If you are planning to emigrate from Ireland, getting key documents notarised before you leave is one of the most important practical steps you can take. It is much easier and cheaper to have documents notarised while you are still in Ireland than to arrange it from abroad.
Why Get Documents Notarised Before Leaving
Once you leave Ireland, getting Irish documents notarised becomes significantly more complicated. You would need to either return to Ireland, find an Irish embassy or consulate that offers limited notarial services, or find a local notary whose authentication may not be accepted for Irish documents. The time and cost involved can be substantial.
Planning ahead and getting key documents notarised before departure is a small investment that can save you enormous hassle later.
Essential Documents to Get Notarised
Regardless of your destination, consider getting the following documents notarised before leaving:
- Passport Copies: Multiple notarised copies of your passport. You will need these for visa applications, employment, banking, and many other purposes abroad.
- Birth Certificate: At least two notarised copies. Required for visa applications, marriage abroad, citizenship applications, and various administrative purposes.
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts: Notarised copies of all educational qualifications. Essential for employment, professional registration, and skills assessment in countries like Australia and Canada.
- Marriage Certificate: If married, notarised copies for spousal visa applications, joint property purchases, and administrative purposes.
- Police Clearance: Obtain Garda vetting and have the certificate (or supporting documents) notarised before leaving.
- Employment References: If possible, get reference letters from your employers and have them notarised. These are crucial for skilled visa applications.
- Driving Licence: A notarised copy can be useful for foreign driving licence applications.
- Professional Certificates: Any professional registrations, licences, or industry-specific certifications.
Destination-Specific Recommendations
Australia
- Notarised copies of all qualifications for skills assessment (Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, etc.)
- Notarised employment references on company letterhead
- Police clearance
- Partner visa applicants: statutory declarations and relationship evidence
Canada
- Notarised copies of qualifications for Educational Credential Assessment (WES, IQAS)
- Police clearance
- Employment references
- Proof of funds documentation
United States
- Notarised copies of birth certificate and passport for visa processing
- Affidavits as required for specific visa categories
- Employment and qualification documents for work visas
United Kingdom
- Notarised copies of qualifications for professional registration
- Right to work documentation
- Property-related documents if buying in the UK
Before You Go Checklist
- ☐ Get multiple notarised copies of your passport (at least 4-6)
- ☐ Get notarised copies of your birth certificate (at least 2-3)
- ☐ Get notarised copies of all degree certificates and transcripts
- ☐ Get notarised employment references
- ☐ Obtain and notarise police clearance
- ☐ Get notarised copies of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ☐ Get notarised copies of professional certifications
- ☐ Consider having some documents apostilled as well
- ☐ Make digital scans of all notarised documents as backup
Future-Proofing Your Documents
Consider notarising more documents than you think you need right now. Life abroad often brings unexpected requirements — applying for citizenship, buying property, getting married, or changing jobs may all require notarised Irish documents. Having them ready saves the trouble of arranging notarisation from overseas.
Notarised copies do not expire (though some institutions may require recent notarisation). Apostilles also do not expire. However, the underlying documents (like police clearances) may have their own validity periods.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan's office:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Book an appointment well before your departure date
- Bring all original documents and valid photo ID
- Mention your destination country so Hugh can advise on any specific requirements
See our document notarisation and certified copies services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I get documents notarised before emigrating?
Ideally, start the process at least 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for notarisation, apostille, and any translations needed. However, notarisation itself can be done in a single appointment.
How many copies of each document should I get notarised?
For key documents like passport copies and birth certificates, get at least 2-3 notarised copies. For qualifications and employment references, 2 copies is usually sufficient. Having extras saves having to arrange notarisation from abroad later.
Do notarised documents expire?
Notarised copies themselves do not expire. However, some institutions may require documents to have been notarised within a certain timeframe (e.g., within the last 6 or 12 months). Apostilles also do not expire. The underlying documents may have their own validity periods.
Need Documents Notarised?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service. Over 20 years’ experience with international documents.
Looking for a Notary Public in Cork?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. Same-day appointments available.
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