Egypt is an important commercial partner and destination for Irish professionals and businesses. Whether managing property, conducting business, getting married, or dealing with legal matters in Egypt, you may need documents notarised in Ireland for Egyptian authorities. As Egypt is not a Hague Convention member, the process involves an additional embassy legalisation step.
Why Documents Need Notarisation for Egypt
Egypt is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that an apostille alone is not sufficient for Egyptian authorities. Irish documents destined for Egypt must go through a full authentication chain: notarisation by an Irish Notary Public, apostille by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and then legalisation by the Embassy of Egypt.
This three-step process takes longer than the standard apostille route, so it is important to plan ahead and allow adequate time for embassy processing. Documents may also need to be authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival in Egypt.
Common Documents Notarised for Egypt
- Powers of Attorney: For property transactions, managing bank accounts, or legal representation in Egyptian courts.
- Corporate Documents: Board resolutions, certificates of incorporation, and authorisations for the Egyptian General Authority for Investment (GAFI) or the Commercial Registry.
- Marriage Documents: Certificates of no impediment and other documents required for marriage registration in Egypt.
- Birth and Family Documents: Certified copies for Egyptian civil registration or immigration purposes.
- Educational Documents: Notarised copies of degrees for recognition by Egyptian universities or the Supreme Council of Universities.
- Affidavits and Declarations: Sworn statements for Egyptian court proceedings or administrative matters.
The Legalisation Process for Egypt
Since Egypt is not a Hague Convention member, the full process involves three steps:
- Step 1: Notarisation by an Irish Notary Public such as Hugh Phelan in Cork.
- Step 2: Apostille by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
- Step 3: Legalisation by the Embassy of Egypt in London (Egypt does not have a consulate in Dublin that handles document legalisation; the London embassy covers Ireland).
Once legalised by the Egyptian Embassy, documents may also need to be certified by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival in Egypt. Visit our document legalisation page for more.
Property Matters in Egypt
Foreigners can own property in Egypt with some restrictions. Egyptian property law limits foreign ownership to two residential properties and requires that the property not be on agricultural land. Powers of attorney for property transactions must be fully authenticated through the three-step process. Egyptian property registration involves the Shahr Al-Aqari (Real Estate Publicity Department). An Egyptian lawyer should advise on specific requirements and restrictions.
Translation Requirements
Arabic is the official language of Egypt. All English-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator. In Egypt, translations must be certified by a sworn translator and stamped by the relevant authority. Your Egyptian lawyer can arrange translation upon receipt of the authenticated documents.
Business in Egypt
Egypt is one of Africa's largest economies, and the General Authority for Investment (GAFI) handles foreign investment applications. Irish companies setting up in Egypt or conducting business there need authenticated corporate documents for regulatory filings. The growing economic relationship between Ireland and Egypt, supported by EU-Egypt association agreements, makes this an increasingly common requirement.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan's office in Cork to arrange notarisation of your documents for Egypt:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Allow extra time for the embassy legalisation step
- Bring valid photo ID and any format requirements from your Egyptian lawyer
See our document legalisation services and document notarisation services for more.
Getting Married in Egypt
Irish citizens planning to marry in Egypt need authenticated certificates of no impediment and birth certificates. The marriage registration process involves the Ma'zoun (marriage registrar) and requires all foreign documents to be fully authenticated through the three-step process. Egyptian marriage law has specific requirements depending on whether both parties are foreign or one party is Egyptian. The Embassy of Ireland in Cairo can provide guidance on requirements for Irish citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egypt part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
No. Egypt is not a member of the Hague Convention. Documents for Egypt require notarisation, apostille, and then legalisation by the Egyptian Embassy. This additional step is necessary for Egyptian authorities to accept the documents.
Where is the Egyptian Embassy that covers Ireland?
The Embassy of Egypt in London covers Ireland for document legalisation purposes. Documents must be sent or presented to the London embassy for legalisation after notarisation and apostille.
Do Egyptian authorities require Arabic translations?
Yes. All English-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator. This is typically done in Egypt after the documents have been fully authenticated.
Need Documents Notarised?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service. Over 20 years’ experience with international documents.