublin and Cork.

 

 

What Documents can be Legalised in Ireland?

People typically need to legalise a range of documents for various purposes, depending on their needs. The European Union has now authorised some documents to be exempt from legalisation but common documents that people often legalise in Ireland include:

• Information extracted from Irish trade registers: Documents related to business registrations and trade activities.
   
• Land register extracts: Official documents providing information about real estate or land ownership and legal status.
   
• Documents issued or certified by a notary public: Notarised documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, and other legally certified papers.
   
• Documents from an Authority or an Official Connected with a Court: Documents related to legal proceedings and judgments.
   
• Official documents issued by state authorities.
   
• Translations by court interpreters.
   
• Patents: Documents related to patents and intellectual property.
   
• Documents of an Administrative Nature: issued by state authorities like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates.
   
• Academic Diplomas issued by Public Institutions: transcripts, overviews of subjects and grades, matriculation certificates, and additional certificates from schools or universities.
   
• Powers of attorney, testaments, declarations.
   

Types of Documents That Cannot be Legalised in Ireland

• Documents Not Issued by Competent Authorities: Private contracts, private letters, or documents issued by non-official entities.
   
• Commercial Documents: Documents such as invoices, trade contracts, and customs documents. 
   
• Diplomatic and Consular Documents.
   
• ID Cards.
   
• Educational Documents from private institutions or entities that are not recognised as public institutions.
   

Consular Legalisation

Consular legalization is the process of confirming or certifying legal documents, ensuring their recognition and acceptance by another country's legal system. This extra layer of verification is carried out by the diplomatic or consular mission in Ireland representing the country where the document is intended for use. For Example, a document to be used in Nigeria will be legalised by the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland. 

It is usually used between countries not part of the Hague Convention or when one of the states involved has raised objections to the other's accession. Consular legalization can be a more expensive and time-consuming process compared to just getting an apostille. This is because various local authorities and the diplomatic mission of the destination country are involved in this legalisation process. Several additional certifications are required before your document can receive approval in Ireland at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

Consular legalisation in Ireland is generally done for documents already apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, for use in Gulf, Asian and African countries. So, after your document has received an apostille, you then have to go through a few more steps for a consular legalisation.
 

How to Legalise Your Documents in Ireland

Here is a simple guide to legalising your documents in Ireland going to other countries:

Step One: Get the Original Documents: Ensure you have the original document or an official copy issued by the relevant Irish authorities. Sometimes, photocopies can be accepted, but only in special cases. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs to find out if your photocopy will be accepted. Make sure that the copy has the official seal and signature of the institution and is a true copy of the original. 

Step Two: Translate the Document: If the document is not already in the official language of the destination country, you'll need to get a notarised translation. This translation should be done by a certified translation service in Ireland. Certified translation services ensure your documents are translated accurately and legally.

Step Three: Have Them Certified: Certify your documents by getting them notarised. If you like to avoid stress, Translayte offers you a place to translate and notarise your documents altogether. All you have to do is select the “notarization” option while placing your order. In Ireland, notarizations can be done by a Solicitor, a Commissioner of Oaths or a Peace Commissioner. This certification verifies the authenticity of the document and the signatures on it. 

Step Four: Get the Apostille from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin or Cork where they will affix the apostille certificateThe Dublin office operates a walk-in service and is located at Knockmaun House, 42-47 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2. The Department of Foreign Affairs phone number is + 353 1 4082174 but you don’t need to book an appointment to visit. They operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There is no walk-in service on Wednesdays and opening hours are from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.

The Cork office also operates a walk-in service. It is located at 1A South Mall, Cork. You also do not need an appointment to visit. They operate on Tuesday and Thursday mornings only. There is no walk-in service on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Their opening hours are 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. If you wish to send in the documents by post, you should send them to the Consular Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin D02 VY53. 

You are expected to take the following documentation when going to the DFA:

• The original documents that are to be legalised.
   
• A cover letter with the following details:
  • Your name.
  • The name of the country you want to send the document to.
  • Phone number.
  • Contact email.
  • Return address.
     
• A photocopy of the documents that are to be legalised.
   
• A photocopy of your international passport or valid ID.
   
• Proof of payment made by Irish bank draft ,postal order, credit of debit card payment. For the last two, the Department will let you know what number to make the payment.
   

Step Five: Receive the Apostilled Document: Once the apostille is affixed, you will receive the legalised document in about three to seven working days. Your document is now valid for use in countries that are party to the Hague Convention. 

Step SIx: Send the Document to the Embassy or Consulate (for Consular Legalisation): If the receiving country does not recognise the Hague Convention, you will need to visit their embassy or consulate in Ireland and further legalise the document according to their requirements. After this step, you can use your document in the receiving country. 
 

How to get a Notarised Translation in Ireland Online

To get a notarised translation in Ireland online, follow these steps: 

1. Visit the Translayte website. 

2. Click on “Order Certified Translation”.

3. Select “Certified Translation”, then choose the language, and your preferred turnover time. 

4. Upload the document you want to translate. Ensure the file has been named correctly. 

5. Select either the Standard, Professional or Specialist document translation services, based on your needs and budget.

6. Specify that you want a “notarised translation” and any other specifications you prefer for your document. 

7. Place your order and wait for your translation.  Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.
 

Getting an Apostille for Documents Going to Ireland

Getting an apostille for Ireland is the process of legalizing documents that will be used in Ireland. Authorities such as Notaries, or the Embassy do the attestation of documents, however, the final attestation is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country. 
 

How to get an Apostille for Documents Going to Ireland

Here’s the process for getting an apostille in your country for documents going to Ireland:

1. Identify the Competent Authority: Find out the authority responsible for issuing apostilles in your country. The competent authority responsible for issuing apostilles in most countries is usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it is a different authority, make sure to identify them. 

2. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that your documents are in order and meet any requirements set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. This usually includes notarisation, translations or other authentication steps. The documents you will be expected to take along with you usually include:

• The original documents that is to be legalised.
• A national identification like an international passport or national ID card.
• Photocopies of your documents.
• Proof of payment of legalisation fees.
• A filled application form, usually from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country.
   

3. Submit the Documents: Submit your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with any required fees set by your country. This can often be done in person or through their designated channels.

4. Wait for Processing: Wait for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to process your request. Processing times for every country are different, so it's advisable to check with them for an estimated time. 

5. Receive the Apostilled Documents:  Once the apostille is issued, you can either pick up the documents in person or have them mailed to you, depending on the options provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country. Before traveling to Ireland, ensure that the apostille has been properly affixed as per the requirements of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some of the things to check for: 

• The Seal and Signature: Look for the official seal of the competent authority that issued the apostille. There should also be a signature of an authorised representative.
   
• Verify the Document: Ensure that the apostille is attached to the correct document. Check that the details on the apostille, such as the names of the parties involved, match the information on the document. 
   
• Check for Watermark or Security Features: Every country’s apostille has watermarks and other security features to prevent forgery. Make sure these security elements are present on your apostille.
   
• Examine the Language: Make sure that the language on the apostille is consistent with the language used in the official documents of your country.
   
• Use Online Verification Tools: Many countries have online verification tools where you can check the apostille to confirm its authenticity. Ireland, for example, has an online verification system where you can input the details of the apostille on the website and confirm that your apostille is valid. 
   

Translate With Translayte

Every foreign document that is not in Irish, from your identification to the document that is to be legalised, needs to be translated by a certified or sworn translator in Ireland. Translayte is your number-one global provider of locally relevant translation services, including Irish translations and meeting the strict requirements set by international authorities is our top priority. 

Our professional Irish translators ensure that your documents are not just translated, but are in line with Irish standards. Give it a try and request a free quote in a few easy steps.
 

FAQs 
 

How Much is an Apostille in Ireland?

Issuing an apostille stamp in Ireland costs €40. For Adoption dossiers containing up to 300 documents, the cost is €100 per Adoption pack. A fee of €10 applies to documents directly related to exporting Irish goods.
 

Where can I get an Apostille Stamp in Ireland?

You can get an apostille stamp in Ireland from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They are responsible for issuing apostilles in Ireland. 
 

Who can Certify Documents in Ireland?

Documents in Ireland can be certified by a Public Notary, A Commissioner of Oaths, a Peace Commissioner or a Solicitor. 
 

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