Romania and Ireland are fellow EU member states, and Romanian nationals represent one of the largest non-Irish communities in Ireland. Whether dealing with property in Romania, family matters, inheritance, or business transactions, you may need documents notarised in Ireland for Romanian authorities. This guide explains the apostille process and key considerations.
Why Documents Need Notarisation for Romania
Romania has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 2001. Irish documents notarised by an Irish Notary Public and apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs are accepted by Romanian authorities. As both countries are EU member states, certain civil status documents may also benefit from the EU Public Documents Regulation (2016/1191), which can simplify or eliminate the apostille requirement for specific document types.
Romania has a civil law system with a strong notarial tradition. Romanian notaries (notari publici) play a central role in property transactions, inheritance proceedings, and many legal formalities.
Common Documents Notarised for Romania
- Powers of Attorney: For property transactions in Romania, managing bank accounts, or legal representation. Romanian notaries may require a specific format (procură).
- Property Documents: Romania requires notarial involvement for property transactions. Supporting documents from Ireland — such as proof of funds or corporate authorisations — need notarisation and apostille.
- Family Law Documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption papers for Romanian civil registration offices (Starea Civilă).
- Inheritance Documents: Supporting documents for succession proceedings in Romania, including declarations of acceptance or renunciation of inheritance.
- Corporate Documents: Board resolutions and company authorisations for the Romanian Trade Register (Registrul Comerțului).
- Educational Documents: Notarised copies of qualifications for recognition by Romanian educational authorities or the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED).
The Apostille Process for Romania
The standard Hague Convention apostille process applies:
- Step 1: Have your documents notarised by an Irish Notary Public such as Hugh Phelan in Cork.
- Step 2: Submit the notarised documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for an apostille.
- Step 3: The apostilled documents are ready for use in Romania.
Visit our apostille services page for more.
EU Public Documents Regulation
Under the EU Public Documents Regulation (2016/1191), certain civil status documents — including birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and certificates of domicile — may circulate between EU member states without an apostille, provided they are accompanied by a multilingual standard form. This can save time and cost for specific document types. However, commercial documents, powers of attorney, and most legal documents still require the traditional notarisation and apostille route. Your Notary Public can advise on whether your documents qualify for the simplified process.
Translation Requirements
Romanian is the official language, and most Romanian authorities require a certified Romanian translation of English-language documents. Translations must be done by an authorised translator (traducător autorizat) recognised by the Romanian Ministry of Justice. Your Romanian lawyer or notary can recommend a qualified translator. The translation should be done after notarisation and apostille.
Property in Romania
EU citizens (including Irish nationals) can purchase property in Romania. All Romanian property transactions must be completed before a Romanian notary public (notar public). A notarised and apostilled power of attorney from Ireland can authorise someone in Romania to act on your behalf. Romanian property law requires involvement of the Land Registry (Cartea Funciară) for registration of ownership.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan's office in Cork to arrange notarisation of your documents for Romania:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Bring any specific format requirements from your Romanian notary or lawyer
- Bring valid photo ID (passport preferred)
See our power of attorney services and document notarisation services for more.
The Romanian Community in Ireland
Romania has one of the largest national communities in Ireland, with strong connections maintained between the two countries. Romanian nationals in Ireland frequently need documents notarised for property transactions, inheritance proceedings, family law matters, and interactions with Romanian pension and social security authorities (Casa Națională de Pensii Publice). The Irish-Romanian trade relationship continues to grow, particularly in technology, agri-food, and services sectors, generating additional demand for authenticated corporate documents.
Romanian nationals working in Ireland who maintain property or other interests in Romania should ensure their powers of attorney are kept current, as many Romanian administrative processes require recently executed documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romania part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. Romania has been a member since 2001. Irish documents that are notarised and apostilled are accepted by Romanian authorities.
Do I need a translation for Romanian authorities?
Yes, in most cases. Romanian authorities generally require a certified Romanian translation by an authorised translator (traducător autorizat) recognised by the Romanian Ministry of Justice.
Can I buy property in Romania from Ireland?
Yes. EU citizens can purchase property in Romania. A notarised and apostilled power of attorney can authorise someone in Romania to act on your behalf. Romanian property transactions must be completed before a Romanian notary.
Need Documents Notarised?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service. Over 20 years’ experience with international documents.