If you need to use an Irish document in another country, there is a good chance you will need an apostille. The apostille is an internationally recognised certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for use abroad. This guide explains the entire process, step by step, from determining whether you need an apostille to receiving your authenticated document.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 (formally known as the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents). It authenticates the origin of a public document — specifically, the signature and seal of the official who issued or notarised it — so that it will be accepted by authorities in another member country.
In Ireland, apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Iveagh House, Dublin. The apostille does not certify the content of the document itself — it certifies that the notary's signature and seal are genuine.
Over 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and all EU member states. For non-member countries, a different process called embassy legalisation is required.
Step 1: Check Whether the Destination Country Is a Hague Convention Member
Common Hague Convention member countries include:
- Europe: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Greece
- Americas: USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India
- Other: South Africa, Turkey, Israel
Notable non-member countries where embassy legalisation is required instead include the UAE, China, and several African nations. If your destination is a non-Hague country, see our guide on legalising documents for non-Hague Convention countries.
Step 2: Determine Whether Your Document Needs Notarisation First
Documents that can be apostilled directly (without notarisation):
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the General Register Office
- Court orders and judgments
- Documents already bearing an official state seal
Documents that need notarisation before apostille:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Company documents (board resolutions, articles of association, certificates of incorporation)
- Copies of passports, degrees, diplomas, and professional qualifications
- Consent letters, personal statements, and other private documents
If your document needs notarisation, this must be done before applying for the apostille. The apostille authenticates the notary's seal — so the notarisation step comes first.
Step 3: Get Your Document Notarised
The notarisation process involves:
- Bringing the unsigned document and your valid passport to the appointment
- The notary verifying your identity and confirming you understand the document
- You signing the document in the notary's presence
- The notary applying the official notarial seal and signature
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. He holds a BCL from University College Cork and a Diploma in Notarial Law, and is dual-qualified in both Ireland and England & Wales. His office can handle notarisations for any Hague Convention country. Call (021) 489 7134 to book your appointment.
See our detailed step-by-step notarisation guide for full details on preparing for your appointment.
Step 4: Apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the Apostille
You have two options for submitting your application:
Option A: By Post
- Send the notarised original document to: Apostille Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, 80 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
- Include a cover letter stating the destination country and the number of apostilles required
- Include the fee of €40 per apostille (bank draft, postal order, or cheque payable to the Department of Foreign Affairs)
- Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return delivery (registered post recommended)
Option B: In Person
- Visit Iveagh House during opening hours (typically Monday to Friday, 9:30am–12:30pm and 2:30pm–4:00pm — check current hours before attending)
- Bring the notarised document and payment
- In-person applications may be processed the same day or next working day
Processing time: Postal applications typically take 2–5 working days from receipt. During busy periods, it may take longer. Allow additional time for postal delivery in both directions.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document and Send It Abroad
The apostille is a separate certificate (or stamp) attached to or affixed on your notarised document. It contains:
- The country of origin (Ireland)
- The name of the person who signed the document (the Notary Public)
- The capacity of the signer
- The date and place of the apostille
- The DFA's seal and signature
- A unique certificate number
Once apostilled, your document is ready for use in any Hague Convention member country. Some countries may additionally require a sworn translation of the document into the local language — check with the receiving authority.
Typical Timeline: Notarisation + Apostille from Cork
- Day 1: Notarisation appointment with Hugh Phelan in Cork
- Day 1–2: Post document to DFA in Dublin
- Day 3–7: DFA processing (2–5 working days)
- Day 7–9: Return by post to you in Cork
Total: approximately 7–10 working days. For urgent matters, in-person submission at Iveagh House can reduce this significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that authenticates the signature and seal of a Notary Public (or other public official) for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
How long does it take to get an apostille in Ireland?
The Department of Foreign Affairs typically processes apostilles within 2 to 5 working days for postal applications. In-person applications at Iveagh House, Dublin, can sometimes be processed on the same day or next working day.
How much does an apostille cost in Ireland?
The Department of Foreign Affairs charges €40 per apostille. This is in addition to the notarisation fee charged by the Notary Public.
Do all countries accept apostilles?
No. Only countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. For non-member countries, you need embassy legalisation instead. Hugh Phelan's office can advise which route applies to your destination country.
Can I get an apostille without notarisation?
Some public documents (such as birth certificates issued by the General Register Office) can be apostilled directly without notarisation. However, private documents — including powers of attorney, affidavits, and commercial documents — must first be notarised by a Notary Public before an apostille can be issued.
Need Notarisation Before Your Apostille?
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public in Cork, can notarise your documents promptly so you can apply for your apostille without delay.