The UAE is home to a large and growing Irish community, estimated at over 10,000 people, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Irish professionals in the UAE frequently need notarised documents — for managing affairs in Ireland, family matters, property transactions, and business purposes.
UAE and the Hague Convention
The UAE acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, with effect from 2023. This significantly simplified document authentication between Ireland and the UAE. Previously, documents required embassy legalisation — a more complex and time-consuming process.
Now, Irish documents for the UAE follow the standard apostille process: notarisation by a Notary Public, followed by apostille from the DFA.
Common Documents Irish Expats in the UAE Need
Managing Affairs in Ireland
- Powers of attorney: To manage Irish bank accounts, investments, property, and tax affairs from the UAE
- Tax declarations: For Revenue, confirming non-resident status
- Property management: Powers of attorney for rental management, sale, or purchase of Irish property
Family Documents
- Birth certificates: For school enrolment, residency visa, or government services in the UAE
- Marriage certificates: For spouse visa applications
- Consent for travel: Notarised parental consent for children travelling with one parent
Business Documents
- Company documents: For establishing a business or free zone entity in the UAE
- Professional qualifications: For professional licensing in the UAE
- Commercial powers of attorney: For business transactions
Getting Documents Notarised While in the UAE
If you are already in the UAE and need Irish documents notarised:
- Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi: Consular officials can perform certain notarial functions for Irish citizens
- Local notary with apostille: For UAE documents going to Ireland, a UAE notary public can notarise documents, which are then apostilled by the UAE MOFA
- Power of attorney: Arrange for a family member or solicitor in Cork to handle documents on your behalf
Getting Documents Notarised Before Leaving Ireland
If you are planning to move to the UAE, prepare all documents before departure:
- Powers of attorney for managing Irish affairs
- Certified copies of qualifications and personal documents
- Police clearance (Garda vetting)
- All documents apostilled by the DFA
Translation Requirements
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Many government and business processes require Arabic translation. However, Dubai and Abu Dhabi's international business environments mean that English documents are widely accepted for many purposes. Check with the specific institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UAE accept apostilled documents from Ireland?
Yes, since the UAE joined the Hague Convention in 2023. Irish documents notarised and apostilled by the DFA are accepted.
Can I manage my Irish property from the UAE?
Yes, through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney appointing a trusted person in Ireland to act on your behalf.
Do I need Arabic translation for all documents?
Not always. Dubai and Abu Dhabi accept English for many business purposes. Government processes may require Arabic translation.
Can I use the Irish Embassy for notarisation?
The Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi can perform certain consular notarial functions for Irish citizens. Contact the embassy for availability.
Need Documents Notarised in Cork?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, for prompt professional service.
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.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork