Notary Services for SaaS Companies with International Operations

Ireland's thriving SaaS industry includes companies expanding internationally — opening foreign subsidiaries, hiring abroad, entering new markets, and protecting IP in multiple jurisdictions. These activities frequently require documents notarised for foreign authorities, clients, and partners.

Overview

SaaS companies based in Ireland need notarial services when foreign company registries, banks, IP offices, and government agencies require authenticated documentation from the Irish entity. Documents range from CRO certificates to IP assignments to powers of attorney.

Commonly Notarised Documents

• Certificate of incorporation (CRO certificate)
• Memorandum and articles of association
• Board resolutions authorising foreign subsidiaries, contracts, or appointments
• Powers of attorney for foreign representatives
• Directors' certificates confirming company details
• Share certificates and share transfers
• Annual returns and financial statements

Corporate Registration Abroad

Setting up a subsidiary, branch, or representative office abroad typically requires notarised certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution, power of attorney, and directors' details — all apostilled or legalised.

IP Documents

SaaS IP protection internationally may require notarised powers of attorney for foreign trade mark agents, patent assignments, IP transfers between group companies, licence agreements, and domain name dispute documentation.

Notarisation Process

Hugh Phelan, Notary Public in Cork, regularly serves technology companies. A director or authorised officer attends with documents and ID. Appointments arranged promptly. Office: East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. Phone: (021) 489 7134.

Apostille

For USA, UK, and most EU markets, apostille is sufficient. For China, UAE, India, additional embassy legalisation may be required. See our apostille services page.

Setting Up Foreign Subsidiaries

Irish SaaS companies expanding internationally typically establish a subsidiary in the target market — often in the USA (commonly Delaware), the UK, Germany, Singapore, or Australia. The foreign company registry requires proof that the Irish parent company exists and has authorised the establishment of the subsidiary. This means notarised and apostilled copies of the CRO certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and a board resolution authorising the foreign entity.

In the USA, many state registries accept apostilled documents from Ireland without additional legalisation. In Asian markets like Singapore and Hong Kong, the process is similarly straightforward for Hague Convention members. For markets like China or India, additional embassy legalisation may be required.

Opening Foreign Bank Accounts

SaaS companies need local bank accounts in their operating markets for payroll, revenue collection, and expense management. Foreign banks require extensive KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation from the parent company, including notarised copies of incorporation documents, directors' passport copies, proof of registered address, and board resolutions authorising the account opening and designating signatories.

The KYC requirements vary by bank and jurisdiction, but having a complete set of notarised corporate documents ready before approaching the foreign bank significantly speeds up the account opening process.

Data Processing and Privacy Agreements

SaaS companies handling personal data across borders may need authenticated documentation for data protection compliance. Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), data processing agreements, and binding corporate rules may need to be notarised when presented to data protection authorities in certain jurisdictions. While this is less common than corporate registration notarisation, it is an emerging requirement in some markets with strict data localisation rules.

Frequently Asked Questions